Fannie Mae Expands CU Access to AMCs — What You Need to Know
In this issue:
- REO Valuation: Why lender policies matter more than ever
- Free Webinar: Maximize your visibility to clients on LinkedIn
- AI PAC Challenge Leaderboard: See who’s at the top
- New Course: Analyzing Defects, Damages, and Deficiencies in the New URAR
Insights
AMC Access to Collateral Underwriter: What’s Changing and What to Expect
Fannie Mae has announced an important update to its collateral risk management framework: Collateral Underwriter® (CU®) access is now available to Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs). The stated goal of this change is to improve transparency and alignment in the appraisal review process by enabling lenders and AMCs to work from a shared view of collateral risk.
Historically, lenders and AMCs have not always had access to the same collateral risk insights, which can contribute to additional handoffs, inconsistent feedback, and late‑stage clarification requests. Expanding AMC access to Collateral Underwriter is intended to promote earlier identification of potential issues and greater consistency in appraisal quality control, helping reduce unnecessary friction in the process.
At the same time, some appraisers have raised concerns about expanded AMC access to Collateral Underwriter. These concerns reflect long‑standing sensitivities around how appraisal tools and collateral risk insights are interpreted and applied within the valuation process.
Fannie Mae has emphasized that controls and guardrails are in place to ensure Collateral Underwriter is used as intended — to support risk identification and consistency, not to replace appraiser judgment or introduce new layers of review. AMC access is positioned as a means to improve alignment upstream, rather than to shift responsibilities or expectations placed on appraisers.
More Information Coming Soon: Educational Webinar
Additional information will be shared next week regarding a forthcoming educational webinar focused on AMC access to Collateral Underwriter. The session will be designed to provide context on the policy change, outline its intended objectives, and address common questions and concerns raised across the valuation community.
AI Blog
Can LinkedIn visibility really turn into business?
In his latest blog, Richard Bliss explains how consistent commenting, a strong profile, and LinkedIn’s AI-driven search tools are quietly generating referrals for appraisers. Learn how small daily actions can build familiarity, credibility, and new opportunities—and get a preview of what Richard will share at the 2026 Annual Conference.
Read the full post and explore Richard’s first two LinkedIn strategy articles to put the full approach into action.
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Land Trust Valuation Developments and Trends
This free, public webinar examines current developments and emerging trends in land trust and conservation‑related valuation work. The session highlights opportunities for appraisers to collaborate with land trusts, along with updates on federal tax law and recent case law affecting conservation easement valuations. The program will include Rex Linville, Eastern Division Director of Field Programs and Diana Norris, Conservation Defense Network and Tax Manager of the Land Trust Alliance and will conclude with a moderated Q&A.
Mar. 19, 2026, 11 am CT
Advocacy Updates
Leadership Makes the Difference
A clear pattern is emerging in this year’s AI PAC Chapter Challenge: when chapter leaders engage, members respond.
Several chapters have shown that it doesn’t take an elaborate campaign to move the needle: just a few committed leaders willing to make the ask and explain why AI PAC participation matters. The result? Strong participation rates and meaningful progress toward (and in some cases, beyond) chapter goals.
If your chapter hasn’t fully activated yet, there is still time. A brief message from your chapter president, a mention at your next meeting, or a few personal outreach calls can quickly build momentum.
The leaderboard can change quickly, and recognition of your Chapter at our Annual Conference in Nashville remains very much within reach.
Maryland Bill Could Negatively Alter Appraisal Practice
Maryland legislation (HB 1299 / SB 817) would introduce mandatory pre‑completion communication into the appraisal process. If an appraiser’s preliminary analysis indicates a value below the contract price or estimated value, the bill would require notification to lenders, buyers, sellers, and property owners, followed by a brief period for submitting additional market data before the report is finalized.
While framed as a transparency measure, the proposal effectively creates a pre‑delivery reconsideration of value and expands disclosure beyond the appraiser’s client, raising concerns related to confidentiality, independence, and USPAP compliance. The Appraisal Institute is actively engaging with Maryland policymakers on the proposal and continues to advocate for a consistent, national approach to ROV requirements aligned with federal standards and USPAP.
Real Estate Horizons
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Until Next week
Team Appraisal Institute
