Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are getting tough. They will only purchase loans from banks that use independent appraisers. To me, it's long overdue. Our industry has been built on a "who knows who" platform and that can lead to the problems that have been manifested with inflated appraisals. Appraisers felt compelled to please mortgage brokers & bankers in order to keep the referral of business flowing; those appraisers who brought in the value needed to support loans values were continually given referrals. However, appraisers who would not partake in unjustified appraisals were not given any business. It's time for the good guys to reap the benefits now.