“I’m Ahead of 88% of Appraisers”—See How She Did It
In this issue:
- URAR Companion Courses: How they’re getting appraisers ahead
- 2026 Annual Conference: Key sessions, speakers, and more
- Commercial Real Estate in Transition: Market insights and valuation perspectives
- Wisconsin Bill Proposal: Appraiser and AMC statute alignment with Federal guidance
Insights
Ahead of the Curve: How Our URAR Companion Courses Help Appraisers Stand Out
I just got back from our CE class our appraiser association puts on every fall on the new URAR form. It focused on the market analysis section and the sales comparison approach and cost approach sections. I hear some grumblings from some of the appraisers, but I really like it. Our instructor was really adamant about providing a more in-depth market analysis with actual graphs, the very things you have taught us to provide in our market analysis section in this PAREA program. He says 88% of appraisers do not provide any real analysis in this section. It was really nice to see I've already been taught this and I'm ahead of 88% of other appraisers!
That’s what one of our PAREA participants recently shared after attending a CE session on the new URAR form—a testament to how the Appraisal Institute’s PAREA program and URAR Companion Courses both deliver the kind of practical, high-quality education that keeps appraisers ahead of the curve.
Our courses don’t just explain the changes; they help you apply them with confidence, giving you tools and techniques that place you among the top performers in the field. From understanding market analysis and graphing trends to leveraging national indices like the Freddie Mac House Price Index, FHFA House Price Index, and Zillow House Price Index - you’ll gain the skills to support every conclusion with credible data and visual clarity.
 | Hear what AI instructor, Jared Preisler, SRA, AI-RRS, has to say about the companion courses. Whether you’re tackling the Market Analysis, Sales Comparison Approach, or Cost Approach components of the new URAR, our companion courses are designed to help you lead the way and integrate changes with confidence. |
The Future Is Bright for Commercial Appraisers—See What’s Ahead in Nashville
The 2026 Appraisal Institute Annual Conference is where commercial appraisers go to stay ahead of the curve. This year’s lineup delivers powerhouse sessions tackling the industry’s biggest shifts, from data control and distressed assets to litigation strategy, REIT transparency, and new valuation frontiers like data centers and artificial intelligence in valuation.
Hear directly from chief appraisers, top firm leaders, and valuation innovators as they share where the profession is headed and how you can position yourself for growth. Whether you’re expanding your practice, sharpening your expert witness skills, or exploring new opportunities in private equity, you’ll find fresh ideas and powerful connections waiting for you in Nashville.
Join us April 14–15 for the 2026 Appraisal Institute Annual Conference, where insight meets opportunity and commercial valuation takes center stage.
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Commercial Real Estate in Transition: Market Insights and Valuation Perspectives
The Appraisal Institute hosts an in-depth discussion on current commercial real estate market dynamics and their implications for valuation, featuring experts from the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council (CREFC). CREFC research professionals will share a data-driven overview of national and sector-specific trends, while an appraisal expert will offer insights on how shifting fundamentals are shaping property values and underwriting assumptions across markets.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Panelists:
- Jan Sternin, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Berkadia
- Raj Aidasani, Managing Director, Research, CRE Finance Council
Upcoming Webinar
Determining the Larger Parcel
(Sponsored by the International Right of Way Association)
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM ET
This IRWA webinar—recommended for Appraisal Institute members—drills down to the core of larger parcel determination in real estate appraisal. Learn how Federal Agency Review Appraisers approach the larger parcel and see how the definition tests are applied through real-world case studies ranging from salt harvesting operations to large-scale conservation easements. Consider how jurisdiction and supplemental standards, including the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition (UASFLA, the “Yellow Book”), shape conclusions.
