Shape the Future: AI Legislative Day & Exclusive Member Insights
In this issue:
- AI Legislative Day Debut: Join appraisers in grassroots advocacy on Capitol Hill, shaping the profession’s future.
- New Webinar: Sign up for Appraising in the Aftermath: How natural disasters impact property appraisal practices
- Exclusive Market Insights: AI members get access to premier market data, economic indicators, and investor surveys, and more.
Insights
Mark Your Calendars - Legislative Day!
We are excited that the first annual Appraisal Institute Legislative Day will be held in conjunction with the Leadership Development and Advisory Committee (LDAC) meeting on May 14-15. This is an opportunity for all appraisers to help shape the future of the appraisal profession by engaging in grassroots advocacy on Capitol Hill – Your Voice. Your Advocacy. Your Impact.
Legislative Day will culminate in a dynamic day and a half of policy education, grassroots advocacy, and unparalleled networking opportunities. During Legislative Day, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Engage directly with Capitol Hill staff on critical public policy issues affecting appraisers, including appraisal waivers, hybrid appraisals, property data collectors, appraisal management companies, and more.
- Advocate for meaningful change that supports and strengthens the appraisal profession.
- Network with peers from across the country and build lasting professional connections
Stay tuned for registration information.
Register for 1Q Board Meeting Recap/Q&A
Please join us on February 25 at 2 pm CT as members of the Appraisal Institute Executive Committee host a recap and live Q&A session following the 1st Quarter 2025 Board of Directors meeting. Register here for the meeting.
Your Benefits
Market Data Resources
The Appraisal Institute offers members exclusive access to market data resourcesto stay competitive in the real estate appraisal field. These resources include economic indicators, investor surveys, national market indicators, mortgage rates, and construction forecasts from reputable sources such as PwC, Zonda, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the Dodge Construction Network.
Additionally, the Appraisal Institute provides a monthly publication titled, “Economic Indicators,” which offers continuous monitoring of the economy and real estate markets by compiling data from various government websites. This publication features information on market rates, bond yields, disposable income, housing data, unemployment rates, and other key benchmarks.
To access these valuable market data resources, Appraisal Institute members can log in to the website. If you’re not currently a member, consider joining to take advantage of these and other exclusive benefits.
Trending Topics Thursdays: Sign up for our next free webinar
Appraising in the Aftermath: How natural disasters impact property appraisal practices
Feb. 20, 2025, 12 pm ET
Experts share essential insights on how natural disasters, such as fires, floods, and severe winds, affect property valuations and surrounding markets. We will discuss considerations in the face of property damage, changing zoning laws, challenges in issuing builder permits, and the impact of insurance and mortgage lending issues in disaster-impacted areas.
Panelists:
Lynette Bartlomain, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS
Withum
Randall Bell, PhD, MAI
Landmark Research Group, LLC
W. Ed Gardiner, SRA, AI-RRS
Gardiner Appraisals & Consulting Services, LLC
Advocacy Updates
Appraisal Institute Urges HUD to Expedite Fair Housing Investigations
The Appraisal Institute has extended its congratulations to newly confirmed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner while urging immediate action on prolonged investigations into appraisers for alleged fair housing violations. In a letter to Secretary Turner, the Appraisal Institute expressed concern over the extended duration of these investigations, which have negatively impacted appraisers’ reputations and livelihoods despite no definitive findings of wrongdoing. While reaffirming its commitment to fair housing principles, the Appraisal Institute called on HUD to ensure a fair and timely resolution of these cases to uphold due process and maintain confidence in the appraisal profession. The letter also emphasized the Institute’s readiness to collaborate with HUD on policies that strengthen the housing market and promote equitable opportunities.
CFPB Activities Frozen, Pending Legal Action
Last weekend, the Trump Administration replaced the Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) from U.S. Department of the Treasury to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, who expanded a regulatory freeze, halted all Bureau activities, and closed its headquarters for a week. OMB also stated that the CFPB had sufficient funds and would not take its next Federal Reserve draw, signaling it intend to suspend agency operations.
In response, the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) filed two lawsuits: one to prevent Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees from accessing Bureau systems and another claiming the order to stop supervision and examinations violates the Dodd-Frank Act. The DC District Court may issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) this week to reinstate supervisory functions, as the Dodd-Frank Act mandates bank examinations. Regardless of the TRO outcome, CFPB supervision and enforcement will continue in the long term but at a slower pace. The Appraisal Institute and its outside lobbying firm, Rich Feuer Anderson, continue to monitor changes being made by the new administration.
Real Estate Horizons
Stay updated and check out links to the latest major real estate industry stories!
More Opportunities to Learn
Search the latest educational offerings! Find National and Chapter-sponsored classroom, synchronous, and online opportunities.
Our Community
Support Those Impacted by Recent Natural Disasters
The Appraisal Institute's Education & Relief Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to individuals impacted by a disaster or emergency.
Until next week,
Team Appraisal Institute
