Appraisal Management Company (AMC)
Direct definition
An Appraisal Management Company is a third-party firm that lenders use to order and oversee independent property appraisals.
Written by the Vabasso Mortgage Editorial Team · Reviewed against agency and federal sources · Read our editorial policy for how we research and review mortgage content
Plain-English explanation
An AMC acts as a go-between for lenders and appraisers, assigning appraisal orders to licensed appraisers and managing quality control. This structure is designed to keep appraisers independent from loan officers and sales staff, helping ensure the valuation isn't influenced by anyone with a financial stake in the transaction.
Why it matters
Because the AMC selects the appraiser rather than the lender directly, borrowers can generally expect an arm's-length valuation, though the process can add time and fees to the file.
Where you may see it
- Loan Estimate
- Appraisal invoice
- Closing Disclosure
A real-world example
Educational and illustrative only
A common misunderstanding
An AMC is not the appraiser itself and does not determine the property's value; it manages the assignment and process only.
Frequently asked
Does the AMC choose which appraiser is used?+
Yes, typically the AMC assigns an appraiser from its network based on licensing and geographic coverage, not the lender's preference.
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- Author
- Vabasso Mortgage Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Vabasso Mortgage Licensed Advisory Team
- Last reviewed
- July 30, 2026