One of the many themes that emerged in the commercial lending market in 2024, was the push for better automation and efficiency as it pertained to lending due diligence documents. A good illustration of this is the roll out of the new Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (DUS) Digitizer a requirement by FNMA for all multi-family DUS appraisal submissions as of January 28th, 2025.
The Challenge Facing Appraisers
The combination of an inverted yield curve and a sizable decline in loan originations increased the need for banks to run more efficiently. This forced shift has trickled down to service providers— appraisers, engineers, and zoning experts— who now face increased pressure to adjust their submission processes, creating more work for an industry already dealing with a downturn in transaction velocity.
For those not familiar with the endeavor, FNMA is striving to have all multi-family due diligence documents submitted in XML format. Typically, XML is not a core competency of appraisers and a LightBox survey of its clients in late 2024 indicated that many were not ready for this challenge, nor had the resources to develop this capability in house.
This is where LightBox Report Writer steps in. We’ve developed a practical, efficient solution to simplify this transition and ensure appraisers are ready to meet FNMA’s requirements without additional stress.
LightBox Report Writer XML Solution
To address these challenges, our Report Writer team created a purpose-built solution designed to make the FNMA XML submission process seamless:
- New FNMA Worksheet: Integrated into the latest Valuation Model, this worksheet allows appraisers to review and edit data effortlessly.
- One-Click XML Export: With a simple button click, appraisers can generate a compliant XML file to include with their appraisal report.
- Ease of Use: Our intuitive design ensures you don’t need prior XML expertise to succeed.
Benefits for Appraisers:
For appraisers, the introduction of LightBox Report Writer ensures they can stay ahead of the curve without the need to invest heavily in mastering XML submission processes or building custom in-house solutions. This tool simplifies compliance with FNMA’s requirements, allowing appraisers to focus on their core expertise: delivering high-quality valuations. By automating traditionally manual and time-consuming tasks, such as formatting and converting data into XML, Report Writer reduces delays and the risk of human error.
Moreover, this solution enhances appraisers’ ability to maintain and strengthen relationships with lender clients. By ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely submissions, appraisers position themselves as trusted and efficient partners in the lending process. Beyond solving immediate challenges, adopting this technology future-proofs appraisers’ businesses. This investment not only addresses today’s demands but also sets the stage for long-term competitive success.
Benefits for Lenders:
Lenders benefit significantly from the streamlined workflow provided by LightBox Report Writer. By equipping appraisers with a reliable and standardized XML solution, lenders can avoid the delays and inefficiencies caused by submission errors or non-compliant reports. This minimizes the back-and-forth communication between lenders, appraisers, and FNMA, allowing underwriting processes to move more smoothly and efficiently.
Another major advantage is the confidence that comes from working with appraisers using a proven, universal solution. LightBox Report Writer delivers consistency in submissions, reducing variability and ensuring uniformity across appraisal deliverables. This trust in a reliable tool also guarantees FNMA compliance, removing a critical pain point in the lending process.
In a market where efficiency is increasingly critical, lenders gain a competitive edge by partnering with appraisers who use advanced tools like Report Writer. This alignment with FNMA’s evolving standards saves time and resources while fostering stronger collaborations between lenders and their service providers.
Why Choose LightBox Report Writer?
At LightBox, we understand the evolving needs of appraisers and the challenges posed by new industry standards. That’s why our product and engineering teams are committed to creating tools that enhance efficiency and reduce the burden of compliance. The Report Writer XML Solution is the latest example of how we’re helping appraisers adapt in real time.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until the last minute to comply with FNMA’s new requirements. LightBox’s ready-to-go solution is available now.
Schedule a Demo to see how the Report Writer XML Solution can revolutionize your appraisal submissions.
Learn More about LightBox Report Writer.
LightBox is dedicated to making your job easier. Let us help you navigate the new FNMA DUS Digitizer requirements with confidence.
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