Joint Trades Letter to the FHFA on Executive Order "Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit"

Dear Director Pulte,

On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we write to express our support for the policy opportunities presented by President Trump's March 13, 2026, Executive Order "Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit." Pursuit of the policy goals outlined in the Executive Order, by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and other agencies, has the potential “to improve the availability and affordability of mortgage credit.”

To that end, we request that FHFA work to fulfill the directive of Section 6(a) of the Executive Order, which states:

The Director of FHFA, along with other federal agencies, shall consider, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law:

i. modernizing appraisal regulations and guidance to expand the use of alternative valuation models, desktop and hybrid appraisals, and artificial intelligence valuation tools;
ii. simplifying appraiser qualification requirements; and
iii. reducing appraisal requirements for low-risk transactions, including low loan-to-value refinancing and small-balance loans; and setting clear appraisal timelines.

Our organizations agree that President Trump's EO presents an opportunity for appraisal modernization to improve the quality, efficiency, and integrity of residential property valuation. As a result of the dominant role that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) play in the mortgage marketplace, and the expanded use of alternative valuation methodologies that has occurred over the last few years, FHFA and the GSEs are in an optimal position to contribute to the transformation of appraisal policies, practices, and processes.

We believe that the marketplace and consumers would benefit from expanded use of "hybrid" valuation methodologies that leverage data and technology to complement and enhance the physical review of the property.

Download the letter to read the full text.