
Sept. 24, 2021
Dear Appraisal Institute Colleague:
For those of you interested in learning about new areas of appraisal, AI has some exciting opportunities coming up! Learn more about that, and other timely updates, from the past month.
AI to Introduce New Series of Roundtable Discussions
I encourage you to join us for a great chance to enhance your knowledge! The first free webinar, Oct. 5, will focus on the basics of arbitration. Facilitators Paula Konikoff, MAI, AI-GRS, and Joshua Wood, MAI, AI-GRS, will share their knowledge and experience related to this exciting topic and will facilitate a discussion that encourages participation and feedback.
Learn more and register: http://ow.ly/M7Je50Gakj7
Freddie Mac Report Reveals Appraisal Valuation Gap
As you might be aware, Freddie Mac on Sept. 20 released a report based on data from the Uniform Collateral Data Portal that showed appraisal values are more likely to fall below the contracted sale price of a home in areas with a higher share of minority households.
So far, the Appraisal Institute has been included in media coverage about this issue in HousingWire, The Wall Street Journal (subscriber-only), Valuation Review (subscriber-only) and National Mortgage News (subscriber-only). We’ll continue to work with the media, and provide input to Freddie Mac, as we all keep addressing these important issues.
If you’d like more information on Freddie Mac’s study, it’s available here.
AI Calls for ‘Volunteer of Distinction’ Nominations
If you know an AI professional (Designated Member, Candidate for Designation, Practicing Affiliate or Affiliate) who has been doing outstanding work for the profession and in their local community, please nominate them. AI wants to recognize these great individuals with our “Volunteer of Distinction” recognition program.
The Appraisal Institute’s recognition program honors volunteers for their service to the Appraisal Institute, to the real estate valuation profession and to their local communities. Each quarter, the Appraisal Institute recognizes AI professionals who have been nominated by their fellow AI professionals. Individuals may be recognized once per calendar year.
Honorees will receive a certificate and a letter from me, and AI’s website will list each quarter’s honorees. Additionally, honorees are highlighted in Appraisal Institute communications, such as Chapter FYI, the monthly President’s Message and Appraiser News Online. Any AI professional in good standing may nominate another AI professional in good standing at VOD@appraisalinstitute.org.
Other News Around the Appraisal Institute
And here’s some other important news from the Appraisal Institute:
- As part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to share pro-appraiser and Appraisal Institute messages related to bias and DE&I, I had the opportunity to meet in-person with four editors and reporters at National Mortgage News to share our perspective. This is the latest in a long line of media interview opportunities I’ve had on AI’s behalf, and I’ll certainly continue to convey our messages.
- I encourage you to check out AI’s newest book, “A Guide to Appraising Restaurants.” Get the details and order your copy today!
- The Appraisal Institute continues to expand its social media activities. Be sure to follow AI on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, YouTube, and its blog, Opinions of Value.