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AI Mourns Passing of 2016 President Scott Robinson

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Dear Appraisal Institute Colleague:

It is with a heavy heart that I report AI’s 2016 President Scott Robinson passed away on Jan. 22. As we grieve the loss of Scott, we will continue his legacy and dedication to the valuation profession. Here’s more about that and other news from the past month.

AI Mourns Passing of 2016 President Scott Robinson 

For those of you who haven’t heard, I’m sad to report the passing of 2016 Appraisal Institute President Scott Robinson, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS.  

Scott was incredibly dedicated to the Appraisal Institute, and valuation profession, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. He was an incredible friend, mentor and selfless servant to so many people and organizations. I will miss Scott dearly.  

I was honored to help represent AI on Tuesday at Scott’s funeral in his hometown of Salisbury, North Carolina. If any of you watched the live stream, I know you also were likely amazed by the outpouring of love and support from Scott’s family, friends and professional colleagues from around the world. Our organization lost a treasure, whose dedication was eclipsed only by his kindness and character. 

Here’s the link to Scott’s obituary if you’d like to learn more: http://ow.ly/lLks50DhHrj. Rest in peace, my friend. 

AI to Host Joint Appraiser Diversity Initiative Workshop

One of my many goals for this year is to attract new faces into the valuation profession. I am excited that the Appraisal Institute is collaborating with the National Urban League and Fannie Mae to host a free virtual Appraiser Diversity Initiative workshop, “How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser,” tomorrow, noon- 1:15 p.m. EST.

The workshop will provide knowledge regarding the role of residential property appraisers and their importance, generating valuable opinions useful for mortgage lending. The workshop further addresses:

  • Giving an explanation of how appraisers develop opinions of value;
  • Explaining education and experience requirements to become an appraiser;
  • Describing opportunities to work flexible hours in the field or office; and
  • Answering questions with a panel of successful appraisers.

The goals of the Appraiser Diversity Initiative are to attract diverse new entrants into the residential appraisal field, overcome barriers to entry (such as education, training, and experience requirements), and provide support to position aspiring appraisers for professional success.

If you know someone who would like to become an appraiser, I strongly encourage you to tell them about this opportunity and register today!

Our Work on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

As I take the baton from President Sherman on AI’s equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, I want to pause here to reflect on how I’m approaching this during my term. It starts with listening and learning. That includes us reviewing what different studies say, trying to understand the experiences of consumers and listening to our membership. I recognize there are many opinions about what we should do, and I am guided both by the importance of taking action for the communities in which we work, as well as setting our profession up to succeed well into the future. 

As your president, I make it clear to others that as appraisers we take a lot of pride in being an objective source of real estate value information. I want to ensure the public hears about the important work we do in appraisal, particularly the role we play in affirming the dream of homeownership. Part and parcel to that is to recognize the history of bias in housing, to acknowledge bias is human and very real for all professions and to determine AI’s role in taking action. This year, that’s going to include: 

  • Looking at our valuation processes and approaches; 
  • Reinforcing ethics, education and training; 
  • Recruiting more appraisers of color and women; 
  • Backing policy solutions that advance equity; and 
  • Ensuring consumers know their rights. 

We are working on these efforts alongside other appraisal groups, consumer groups, real estate brokers and agents, banks, government agencies and others. As a long-time member of AI, I believe deeply in this incredible community and am inspired by the good work already underway. I look forward to continuing the conversation with you throughout the year. 

I also sent a letter Jan. 27 to President Biden addressing AI’s efforts in this important area, and expressing our willingness to work with his administration. Read the letter.

AI Publishes ‘The Student Handbook to The Appraisal of Real Estate, 15th Edition’

As you may know, the Appraisal Institute released its first vital text of the year, “The Student Handbook to The Appraisal of Real Estate, 15th Edition,” earlier this month. This text includes practice problems that allow users of the handbook to test the knowledge they have acquired every step of the way.

“The Student Handbook to The Appraisal of Real Estate, 15th Edition,” by Mark R. Ratterman, MAI, SRA, is an instructional text to help users understand the appraisal profession, prepare for the state licensing exam and jumpstart their valuation careers. This book also provides students with a comprehensive introduction to real estate valuation and the challenges of a career in real estate.

Originally developed to complement the latest edition of the Appraisal Institute’s classic textbook, the student handbook has become popular as a stand-alone text used by colleges and proprietary schools. The student handbook:

  • Summarizes each chapter in the 15th edition of “The Appraisal of Real Estate;”
  • Explains and illustrates the nuances of valuation theory and practice with real-world examples;
  • Presents dozens of sample problems to help students build skills and confidence; and
  • Allows users to test their knowledge as they learn about appraisal.

Order your copy today!

Q4 2020 ‘Volunteer of Distinction’ Honorees Named

Congratulations to Cameron Rex, MAI, (Chicago Chapter) and James Erik Smith, SRA, Candidate for Designation, (Chicago Chapter), who were honored by the Appraisal Institute for their AI, valuation profession and community service as a “Volunteer of Distinction” for fourth quarter 2020.

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:

  • AI posted a new video to its YouTube channel during the past month featuring information about AI’s media coverage highlights from July through December 2020.
  • A recording of the Jan. 13 webinar, “Unconscious Bias Virtual Session for the Appraisal Profession,” is now available. This session explores practical examples and helps attendees learn how to mitigate our unconscious biases. I encourage you to watch the recorded session.
  • Have you read the latest issues of Valuation magazine and The Appraisal Journal? If not, check out the amazing content!
  • 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.