On September 4, Fannie Mae issued SEL-2018-07, which announces updates to its Selling Guide including, among other things, the introduction of rural high-needs appraisal waivers. The rural high needs appraisal waiver is contingent on obtaining a home inspection to confirm safety, soundness, and structural integrity consistent with Fannie’s property condition guidelines. The waiver is available on a limited basis for purchase transactions containing certain characteristics, such as borrowers with income at or below 100 percent of the area median income and property located in designated rural-high needs areas, as defined by Fannie’s “Duty to Serve” obligations. Additionally, the Selling Guide includes updates to (i) the name of the property inspection and property field work waivers; (ii) liability and fidelity/crime insurance for projects; (iii) single-entity ownership of co-op projects; and (iv) the approved mortgage insurers list and mortgage insurance forms.