VA revised chapters 9 and 13 of the Lender’s Handbook (M26-7). Chapter 9 (Legal Instruments, Liens, Escrows and Related Issues) has been revised (in its entirety) to reflect updates to VA systems, facilitate expeditious processing of VA-guaranteed loans and incorporate all appropriate Circulars. Chapter 13 (Notices of Value) has been revised (in its entirety) to provide updated information for Staff Appraisal Reviewers who are reviewing appraisal reports and issuing Notices of Value. The revisions to chapter 9 are effective October 28, 2019. The revisions to chapter 13 are effective immediately.

FHA
FHA Waives Early Payment Default Review Requirements for Properties Impacted by California Wildfires
FHA issued a waiver regarding early payment default review requirements for properties impacted by the California wildfires. FHA currently requires lenders to select all early