Fresh Intel + Member Perks: Housing Wins, Data Tools, and New Learning
In this issue:
- Major moves in DC: Executive order and Senate vote on appraisal
- Member perk: Get 40% off PropertyReach—158M+ properties, MLS data, and prospecting tools
- Free webinar (March 19): Land Trust Valuation developments and trends—register now
- Advocacy: AI weighs in on Maryland bills impacting ROVs, data transparency, liability, and workforce
Insights
Executive Order Signals Potential Changes to Mortgage and Appraisal Regulations
The Administration recently issued an Executive Order aimed at expanding access to mortgage credit and addressing housing affordability. The order directs federal financial regulators to review mortgage-related regulations that may affect credit availability—an effort that could lead to significant policy changes, including rules affecting real estate appraisal requirements.
The Appraisal Institute is closely monitoring these developments and engaging with policymakers as agencies begin reviewing existing regulations. In response to the Executive Order, Appraisal Institute President Michael J. Acquaro-Mignogna, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, emphasized that independent appraisals remain a cornerstone of safe and sound mortgage lending while noting that appraisers are actively integrating new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to strengthen valuation analysis.
As regulators consider potential policy changes, engagement by the Appraisal Institute and its members will be critical to ensuring that reliable, independent property valuation remains central to the mortgage lending process.
Read President Acquaro-Mignogna’s full statement here.
Senate Passes Major Housing Bill with Key Appraisal Reforms
Last Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a sweeping bipartisan housing package to improve affordability and expand the housing supply nationwide. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed 89 to10 and includes provisions to boost housing availability, modernize federal programs, and ease market pressures on homebuyers.
For appraisers, the bill includes several measures the Appraisal Institute has long supported.
The bill incorporates the Appraisal Modernization Act, which sets new requirements for reconsideration of value (ROV) processes. The measure aligns with Appraisal Institute recommendations and gives consumers a clear way to request a second look at an appraisal when appropriate. Under the act, FHA, FHFA, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Veterans Affairs must implement and maintain their own ROV guidelines. An earlier Senate draft would have codified the GSEs’ ROV guidelines to standardize policy across federal agencies.
The legislation also includes the Appraisal Industry Improvement Act, which updates several parts of federal appraisal policy. The bill restores eligibility for state-licensed appraisers who meet competency requirements to complete appraisals for FHA-insured mortgages. It also allows appraisal organizations such as the Appraisal Institute to compete for Appraisal Subcommittee grants to support education, workforce development, and other initiatives that strengthen the profession.
The Senate vote marks a major step, but the bill now faces resistance in the House, where conservatives have criticized many of the new programs in the package. House Republicans must either accept the Senate’s changes or take the bill to conference to negotiate a compromise.
The Appraisal Institute will continue to monitor the bill as Congress considers next steps.
New Edition Countdown: Save 30% on Current Editions
New editions of The Appraisal of Real Estate and the Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal will debut at the Appraisal Institute Annual Conference and become publicly available April 16.
Before the transition, save 30% on current editions using discount code 2026. Offer available through April 15 (11:59 PM CT).
Your Benefits
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- Grow your business with targeted prospecting tools
Exclusive Offer: 40% discount for Appraisal Institute members
Transform your appraisal process and boost your efficiency with PropertyReach.
AI Blog
Mentorship has always been part of the appraisal profession. But today, it’s also a smart business strategy.
A new blog explores how intergenerational collaboration can strengthen appraisal practices, expand capacity, and help experienced professionals pass along the judgment and expertise that define the profession. Get a preview of the Annual Conference session featuring Megan Judd, SRA, AI-RRS; Dana Thornberry, MAI, SRA; and Pedro Espinoza, Certified Residential Appraiser and AI PAREA graduate.
Read the blog to learn why investing in new appraisers benefits everyone.
Trending Topics Thursdays:
Sign up for our next free webinar
Land Trust Valuation Developments and Trends
March 19, 2026, 11 am CT
This free, public webinar examines current developments and emerging trends in land trust and conservation‑related valuation work. The session highlights opportunities for appraisers to collaborate with land trusts and provides updates on federal tax law and recent case law affecting conservation easement valuations.
Speakers:
- Rex Linville, Eastern Division Director of Field Programs, Land Trust Alliance
- Diana Norris, Associate Director, Conservation Defense, Land Trust Alliance
Advocacy Updates
Appraisal Institute Engages on Key Maryland Legislation Affecting the Profession
Protecting Appraiser Independence
The Appraisal Institute expressed conditional opposition to HB 1299/SB 817, which would create a Maryland-specific ROV process for residential mortgage transactions. The bills would require appraisers to notify buyers, sellers, and agents when a value may fall below contract price and would invite those non-client parties to submit information during appraisal development—risking appraiser independence. The Appraisal Institute urged lawmakers to align any state approach with USPAP and federal regulators’ ROV guidance, which lenders and AMCs typically administer after the appraisal.
