I’m pleased to report that AI has taken another important step in its ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of the valuation profession! Learn more about that and other important updates during the past month.

AI Submits Letter to ASC Opposing Appraisal Waivers

The Appraisal Institute on Dec. 7 joined nearly two dozen valuation organizations in submitting a letter to the Appraisal Subcommittee regarding a request from TriStar Bank for a temporary waiver of certain requirements to utilize a certified appraiser under Title XI of FIRREA.

If the waiver is approved, it would apply to all institutions, not just the requesting organization.

Read the letter.

AI Publishes Book on Subdivision Valuation

The Appraisal Institute on Dec. 19 published “Subdivision Valuation,” second edition, by Don M. Emerson, Jr., MAI, SRA.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the methodology used in valuing existing and proposed single-unit residential subdivisions. Market and neighborhood analysis, highest and best use, profit and timeline concepts, land value, yield, line-item profit and discounting procedures are described in detail and new case studies are presented to illustrate lot presales, mortgage financing, bulk sale forecasts and the time-zero profit dilemma.

Learn more and purchase your copy!

AI Contributes at Major Industry Events

In keeping with the Appraisal Institute’s commitment to convey its thought leadership to real estate professionals and others, AI Vice President Stephen Wagner, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, attended the National Association of Home Builders Mortgage Roundtable, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, in New York.

Additionally, Immediate Past President Scott Robinson, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, represented AI at the World Association of Valuation Organizations (commonly known as WAVO) Workshop, Nov. 28-29, in Singapore where he presented, “AVMs, BPOs and Evaluations vs. Appraisals: A U.S. Perspective.”

Other News Around AI

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

• Be sure to save the date for the 2018 AI Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The valuation profession’s biggest and best event will take place July 30-Aug. 1 at the brand new JW Marriott downtown. Look for more information in the coming months.
• If you haven’t already done so, check out the latest quarterly edition of The Appraisal Journal, which contains timely and informative articles about relevant topics.
• AI welcomes ideas for guest posts on its “Opinions of Value” blog. Any topic of interest to valuation professionals will be considered, and residential subjects are of particular interest. Check out the guest blogger submission guidelines.
  • Also, read the latest guest posts from Woody Fincham, SRA, AI-RRS, The Value of the SRA Designation; and Sandy Adomatis, SRA, 4 Updates to AI’s Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum.
• The Appraisal Institute Relief Foundation has donated nearly $50,000 to victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. AIRF is available to help those in need, and welcomes donations.
• Be sure to follow AI on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Since this is the last message of my presidency, I’d like to express my unwavering appreciation to my fellow members of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, region and chapter leaders, and all the staff of the Appraisal Institute for their significant efforts, which helped our organization grow in a meaningful way during the past year.

I’d also like to thank my fellow AI professionals, including the many I’ve met during my travels around the country. You are among the best and brightest in the valuation profession, and I’m grateful for your time and effort for our organization and for our profession.

Here’s wishing you a joyous holiday season and a successful New Year!