A hybrid appraisal, also known as a Fannie Mae 1004 Hybrid or Freddie Mac 70H, represents a new wave in the real estate industry. It's an innovative approach to property valuation that combines the traditional full appraisal methodology with modern, data-driven techniques. It involves a licensed appraiser utilizing a third-party property inspector to collect on-site data, such as interior and exterior property photos, measurements, and condition details. The appraiser then combines this information with their own market analysis and desktop valuation to deliver an accurate property value.
What is the Purpose of Hybrid Appraisal?
The purpose of a hybrid appraisal is to streamline the property valuation process. The approach is designed to provide a quick and efficient valuation, typically used for refinance transactions, home equity lines of credit, portfolio valuation, or situations where a full appraisal isn't necessary.

Pros and Cons of Hybrid Appraisals
Pros
- Reduced Costs: Hybrid appraisals typically cost less than full appraisals.
- Market Coverage: They can cover areas where local appraisers may not be readily available.
Cons
- Less Detailed: They might not be as thorough as traditional appraisals, potentially missing critical property details.
- Less Detailed: They might not be as thorough as traditional appraisals, potentially missing critical property details.
- Not Suitable for Complex Properties: Hybrid appraisals might not work well for unique or complex properties due to their less detailed nature
Hybrid Appraisal Fees
The fees for hybrid appraisals are generally lower than for full appraisals. While the cost may vary depending on the market and property type, you can typically expect to pay around 50-75% of the cost of a full appraisal.
Is a Hybrid Appraisal Right For You?
Hybrid appraisals are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They work best for conventional properties in stable markets and may not be suitable for unique properties or volatile markets. Consider your specific transaction needs, time constraints, and the complexity of your property when deciding if a hybrid appraisal is right for you.
True Footage’s Approach to Hybrid Appraisals
True Footage embraces hybrid appraisals as part of our commitment to delivering value, speed, and accuracy in our property valuation services. Our process is in line with guidelines established by key industry entities. We maintain a high standard for third-party inspectors and uphold rigorous quality control measures to ensure the delivery of reliable appraisals.
Related Appraiser Articles
TrueTracts has been a game changer.
TrueTracts is fantastic, I used it for all of my reports.
It took me less time to learn Spark and utilize it than it took me to grid sales for one report. Absolutely my favorite appraisal investment so far.
Truetracts is the best appraisal product i've added in 20 years!
Spark is a freakin' awesome product. The walk through today just blew me away! Very powerful analytical tools in addition to the wicked fast importer.
Thank you! I am so grateful to you all for developing this awesome software. After attending the training webinar, I have found it easy to use and gives me the ability to develop market analyses in a fraction of the time that it did before I started using it. I've used it on every appraisal over the past several weeks and it's become an integral part of my reports.
I love my wife, I love my dog and I love Spark. Not necessarily in that order.
...the technology you all provide is greatly appreciated!
I am a new user and I just wanted to say how much I like Spark. More importantly, I greatly appreciate the time you all spent setting me up and going through a brief tutorial. That made the transition very easy for me. The program is very user friendly and I look forward to learning more
I feel more confident being compliant with using TrueTracts.
I don't know if anyone has said this, but TrueTracts is cool as sh*t... I hope everyone jumps on it because its needed.. desperately!
Let me know when you would like me to do a commercial for you, or get the word out about your amazing software. I love love love everything about SPARK, and cannot wait for anything new that you develop! Thank you so so much. Spark has saved my life in terms of time saving and getting reports out. Love you SPARK
I tested TrueTracts last night after watching the OREP webinar and am very impressed! I only perform private appraisals and have been making time adjustments in all my reports (when needed) for over 10 years. If no adjustment is warranted I show the data and explain why not. I use MLS data and market stats to determine the adjustment manually, but TrueTracts will be a great tool to have in my toolbox. I especially like the SP/OLP charts.
I hope that folks who use Spark and Synapse realize what a gift it is. So many appraisers try to do their analysis inside of the form, all your analysis for your adjustments should be done outside of the form, and then just report it to the form
By the way, I've been using TrueTacts and was talking to an underwriter who said I had the best Market Condition Report she's ever seen so thank you so much to you and your team!