On an additional related note, after a month or so of reflection I have figured out why the FNMA paper on appraisal quality for amc vs direct chose the specific mid range selection of only using appraisers who complete both amc and non amc work. The reason they did not use a diverse selection of appraisers whom either did or did not complete amc work as the majority of the submitted appraisals to fnma was because they already know there is a clear quality difference. Why? Because typically only the appraisers whom have already cut corners and adopted outsourcing methods are able to stay in business and manage completing those requests at such steeply discounted fees.

Even if you get ahead on terms, the amc merely reduces the fees of an appraiser elsewhere in order to facilitate the higher than projected appraisal fee. Picking up those rare orders where they can ‘meet your terms’ merely allows the amc to continue to provide coverage for all those simple profitable orders and never miss a single placement. It’s when they miss those singles they develop client retention issues. So if you cover for them even once, appraisers have done amc’s a business saving favor and kept them in business. Say goodbye to all the simple work.

Twice as long for amcs to assign? That’s the best case scenario based on my experience.