Four focused presentations will cover these essential components:
- Highest and Best Use
- Unity of Title
- Unity of Location/Contiguity
- Unity of Use
Panelists:
Steven Kunkel, MAI - Chief Appraiser, Western Area Power Administration
Barbara Kaczmarek, MAI - Lead Appraiser, Federal Aviation Administration
Mark Worthen - Chief Appraiser, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC)
Eric Roman, MAI, SR/WA, AI-GRS, R/W-AC - Chief Appraiser, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Pacific Division
Tim Hansen, RPRA, MNAA - Former Chief Appraiser and Director, Department of the Interior Appraisal and Valuation Services Office (AVSO)
Advocacy Updates
Wisconsin Bill Proposes Appraiser and AMC Statute Updates Aligned with Federal Guidance
A new bill introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature—Senate Bill 543, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Wall and others, would make a series of technical and policy updates to the state’s real estate appraiser and appraisal management company (AMC) laws. The measure reflects recent recommendations from the federal Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) to bring state programs into closer alignment with FIRREA and related federal regulations.
Key Provisions of SB 543
Among other changes, the bill would:
- Remove the minimum age requirement (currently 18 years old) for appraiser licensure applicants.
- Increase the commercial transaction value threshold for certified residential appraisers from $250,000 to $500,000.
- Clarify AMC licensing exemptions for federally regulated institutions and their subsidiaries.
- Eliminate AMC panel removal flexibility, repealing language that had allowed AMCs to remove appraisers from panels within 60 days without notice.
- Update reciprocity provisions for appraiser licensing and certification and remove outdated transitional language no longer in effect.
Modernizing to Maintain Federal Compliance
The ASC has issued similar recommendations in several states as part of its oversight role under FIRREA. When many states first enacted AMC laws, they included provisions that were inconsistent with federal standards. Over time, ASC reviews have prompted legislatures to make corrective updates to ensure continued compliance with federal law and to maintain eligibility for federally related appraisal work.
Lowering Barriers to Entry
One notable provision removes the statutory requirement that appraiser applicants be at least 18 years old. While unconventional, this change reflects a broader national trend of eliminating nonessential barriers to occupational licensure. Neither FIRREA nor the Appraiser Qualifications Board’s Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria mandate a minimum age. Lawmakers appear to reason that if a candidate younger than 18 can meet the college-level education, qualifying education, experience, and examination requirements, they should be eligible for licensure.
That said, questions remain as to how state disciplinary authorities could address misconduct by minors, given limits on civil liability and criminal responsibility for those under 18.
Expanding Certified Residential Practice Authority
The bill also raises the transaction value threshold for certified residential appraisers to $500,000 when appraising commercial real estate. Under FIRREA, federally related transactions below $500,000 are not required to obtain a full appraisal. Lenders may instead rely on evaluations, which can be performed by non-appraisers. Proponents argue that if a non-appraiser can perform an evaluation under federal law, a certified residential appraiser should likewise be permitted to complete a full appraisal on the same property type.
This change would also expand opportunities for certified residential appraisers to gain qualifying commercial experience toward upgrading to certified general, allowing them to perform live client work on a broader range of properties.
Aligning AMC Oversight
Senate Bill 543 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs for consideration. The Appraisal Institute’s government relations team is reviewing the measure and will continue to monitor its progress and potential implications for Wisconsin appraisers and AMC oversight nationwide.
Next Steps:
SB 543 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs for consideration. The Appraisal Institute’s government relations team is reviewing the measure and will continue to monitor its progress and potential implications for Wisconsin appraisers and AMC oversight nationwide.
Real Estate Horizons
Stay updated and check out links to the latest major real estate industry stories!
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Your Community
Nominate a Colleague for the William S. Harps DEI Award
The William S. Harps DEI Award honors an Appraisal Institute Member who truly exemplifies the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the valuation profession and has actively worked to make the profession reflective of all the communities we serve. It commemorates the legacy of William S. Harps, MAI—the first African American to earn the MAI designation (1960), former president of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (1981), and a leader in breaking barriers in the appraisal profession. Harps passed in 2009.
A few examples of notable contributions include:
- Mentoring or advancing underrepresented individuals to the profession
- Leading initiatives or projects that significantly enhance equity and inclusion
- Building programs that increase access for all within appraisal
Do you know an AI Member who fits this description? Nominate them today and help us shine a spotlight on those making a lasting impact.
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Team Appraisal Institute
