A full appraisal. No visit required.
A licensed appraiser analyzes the subject property and comparable sales using verified third-party data — completing a full USPAP-compliant valuation without an on-site inspection for GSE-eligible transactions.
The full picture
A desktop appraisal (GSE form 1004 Desktop) is a full appraisal completed by a licensed or certified appraiser using available data sources rather than a physical property inspection. Under Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, desktop appraisals are eligible for qualifying purchase and refinance transactions where sufficient MLS, public record, and property data are available. The appraiser applies the same market analysis, comparable selection, and adjustment methodology as a traditional appraisal — the difference is the data source, not the analytical standard. When a Property Data Report (PDR) is attached to support the desktop, the combined workflow often satisfies GSE requirements for a full appraisal equivalent.
Common use cases
- Purchase and refinance transactions where Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac desktop appraisal eligibility is confirmed
- Lower-LTV transactions with straightforward properties and ample comparable sales data
- Lenders building speed into their origination pipeline for eligible transaction types
- Markets with strong MLS data availability where a physical inspection adds limited new information
- Transactions pairing with a Property Data Report (PDR) to create a complete GSE-eligible file
- UAD 3.6 era workflows where expanded data requirements make desktop analysis more robust
Local expertise. Technology that runs lean. People who pick up the phone.
Local Appraisers Who Know the Data
A desktop appraisal is only as good as the appraiser's local market knowledge. We assign desktop orders to appraisers who are geographically competent in the subject market — not just any appraiser who can access an MLS.
Seamless PDR Integration
When a Property Data Report is required — or recommended for a more complete file — our platform coordinates the data collection and desktop appraisal as a single workflow. No separate vendors, no coordination overhead.
Same QC Standards as Traditional Appraisals
Every desktop report goes through our human QC review — checking comparables, adjustments, form completeness, and photo compliance. A shorter workflow doesn't mean a shorter review.
Want the full modernization picture?
Desktop appraisals are one pathway. Explore hybrid appraisals and value acceptance + PDR to see the full range of GSE-era options available through Home Base.
Faster pipeline. Same appraisal standards.
Ask our team about desktop appraisal eligibility, PDR pairing, and how to configure desktop orders in your existing workflow.