The landscape of U.S. housing finance continues to shift in late 2025, with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — the two major government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) central to mortgage lending — making headlines on several fronts.
One of the biggest stories involves changes to mortgage eligibility standards. In November 2025, Fannie Mae announced that it would eliminate the long-standing minimum credit score requirement in its Desktop Underwriter (DU) automated underwriting system. Instead of a fixed number like 620, DU will assess a broader range of credit risk factors for loans submitted after November 16, 2025. This change is intended to expand access for borrowers who may have limited traditional credit but otherwise solid financial profiles. HousingWire
For appraisers and real estate professionals, these changes reinforce the importance of staying informed about how valuation policies and underwriting standards are evolving. As Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to modernize their guidelines and adapt to market conditions, appraisal processes and reporting expectations may continue to shift in response.
At Green Hill Appraisal, we monitor these developments to help you understand how changes in housing finance could impact home values, mortgage eligibility, and the appraisal services you rely on.