McLean, VA – Freddie Mac is seeking comments from the mortgage industry on the implementation of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (Code), which sets out standards designed to enhance appraiser independence.

The Code is being adopted as part of a March 3, 2008 agreement with the New York Attorney General and the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO). The Code establishes requirements governing appraisal selection, solicitation, compensation, conflicts of interest and independence.

Pursuant to the agreement, beginning January 1, 2009, Freddie Mac will only buy mortgages from lenders who adopt the Code with respect to mortgages sold to Freddie Mac.

To implement the Code with minimal disruption to the market and, as required under the agreement, Freddie Mac is requesting comments on operational and implementation issues, as well as unintended consequences or risks you identify in connection with the requirements of the Code.

Written comments must be submitted and post-marked by April 30, 2008 to Home Valuation Code of Conduct Response, Attn: Senior Vice President, Credit Risk Oversight Freddie Mac, 1551 Park Run Drive, Mail Stop D2Z, McLean VA 22102-3110. Comments must be sent by regular mail, express delivery, or electronically through a special information site on Freddie Mac's website at http://www.freddiemac.com/singlefamily/home_valuation.html.