NAR’s 2026 MLS Policy Shift: What It Means for Appraisers
In this issue:
- NAR’s 2026 Policy: What it means for appraisers
- 2026 Interior Appropriations Bill: Pay increase for GS‑1171 appraisers (Grades 11–15) of up to 15%
- Free Webinar: Online reputation management
- The Appraisal Foundation Board of Trustees: Applications and nominations now open
Insights
What NAR’s 2026 MLS Policy Changes Mean for Appraisers
The National Association of REALTORS® has updated the MLS Handbook, pursuant to its risk mitigation assessment to remove certain MLS policies from the MLS policy handbook, some of which relates to MLS access requiring REALTOR® membership. These changes however do not change or introduce anything new. MLSs have had the local discretion to open up MLS Participation to nonmembers dating back to the mid-1990s, so this is not new. Rather these changes were made to reinforce matters of local discretion such as whether to require association membership for MLS access.
As these updates roll out, appraisers will encounter three distinct “buckets” of MLS environments:
- States With Long‑Standing Open MLS Access
In California, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, MLSs do not require association membership for MLS access pursuant to state or federal case law. Appraisers in these states can seek access to the MLS through established MLS-only or nonmember pathways. - What’s New (Post 2025/2026)
Some MLSs may introduce MLS-only access models. Early adopters include major organizations such as Bright MLS, Canopy MLS, and Doorify MLS. As of early 2026, access to MLSs that do not require REALTOR® membership appears to be expanding, an indicator that more changes may be coming as boards reassess their rules. For appraisers, this means policies may differ from one MLS to the next. - Non-REALTOR® Association MLS Platforms
Systems like MyStateMLS/NYStateMLS and various broker-owned MLSs may allow appraisers to join without REALTOR® affiliation. These platforms can offer supplemental coverage or alternatives in markets where access remains unchanged.
Why Appraisers Should Engage Now
As local MLSs modernize, most will rely on existing terms and formats including models like the Thompson Broker framework to define MLS Participation. This is a pivotal moment for appraisers: MLSs are revising policies, and your input can help shape rules that recognize appraisal needs, including accurate data access, practical costs, clear subscriber rights, and workable workflows.
By engaging with MLS boards, providing feedback, and participating in industry discussions, appraisers can help ensure that this new era of MLS flexibility supports the essential work of valuation professionals
AI Blogs
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Get a preview of the session and meet the speakers in our latest blog.
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Online Reputation Management for Appraisers
Protect credibility, reduce friction, and communicate like a digital-first pro
Thu, Feb 19, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST
In a high-scrutiny profession, reputation is an asset—and online communication can either strengthen it or quietly erode it. In this session, Richard Bliss shares a practical roadmap for digital reputation management, including what to post, what to avoid, and how to communicate confidently online. Joined by AI’s Director of Education, the discussion will focus on professional credibility, ethical boundaries, and how to present expertise clearly in public forums.
Bullet outcomes:
- Do’s and don’ts of professional posting (especially when topics are heated)
- How to respond to comments or criticism without escalating
- Building trust signals: consistency, clarity, and proof of competence
- A “safe and smart” content plan for regulated professionals
Learn how to communicate online in a way that protects credibility, builds trust, and strengthens your professional reputation.
Advocacy Updates
Congress Approves Pay Raise for U.S. Dept. of Interior Appraisers
Good news for U.S. Department of the Interior appraisers: In the FY 2026 Interior Appropriations bill, recently signed by the President, the DOI has been authorized to increase pay for GS‑1171 appraisers (Grades 11–15) by up to 15%. This targeted authority is intended to help the department better recruit and retain highly skilled valuation professionals whose work underpins major federal real estate decisions, from land acquisitions to conservation initiatives.
This added flexibility comes at a crucial time. Appraisers in the GS‑1171 series perform independent, high‑stakes valuation work that supports the DOI’s mission across multiple bureaus, often in competitive labor markets where private‑sector compensation outpaces federal scales. At the same time, most federal employees will receive only a 1% across‑the‑board raise in 2026, with locality pay frozen, making the authorization for a substantially higher adjustment especially notable. Combined with workforce pressures seen across federal appraisal operations and an overall 5% reduction in DOI funding for FY 2026, this move signals Congress’s clear prioritization of maintaining strong federal valuation capacity.
Applications & Nominations Now Open for The Appraisal Foundation Board of Trustees
The Appraisal Foundation is now accepting applications and nominations for open positions on its Board of Trustees. This year’s cycle includes opportunities for both public applicants and Foundation Partners to put forward candidates who are committed to advancing the valuation profession.
The Appraisal Foundation is currently seeking applicants to fill three public interest seats, with application materials due by February 27, 2026. Eligible Partners may also nominate candidates for two open Partner seats, also due by February 27, 2026, for organizations that will not have a trustee serving as of January 1, 2027.
AI PAC Chapter Challenge — Momentum Continues
The AI PAC Chapter Challenge continues to build, and chapters across the country are stepping up to support a stronger advocacy voice for the profession. Thanks to your efforts, participation is growing, and the thermometer is steadily climbing toward our $125,000 goal.
Current Leaders (as of 1/30)
Top Chapters by % of Chapter Goal Reached
- #1: Tennessee Chapter – 134% (Wow!)
- #2: Savannah Area Chapter – 41%
- #3: Bluegrass Chapter – 37%
Top Chapters by Member Participation Rate
- #1: Savannah Area Chapter – 8.1%
- #2: Tennessee Chapter – 6.9%
- #3: Arkansas Chapter – 6.7%
Congratulations to the chapters leading the way, and to everyone else, there is still plenty of time to make a move up the leaderboard. Every contribution helps strengthen the Appraisal Institute’s ability to engage effectively with Congress and federal agencies on issues that directly impact the profession.
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Your Community
Q1 Board Recap Meeting – February 10
Stay informed on the latest actions and priorities of the Appraisal Institute Board of Directors. Join us for the Q1 Board Recap Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CT, where leadership will review key decisions from the first quarter, discuss strategic initiatives, and highlight what’s ahead for the profession and the organization.
This is a valuable opportunity for members to hear directly from leadership, gain insight into governance and policy matters, and better understand how Board actions support appraisers in a rapidly evolving valuation environment.
Until Next week
Team Appraisal Institute
