Fannie Mae is launching a new program nationwide this month by giant mortgage investor focused on the home appraisal process. It’s already causing controversy with detractors claiming it may lead to more expensive and longer home sale closings. The program will offer mortgage lenders access to Fannie’s proprietary home valuation databases. Lenders will be able to use the data to assess the accuracy and risks posed in appraisal reports submitted by appraisers. Lenders can then request explanations and changes to the appraisal in any situation where there is conflicting or significantly different information in submitted appraisals. This means that if you are in the market for a home, January 26 will bring some important changes that you should know about. More here