Remote appraiser?

[Dmitri L.]

Hi,

I was hoping someone might be able to share some experience on a fairly basic question

I have my first deal under contract and working towards closing. The property (a Fannie REO) is in TX, but my lender is based in UT. The lender wants to use an appraiser that is based in UT.

My question is - does this sound like normal practice? I would have thought using an appraiser local to where the property is, would be preferable so that they:

1) are familiar with the local market

2) can actually see the property.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

Regards,

-Dmitri