Improving Real Estate Market Data
The Appraisal Institute supported SB 811/HB 920 to require builders to report the final sale price of newly constructed homes to an MLS or similar database within 30 days of closing, improving access to reliable comparable sales data.
Clarifying Liability Timeframes for Appraisers
The Appraisal Institute supported SB 477 to clarify timelines for civil claims tied to appraisal services by setting a two-year discovery period and a four-year outer limit from the service date, while preserving fraud claims and regulators’ disciplinary authority.
Expanding Access to the Profession
To strengthen the appraisal workforce, the Appraisal Institute supported SB 657/HB 919 to fund PAREA training and supported HB 900 to allow Maryland scholarship funds to cover PAREA-related qualification costs, expanding entry pathways into the profession.
The Appraisal Institute will continue to work with Maryland lawmakers to protect appraiser independence, strengthen valuation data, and support the next generation of appraisers.
AI PAC Chapter Challenge Wraps Up, Building New Advocacy Momentum
The inaugural AI PAC Chapter Challenge has concluded with members raising $76,734.99. While the overall fundraising goal was ambitious, the effort successfully renewed focus on strengthening the Appraisal Institute Political Action Committee and encouraging greater member engagement in advocacy.
Several chapters showed strong participation, including the Western Pennsylvania Chapter and the Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota Chapter, which gained momentum as the Challenge came to a close. A special recognition goes to the Tennessee Chapter, which led the effort by a wide margin. The chapter exceeded its fundraising goal by more than 1,800%, raising $60,204.99, with 50% of members contributing. This remarkable participation rate reflects the power of direct outreach and member engagement.
Much of that success was driven by Randy Button, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, whose leadership helped mobilize members across the chapter.
While the Chapter Challenge has ended, the effort to grow the AI PAC continues. The Appraisal Institute will keep working with chapters and members to strengthen participation and ensure the profession maintains a strong voice in Washington.
Final results:
Top Chapters by % of Chapter Goal Reached
- #1: Tennessee Chapter – 1,899% (!)
- #2: Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota Chapter – 280%
- #3: Western Pennsylvania Chapter – 105%
Top Chapters by Member Participation Rate
- #1: Tennessee Chapter – 50%
- #2: Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota Chapter –15.5%
- #3 Savannah Area Chapter – 10.8 %
Member Moves and Media
Marc Nadeau, SRA, Shares Eminent Domain Case Analysis
Marc Nadeau, SRA, was featured in the New England Real Estate Journal discussing an eminent domain case involving access changes affecting commercial property in Branford, Connecticut, and how appraisal analysis influenced the compensation outcome. Read the Article
Meghan Czechowski, MAI, Named a 2026 CRE Technology Influencer
Meghan Czechowski, MAI, SVP and Head of Apprise, has been recognized by GlobeSt.com as a 2026 Influencer in CRE Technology. Czechowski helped build Apprise into a national valuation platform delivering structured appraisal data to multifamily lenders and investors. Read the Announcement
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.
Your Community
Sharon B. Harbin Receives William S. Harps DEI Award!
The Appraisal Institute is pleased to recognize Sharon B. Harbin, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, as the recipient of the 2026 William S. Harps DEI Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the appraisal profession.
Harbin has been part of the real estate appraisal profession for more than 40 years. In 1991, she became the first African American woman to earn the MAI designation, a distinction awarded to professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the appraisal of commercial real estate and complex property. She is the founder of The Harbin Group, Inc., a real estate appraisal and consulting firm, and has extensive experience in both commercial and residential valuation.
She currently serves on the Appraisal Institute’s National Board of Directors and previously served as President of the Great Lakes Chapter. Her leadership also extends to other organizations, including serving as President of the Motor City Doll Club and President of the Toastmasters Great Lakes Real Orator Club. She is also a Realtor Emeritus.
Harbin holds the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation from Toastmasters International and is an experienced public speaker. She has also authored three books focused on real estate and education, including Appreciate Your Real Estate—Creating and Sustaining Value, My Grandfather’s Big Farm, and Real Estate and People—The ABCs of Real Estate for All Ages. Through her professional leadership, mentorship, and community engagement, Harbin has helped broaden awareness of the appraisal profession and inspire future generations of practitioners.
Learn more about the Appraisal Institute’s National Awards here!
Until Next week
Team Appraisal Institute
