Updates to Proposed Appraisal Database Legislation
In this issue:
- New Publication: Self Storage Economics and Appraisal out now!
- AI Benefits: Underwrite your next direct-cap or DCF appraisal with FUEL with discounted rates
- FEMA’s 50% Rule: Webinar on July 31 to understand key developments
- Public Appraisal Database Legislation: Senate bill introduced to create public database of appraisals, standardized ROV processes
Insights
New Appraisal Institute Book Equips Appraisers Amid Self Storage Investment Surge
Self storage is no longer just a defensive play in commercial real estate—it’s now a magnet for investor capital. According to CRE Daily, U.S. self storage investment volume hit $855 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 21% year-over-year increase. With market optimism fueled by REIT-led acquisitions and resilient consumer demand, the Appraisal Institute’s newest publication, Self Storage Economics and Appraisal, Second Edition, arrives at a pivotal moment for the valuation profession.
“Self storage has moved from a niche asset class to a core component of many real estate portfolios,” said author R. Christian Sonne, MAI. “This book is designed to help valuation professionals stay ahead of industry trends and deliver credible, market-aligned opinions of value.”
The second edition is a comprehensive guide to the unique dynamics of this booming sector, offering:
- Updated valuation methodologies tailored to self storage
- Analysis of market fundamentals, economic drivers, and underwriting shifts
- Insights into investor strategies and buyer behavior in a changing interest rate environment
- Real-world case studies and fully developed appraisal examples
The Q1 surge in transaction volume reflects broader confidence in self storage’s fundamentals—including steady occupancy, strong rent collections, and flexibility in supply. With REITs returning as net buyers and suburban markets gaining momentum, appraisers need tools to assess evolving risk and opportunity.
Whether you’re entering the sector or refining your expertise, Self Storage Economics and Appraisal, Second Edition, delivers essential insights for appraisers, lenders, and consultants engaging with this fast-growing asset class.
Your Benefits
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Understanding FEMA’s 50% Rule – What Appraisers and Assessors Need to Know
July 31, 2025, 12 PM ET
The Appraisal Institute and the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) are cohosting a timely webinar on FEMA’s 50 Percent Rule—a key provision that affects property redevelopment in the wake of major disasters.
In light of these events, our Trending Topics Thursday webinar, Understanding FEMA’s 50 Percent Rule, co-hosted with IAAO, has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 31 to give affected professionals and partners time to focus on urgent needs. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
This session is designed to raise awareness among professional appraisers and assessors about how FEMA defines “substantial improvement” and “substantial damage” and how those determinations impact rebuilding in Special Flood Hazard Areas. Attendees will gain insight into valuation methodologies used in the process, the role of local officials, and how appraisal and assessment professionals can contribute to sound, compliant recovery efforts.
Panelists:
- Ray Carroll, MAI, SRA, CFM, Carroll & Carroll Appraisers and Consultants
- Mike Twitty, MAI, Pinellas County Property Appraiser (FL Assessor)
- Moderator: Michael Acquaro-Mignogna, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, Appraisal Institute President-Elect
Advocacy Updates
Senate Appraisal ROV Bill Introduced; AI Continues to Engage on Data Concerns
As a follow-up to a previous report, the Appraisal Modernization Act has now been formally introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). The bill would essentially codify the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Reconsideration of Value process and establish a public appraisal database.
While the legislation marks a step toward more consistent federal policy on appraisal appeals, the Appraisal Institute is actively engaging lawmakers to highlight serious concerns with the broad release of appraisal data. These include risks to market efficiency, loss of appraisers’ intellectual property rights, and a potential government-induced “chilling effect” that could deter the next generation of appraisers by exposing their work to public misuse or misinterpretation.
We will keep members informed as discussions continue, and the bill advances through the legislative process.
Real Estate Horizons
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Your Community
2025 Award Nominations
The Appraisal Institute would like to recognize some of the brightest, most committed, and deserving AI members. If you believe you know an AI member who fits the criteria below for the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Service Award, William S. Harps DEI Award, or the Women’s Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award, we welcome your nomination by the July 31 deadline.
Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award
The Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation (AIERF) is seeking nominations from AI members for the Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award.
The Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award recognizes one or more worthy individuals who have made a distinguished contribution to the appraisal profession during the immediately preceding year. The Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award is open to both Appraisal Institute members as well as those who do not belong to the Appraisal Institute. Nominators should provide a letter of recommendation and brief biography of the nominee to aierf@appraisalinsitute.org by July 31. For more information on AIERF and the awards, please visit the AIERF website.
Until Next week
Team Appraisal Institute
