COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

We recognize the frequency of COVID-19 related updates may be difficult to keep up with, which is why we’ve created this FAQ to help answer the most common questions received and guide you to specific announcements and documentation should you need additional details.

March 17, 2020

We realize that this is a time of constantly changing circumstances as the facts and forecasts related to COVID-19 continue to evolve. We want to assure you that our team is working hard to continue to provide the service you have come to expect from Radian. In these unprecedented times, our signing agent partners are following the National Notary Association’s important health and safety guidance for Signing Agents, mobile Notaries and signers/borrowers amid growing concerns over COVID-19.

In addition, we are continuing to monitor the temporary closures of county offices, impacting the ability to perform title searches and record documents. Radian Settlement Services is expeditiously reviewing the guidance of our panel of underwriters including bulletins issued by Radian Title Insurance in order to provide the most up to date information to our clients. Today, we are open for business as usual.

Our team will communicate with you on any updates or changes that may be necessary. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact your Radian representative and learn how we can help facilitate closings through innovative solutions.

Radian Supports GSE Updates in Response to COVID-19

Last updated: June 11, 2020

Recently Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced temporary origination and servicing guidelines in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). As our customers work to assist new and existing borrowers during this time, Radian and our family of companies are aligned with the GSE updates, which include temporary appraisal requirement flexibilities for loan applications dated on or before July 31, 2020.

• Clients should continue to place interior product orders as necessary.
• If the appraiser cannot obtain interior access, we will reach out to the client to confirm whether a desktop appraisal is acceptable for the loan situation.
• We will only proceed with a desktop appraisal upon approval from our clients.

Pennsylvania Allowing Interior Inspections State-Wide

Last updated: May 20, 2020

On May 19, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf issued updated guidance allowing in-person home showings, appraisals, inspections, and other real estate activity to resume throughout Pennsylvania under certain COVID-19 safety guidelines. Under this updated guidance, which is available here, appraisers are permitted to conduct in-person inspections so long as they strictly adhere to safety protocols, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• All applicable provisions of the Guidance for Businesses Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency to Ensure the Safety and Health of Employees and the Public.
• Every person present at the property must wear masks/face coverings.
• In-person inspections must be scheduled by appointment and records of all appointments, including contact information for all participants, must be maintained.
• No more than the real estate professional and two people may be inside the property at any time, exercising appropriate social distancing.

Under Governor Wolf’s updated guidance, real estate professionals are encouraged to minimize in-person activities and limit attendance to the most critical individuals, while maintaining social distancing.

The safety of our communities and real estate professionals is our primary concern. We are closely monitoring the situation in PA and all other states to remain fully compliant with government orders.

Impacts to Interior Products in Pennsylvania and Phased Reopening Plan

Last updated: May 7, 2020

We are monitoring the lifting of emergency restrictions on businesses across the country and will continue to follow appropriate guidance for interior appraisals and other in-person activity.

• For contracts dated after March 18, 2020, interior inspections are prohibited – only exterior or desktop valuations can be performed.
• Refinance and home equity loan transactions may only use Drive-By, Desktop-Only Appraisals, or exterior BPOs.
• Commercial appraisals are included in the same set of guidelines.

Residential Property Valuations

March 17, 2020

We want to assure you that our team is working hard to continue to provide the service you have come to expect from the Radian family, including our subsidiaries Red Bell Real Estate, LLC and Independent Settlement Services, LLC.