The Appraisal Institute issued guidance cultivated from its Professional Practice staff on March 16 to help AI professionals and other real estate valuers serve their clients during the rapidly evolving global coronavirus pandemic.

 

“Appraisers should take care not to put themselves in harm’s way while completing their assignments,” the guidance said, which directed appraisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s current risk assessment.

 

Find the Appraisal Institute’s professional practice guidance on the AI website.

 

As the Appraisal Institute continues to monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, AI is taking seriously the health, safety and well-being of its professionals, customers and staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

In this fluid environment, the Appraisal Institute encourages its professionals to remain aware of developments and resources offered by health professionals and public health organizations and to respond accordingly.

 

Additionally, in a March 16 email to Appraisal Institute professionals, AI President Jefferson L. Sherman, MAI, AI-GRS, said that the Appraisal Institute has instituted an eight-week travel ban (through May 11, as currently recommended by the CDC) for all non-essential travel by national volunteers and national staff, meaning any travel not necessary to ensure the continued existence of the Appraisal Institute. 

 

“No national events (such as the Annual Conference) have been affected yet, but committee meetings in March or April may be postponed or may take place virtually,” he said in the email, encouraging AI professionals to check with their region or chapter for updates on non-national events.

 

“Rest assured the Appraisal Institute is seeking to ensure the organization can continue to operate efficiently while prioritizing the welfare of its employees,” the email stated. “A number of procedures – business, technical, financial and otherwise – are being put into place to ensure the continued effective operations of the Appraisal Institute so AI can best serve its professionals and customers.”

 

Sherman’s email added: “More information about how the coronavirus pandemic, the declared national state of emergency and its effect on AI professionals will be shared on the Appraisal Institute website, via email and in AI’s news publications.”

 

Learn more about the Appraisal Institute’s response to the coronavirus.