VA Form 26-0829: Servicer’s SAR Application Guide

VA Form 26-0829: Servicer’s SAR Application Guide – Mortgage servicers handling VA-guaranteed loans can significantly improve efficiency in liquidation and servicing actions by having an approved in-house Staff Appraisal Reviewer (SAR). VA Form 26-0829, officially titled the Servicer’s Staff Appraisal Reviewer (SAR) Application, is the required form for VA-approved servicers to nominate a qualified full-time staff member for approval under the Servicer Appraisal Processing Program (SAPP).

This guide explains everything U.S. mortgage servicing professionals need to know about the form, eligibility, the current electronic submission process, and compliance requirements based on official VA sources.

What Is VA Form 26-0829?

VA Form 26-0829 is a two-page application used exclusively by servicers (not originators/lenders) to request VA approval for a staff employee to act as a Staff Appraisal Reviewer under SAPP.

The current version is dated May 2024 (OMB Control No. 2900-0715, expires 05/31/2027). It supersedes all prior versions, including the June 2021 edition. Only the latest form should be used.

Note: Lenders participating in the Lender Appraisal Processing Program (LAPP) use a different form — VA Form 26-0785.

Purpose of the Servicer Appraisal Processing Program (SAPP)

SAPP delegates authority to approved servicers to review VA liquidation appraisals and determine reasonable value for liquidation purposes on properties securing VA-guaranteed or insured loans. This helps servicers calculate net value more quickly during foreclosure, short sale, or other liquidation processes.

Without an approved SAR, servicers typically must submit liquidation appraisals to VA staff for review, which can slow down timelines.

Who Should Use VA Form 26-0829?

Use this form if you are a VA-approved mortgage servicer with automatic processing authority under 38 U.S.C. 3702(d) and want to:

  • Nominate a full-time salaried employee to become an approved SAPP SAR.
  • Gain authority to review liquidation appraisals in-house and issue the servicer’s Notice of Value (NOV).
  • Streamline servicing workflows for properties in foreclosure or other liquidation scenarios.

The servicer must also maintain an effective quality control system focused on appraisal review activities.

Eligibility and Qualifications for SAR Approval

To qualify as a servicer’s Staff Appraisal Reviewer, the nominee must meet strict criteria outlined in 38 CFR § 36.4348 and Chapter 18 of the VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7):

  • Be a full-time permanent member of the servicer’s staff.
  • Not be employed by, or perform appraisal review services for, any other mortgagee or lender.
  • Not serve on the VA fee panel.
  • Have at least 3 years of appraisal-related experience demonstrating knowledge of accepted appraisal principles, methods, and techniques, plus the ability to review the work of others and identify errors or unsupported conclusions.
  • HUD Direct Endorsement underwriter experience (3+ years) may help demonstrate qualifications.
  • Have no conflicts of interest and agree to ongoing reporting of any potential conflicts.
  • The servicer must have (or establish) a robust quality control or self-policing system with periodic audits of appraisal review work.

The senior officer must personally interview the nominee and certify that they meet these standards.

How to Complete VA Form 26-0829?

The form has three main sections:

Section I – Staff Appraisal Reviewer (SAR) Nominee
Collects personal and business information (name, SSN, addresses, phone, email, VA Servicer ID, associated Lender ID). The nominee must complete detailed certifications covering:

  • Previous SAR approval (if any)
  • Disclosure of any sanctions or investigations
  • Conflicts of interest acknowledgment
  • Appraisal review experience (supported by attached resume)
  • Understanding of Chapter 18 requirements and prohibition on pressuring appraisers

Section II – Officer Responsible for Quality of Appraisal Reviewer’s Work
Information about the person overseeing the SAR’s work quality.

Section III – Senior Officer of Company
The senior officer certifies the nomination, confirms the $100 fee is attached (now submitted via Fedwire), affirms the company’s quality control system meets Chapter 18 standards, and accepts responsibility for the SAR’s actions.

Practical Tips for Accurate Completion:

  • Type or print legibly in ink.
  • All signatures must be original wet-ink signatures.
  • Attach a clear, detailed resume or work experience statement highlighting the required 3+ years of relevant experience.
  • If the nominee was previously approved as a SAR (LAPP or SAPP), include the prior SAR ID number.
  • Double-check all VA Servicer and Lender ID numbers.

Required Documents and the $100 Processing Fee

You must submit:

  • Completed and signed VA Form 26-0829 (both pages)
  • Nominee’s resume or detailed work experience statement (or evidence of HUD Direct Endorsement participation)
  • $100 non-refundable processing fee per nominee (submitted via Fedwire — not with the form)

The fee applies even if the application is denied and is also required if a previously approved SAR moves to a new servicer.

Updated Electronic Submission Process (Effective December 1, 2023)

Per VA Circular 26-23-23, physical mail submissions to ALAC are no longer accepted. All SAR applications (both LAPP and SAPP) must now be submitted electronically:

  1. Combine the completed form, resume, and any supporting documents into a single PDF file.
  2. Email the PDF package to: [email protected]
  3. Separately initiate a Fedwire electronic wire transfer for the $100 fee (or $100 per nominee if submitting multiple).

Fedwire Instructions (from the Circular):

  • Line 2000: $100 (or total amount)
  • Line 5000: Your company/servicer name
  • Line 6000: 105 followed by your VA Lender/Servicer ID (example format provided in the Circular)

Incomplete applications or those missing signatures will be returned. Questions about the process should be directed to [email protected].

What Happens After You Submit VA Form 26-0829?

  • VA reviews the application and qualifications.
  • If preliminary approval is granted, the SAR must complete initial case review requirements: the first five liquidation cases in the jurisdiction of the SAR’s location are submitted to the VA Regional Loan Center (RLC) for review before the SAR can issue final NOVs independently.
  • Once the initial cases are approved, the SAR gains broader authority (subject to ongoing random VA quality control reviews).
  • VA may expand or restrict geographic authority based on performance.

Benefits of an Approved SAPP SAR

  • Faster turnaround on liquidation appraisals and net value determinations.
  • Greater control over foreclosure and loss mitigation timelines.
  • Reduced dependency on VA staff for every review.
  • Improved operational efficiency for servicers with high volumes of VA liquidation activity.

Important Compliance Requirements

Approved SAPP SARs and their employing servicers must:

  • Maintain strict independence and avoid all conflicts of interest.
  • Follow Chapter 18 of the VA Lenders Handbook for all reviews and value adjustments.
  • Never exert pressure on fee appraisers to change values or remove valid information.
  • Operate under an effective quality control system with periodic audits.
  • Accept that improper value adjustments can result in indemnification obligations to VA.

Official Resources and Download

Always download forms and circulars directly from official VA websites to ensure you have the most current versions.

This information is provided for educational purposes to help U.S. mortgage servicing professionals navigate VA requirements. For specific case questions or application status, contact VA directly through the resources above or your Regional Loan Center. Requirements and processes can be updated, so verify the latest guidance on va.gov and benefits.va.gov before submitting.

Using the current VA Form 26-0829 (May 2024) and following the electronic submission process outlined in Circular 26-23-23 gives your servicer the best chance of a smooth SAR approval.