I hope you’re all having a great summer, and that you’re taking some time off to relax!

I’d like to remind you that the registration deadline is fast approaching for AI’s 2016 Annual Conference in my home state of North Carolina, July 25-27, in Charlotte. I hope to see you there!

Deadline Nears for Online Registration 

If you’re considering attending the Appraisal Institute’s 2016 Annual Conference, you have just over a week – until July 5 – to register at the lowest available rate.

Jack Uldrich – a best-selling author and global futurist focused on technology, change management and leadership – will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Annual Conference, which takes place at the Sheraton Charlotte.

The Appraisal Institute Annual Conference will provide extensive opportunities for networking, continuing education (with the chance to earn Appraisal Institute and state continuing education credit), the annual awards dinner, vendor exhibits and numerous options to explore Charlotte.

Learn more about the AI Annual Conference and register today.

AI Asks FHA for Clarification on Single-family Handbook

The Appraisal Institute on June 9 submitted a letter to the Federal Housing Administration asking for clarification on the Single Family Housing Policy Handbook, 4000.1, citing industry confusion about some terminology, guidelines and observations.

Read the letter to the Federal Housing Administration.

AI Participates in Key Industry Events

In keeping with the Appraisal Institute’s commitment to convey its thought leadership to real estate professionals and others, I was joined by President-Elect Jim Amorin, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS; Vice President Jim Murrett, MAI, SRA; Immediate Past President Lance Coyle, MAI, SRA; and Chief Executive Officer Fred Grubbe, MBA, CAE, at the Appraisal Institute of Canada Annual Conference, June 8-11, in Ottawa, Ontario.

Fred Grubbe and I represented AI at the World Association of Valuation Organizations Annual General Meeting, June 16-17, in Sydney.

I further attended the International Property Measurement Standards Coalition Board of Trustees Meeting, June 25-26, in Washington, D.C., and the Building Owners and Managers Association International Annual Conference & Expo, June 27-28, also in Washington.

AI also exhibited at the International Right of Way Association Education Conference, June 12-15, in Nashville, Tennessee, and the CRE Finance Council June Conference, June 13-15, in New York.

Other News Around AI

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

• The Appraisal Institute posted two new videos to its YouTube channel, one in which I address how appraisers can help commercial lenders and another featuring Craig Harrington, SRA, AI-RRS, chair of AI’s Education Committee, discussing the organization’s education offerings.
• If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to check out the latest quarterly editions of Valuation magazine and The Appraisal Journal which contain timely and informative articles about relevant topics. Also, both publications have been redesigned, so be sure to check out the exciting new versions.
• The Appraisal Institute announced June 13 that it will host a joint annual conference with the Appraisal Institute of Canada, June 8-11, 2017, in Ottawa, Ontario. This will be the first time in 13 years that the two organizations will co-host an annual conference.

The Appraisal Institute continues to grow its social media presence. Be sure to follow AI on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.