As we move into the winter months, it’s never too early to think of summer and the AI Annual Conference in Charlotte next July.  If you’d like to present a session at next year’s Annual Conference, there’s still time left to submit your proposal.

2016 Annual Conference Speaking Proposals Due December 31

The Appraisal Institute is seeking proposals by December 31 for panel sessions and presentations for its 2016 Annual Conference. AI is seeking highly skilled speakers who can address issues and topics of interest to the valuation profession. All panels/presentations will be assigned to one or more of the following tracks:

• Commercial;
• Residential;
• General;
• Institutional Client; and
• Attorney Client.

Submit your proposal today!

AI Survey Finds Bank Appraisers Oppose Threshold Changes

More than 80 percent of bank appraisers think reducing the number of loans requiring an appraisal could increase risk to borrowers, according to a survey of Appraisal Institute professionals released December 2.

The Appraisal Institute’s research also showed that nearly 90 percent of chief appraisers and appraisal managers surveyed think raising the threshold level of loans that require an appraisal could increase risk to lenders.

Read more about the AI survey.

AI Asks HUD to Use Appraisals in Disposition of Single-family Homes

The Appraisal Institute, in a December 1 letter to HUD regarding its proposed rule on the disposition of HUD-acquired single-family properties, encouraged the use of appraisals while cautioning against expanding valuation methods to include such alternatives as unregulated broker price opinions and automated valuation models.

“We believe any property disposition program utilized by HUD should require at least one independent appraisal,” AI stated in its letter. Doing so “not only helps protect taxpayers from distressed sales below market value, but local communities from having properties ‘dumped’ on the market at below market prices. Quality appraisals are absolutely essential if HUD plans to reduce the inventory of single-family properties in a manner that minimizes losses to the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and protects local communities.”

View a copy of the Appraisal Institute’s comment letter to HUD.

 Other News Around AI

And here’s some other important news from the Appraisal Institute:

• AI posted two new videos to its YouTube channel: one showing the value AI brings to the valuation profession and the other featuring Ivette Collins, MAI; Allen Gardiner, SRA; and Nicholas Pilz, MAI, SRA, AI-RRS, addressing how Appraisal Institute designations can enhance career opportunities.
• If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to check out the latest quarterly edition of The Appraisal Journal, which contains timely and informative articles about relevant topics.
• The Appraisal Institute continues to grow its social media presence. Be sure to follow AI on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

With this being the final message of my year as Appraisal Institute president, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow members of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, committee members, region and chapter leaders, all the other volunteers and the staff of the Appraisal Institute for their ongoing commitment and dedication, which helped our organization grow in very meaningful ways during the past year.

I’d also like to express my gratitude to the nearly 21,000 AI professionals, who constantly strive to be the best of the best in the valuation profession. I’m very grateful to have served as your president.

Thank you!

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a terrific New Year.