Why 3 month? We have several lenders will do VA with 30+ day COE faster than FHA.

I heard most appraisers are dropping out or retiring. The terrible pay and requirement to have a college diploma and  years of apprentice experience, few are staying in business.

In your case it is not your fault ask for an extension. 

One of the last ones I had took 3.5 weeks and caused the closing to be extended. The appraiser couldn't be reached for days. 

Yes, and also surveyor delays. Two-three weeks out!

That's ridiculous but you have to be a designated VA appraiser. Obviously there are open positions available or needed.

We don' have a lot of VA deals in our market, but even so, the appraisers are taking a couple of weeks before getting them done.  To slow, IMHO.

Have not seen this as yet. Last two VA sales I had both closed in 29 days from execution of offer.

It is happening so much on VA deals right now

some delay, but certsinly not 3 months!

Three months!!  Yikes.  Nothing like that around here.

Not more than usual - just can't get one on a fishing day here

We have a little slow down maybe a week at times due to appraisals and underwriters.

not as much right now as a couple of months ago....

Not as of yet

3 months is unacceptable. I just had 4 weeks for a fha and thought that was bad

Not in my area.

I have not heard about this issue in our area.

Three months?   Wow - I haven't heard anything like this.

It would be interesting to see some lenders/appraisers  share their experiences.  

We had a very long delay on our last transaction. it finally came in, 3 weeks after it was promised.

we are not seeing that delay.

Lynnea Miller - working with the experienced lender - and he plans everything in advance! 3 months is NOT acceptable for sure.

Nothing as bad as you described in your question. Needless to say I just closed a 30 day Escrow and we did not have the appraisal until day 23....Endre

I have not experienced any delays at all with appraisers, fortunately.   3 months...maybe the lender dropped the ball?  I don't have any VA and very few FHA.  For all my cleints I am getting calls from appraisers typically within 5-7 days and they are ready to schedule and get the appraisal to the lender well within the contract time line.  Fortunately! 

I would be beside myself for 3 months. 

This problem is making itself well known with the increased market activity. Much stems from lack of appraisers.  I believe the current average age is 60ish.  Not a lot of new blood coming into the field.  Mark

I've never had a delay like that with an appraiser.

Totally unacceptable unprofessional behavior no excuses or explanations

I've not had any issues with appraisal delays nor in the time taken for reports to be provided to the lender. No VA loans so far this year! But I've heard that the number of appraisers is declining so there may be more issues. Sam Shueh talks about this too

Lynnea Miller - I believe that Sam Shueh is on to what's behind some appraisal delays. The demographics show that many appraisers are retiring or transitioning to higher paying jobs (to appraising non-residential properties, or other fields within finance or economics). But with the right incentives and changes in licensing requirements younger people could be brought into this field.

3 month for VA appraiser? What did your lender said? That is ridiculous. And the seller and buyer are patiently waiting? 

 In certain markets we have seen delays - 28 days for a recent appraisal and it was a TERRIBLY put together report.  I plan on filing a formal complaint against the appraiser.  They're busy and getting sloppy.

Some delays noted in my market across the board. Usually cause somewhere around 15 day delay in closing. 

I usually get appraisers out within a week of them being ordered.  Usually 2-4 days.

no

not so far

Lynne,

Sam Shueh gave you an excelent answer.  A

The price of dealing with the government, life is too short. I avoid these situations whenever possible.