“The new property inspection form is a major step forward for the commercial/multifamily industry as it will result in a more streamlined, accurate, and standardized inspection process while also reinforcing the importance of timely maintenance which is key to preserving property value,” said Jan Sternin, MBA’s Senior Vice President of Commercial/Multifamily.

In June 2000, MBA released the first industry-accepted commercial real estate property inspection form.   For eight years the original form has served as an industry tool to ensure accurate and effective inspections of the property.  The introduction of the new form reinforces the same standards while expanding industry adoption to include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  Additionally, this 2008 form takes advantage of electronic data management and is MISMO compliant. 

This enhanced form has been released recognizing the increasing importance of monitoring commercial/multifamily real estate and what the servicers and investors need for property performance information.  

MBA spearheaded an industry committee tasked with enhancing the original inspection form.  The committee reviewed over 300 suggestions and proposed changes.  MBA obtained feedback from its members, the Commercial Mortgage Securities Association (CMSA), industry constituents and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  A MISMO working group representative also participated on the committee to ensure that the MISMO data directory was incorporated in the current inspection form.

“I enjoyed working with a diverse, very experienced working group,” said Clare Dooley, SVP of Capmark Financing Inc. and co-chair of the working group.  “We believe the new inspection form and reference guide will allow for standardized use and compliance across the industry.  In fact, Capmark has already started to use the form for some of its clients.”

To view the new commercial/multifamily property inspection form and reference guide, please click “MBA Master Inspection Form” upon visiting the following Web link: http://www.mortgagebankers.org/IndustryResources/StandardsandBestPractices/CommercialMultifamilyBestPractices

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The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is the national association representing the real estate finance industry, an industry that employs more than 280,000 people in virtually every community in the country. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the association works to ensure the continued strength of the nation's residential and commercial real estate markets; to expand homeownership and extend access to affordable housing to all Americans. MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices and fosters professional excellence among real estate finance employees through a wide range of educational programs and a variety of publications. Its membership of over 2,400 companies includes all elements of real estate finance: mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, commercial banks, thrifts, Wall Street conduits, life insurance companies and others in the mortgage lending field. For additional information, visit MBA's Web site:  www.mortgagebankers.org.