When Fannie Mae adopted the ANSI Z765 measurement standard, effective in April of 2022, appraisers and industry stakeholders wondered if (or when) Freddie Mac would follow suit. That question has finally been answered.
On July 5, 2023, Freddie Mac issued Guide Bulletin 2023-15 which announced several revisions to their Seller/Servicer Guide. Among them: Freddie Mac will require appraisers to begin using ANSI Z765 to measure one-unit detached and attached dwellings as of November 2, 2023.
The bulletin states, “For Mortgages secured by certain 1-unit properties with appraisal effective dates on and after November 2, 2023, we will require appraisal assignments that include interior and exterior inspections of the subject property to be completed using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard, Square Footage – Method for Calculating: ANSI® Z765. The ANSI Standard must be used for 1-unit properties, whether attached or detached, and including Manufactured Homes, Condominium Units and Cooperative Units (unless the Condominium or Cooperative Unit is apartment style).” This requirement also applies to appraisals of proposed dwellings based on plans and specifications.
The revised Seller/Servicer Guide also provides instruction for situations when above-grade finished area does not meet ANSI standards for ceiling height. Freddie Mac calls this “Non-standard finished area (NSFA)” and states that when such area exists, it must be reported on the first blank line of the Sales Comparison Approach adjustment grid.
Freddie Mac has produced a comprehensive FAQ page about ANSI Z765, which can be accessed here.
ANSI Z765 is a copyrighted document; a downloadable PDF is available for purchase from Home Innovation Research Labs for $25.00. The website can be accessed here: https://www.homeinnovation.com/z765
For appraisers who want to learn more about ANSI Z765, McKissock is currently offering a 4-hour livestream course (via Zoom) titled Measuring 1-4 Unit Residential Properties – with ANSI Z765 Standard and a 4-hour self-paced online course titled Residential Property Measurement and ANSI Z765.
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