The Evolving Commercial Data Landscape + What It Means for Appraisers
In this issue:
- Thank You, Nashville: Save the date for New Orleans (April 27–28, 2027)
- 2Q Board Meeting Recap + Q&A: Thursday, April 23 at 2 p.m. CDT
- New releases now available: The Appraisal of Real Estate (16th) + The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal (8th)
- Free webinar April 23 (11 a.m. CDT): Mortgage modernization—what Washington is signaling on valuation
Association Updates
Thank You, Nashville—Next Stop: New Orleans (April 27–28)
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Nashville; nearly 600 attendees came together for two days of learning and connection. From packed sessions and lively Q&As to the huge participation in the University Valuation Case Challenge, it was energizing to see so many people leaning in and sharing what’s working. We were also excited to mark the release of new editions of The Appraisal of Real Estate and the Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, two resources we’ll continue building together.
Building on that momentum, we’re already looking ahead to 2027, when we’ll gather in New Orleans for our next Annual Conference, another chance to reconnect across the organization, sharpen skills, and bring home practical takeaways.
Save the date: April 27–28, 2027. Registration and hotel details will be shared soon. Until then, mark your calendar and plan to join us in New Orleans for two days of learning, conversation, and connection.
2Q BOD Meeting Recap Scheduled
The 2Q Board Meeting Recap and Q&A will take place Thursday, April 23 at 2 pm CT. Register here to attend.
New Releases: The Appraisal of Real Estate, Sixteenth Edition, and The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, Eighth Edition
They made their debut at the Annual Conference. Now they’re available worldwide!
For the first time ever, The Appraisal of Real Estate, 16th Edition, and The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, 8th Edition, were developed and released together. Download the Appraisal Journal article “Consistency and Continuity Within the Context of Change” for a behind-the-scenes look at the process of developing these books.
Take advantage of special member and bundle pricing for these new releases, with options available in both print and PDF.
Insights
The Evolving Commercial Data Landscape
The commercial real estate data landscape continues to evolve, shaped by technology, competition, and ongoing developments among major industry platforms. Recent legal activity between two prominent data providers, including ongoing litigation involving CoStar and CREXi as well as a separate, previously resolved dispute involving CompStak, has drawn attention to broader questions about data access, ownership, and competition, issues that may have longer-term relevance for appraisers.
While the cases themselves remain open and unresolved, they reflect a shifting environment in which new platforms and alternative data models are gaining traction alongside more established providers. For appraisers, this could mean a gradually expanding set of tools and data sources, but also the potential for a more fragmented landscape requiring greater diligence in data collection and verification.
At the same time, questions around who controls commercial real estate data, whether brokers, property owners, or platforms, are becoming more prominent. Changes in how data is shared, licensed, and accessed may emerge over time, influencing both availability and cost.
Access to reliable data remains a significant expense for many appraisal professionals. As competition evolves, appraisers may want to monitor potential changes in pricing, coverage, and data quality across platforms, while continuing to balance cost considerations with the need for credible analysis.
Despite these developments, the fundamentals of appraisal practice persist. Appraisers must continue to rely on verified information, understand the limitations of their data sources, and communicate their scope of work and analysis clearly and accurately.
As the commercial data ecosystem continues to develop, staying informed and adaptable will be key to navigating what may be a gradually changing landscape.
Your Benefits
Aivre is a leading real estate technology company enhancing the property appraisal process through advanced artificial intelligence. We empower appraisers by automating report generation with AI-driven workflows that increase reporting speed by over 80%, significantly reducing revisions, while being USPAP compliant.
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Sign up for our next free webinar
The Mortgage Modernization Push: What Washington Is Signaling on Valuation
April 23, 2026 11:00 CDT
What’s the policy direction and what are the early signals from FHFA, HUD/FHA, VA, CFPB, and the banking regulators? Our Government Relations team and outside lobbying consultants will provide a Washington rundown and translate it into practical impacts for valuation stakeholders.
Panelists:
Scott Dibiasio, Director, Government Affairs
Brian Rodgers, Senior Manager of Federal Affairs, Government Affairs
Advocacy Updates
AI Flags Risks for Appraisers in Texas SB 17 Foreign-Ownership Rules
The Appraisal Institute urged the Texas Office of the Attorney General to narrow draft rules implementing Senate Bill 17, warning they could expand appraisers’ responsibilities and risk.
AI objected to language that could treat appraisers as “facilitating entities” required to file a complaint if they know, or after “reasonable due diligence” should know, a deal violates SB 17, even though appraisers often lack buyer identity and ownership/control information.
AI said the “reasonable due diligence” standard is unclear and could push appraisers beyond USPAP and standard practice by effectively requiring investigation into citizenship, immigration status, or complex ownership structures.
AI also warned the proposal could conflict with independence and non-discrimination obligations (including national-origin protections) and create liability exposure if appraisers face licensing or disciplinary consequences for not reporting transactions they are not positioned to evaluate.
AI urged the OAG to clarify that any due diligence is limited to information obtained in the ordinary course of an assignment and does not require independent investigation. It also suggested SB 17 compliance should primarily rest with parties who control ownership information, buyers, sellers, lenders, and closing agents, through tools such as certifications or affidavits.
The Appraisal Institute will continue to engage with policymakers as the rulemaking process moves forward and remains committed to ensuring that regulatory changes protect the public interest while preserving appraiser independence and professional standards.
Member Moves and Media
MAI Named Vice Chairman at CBRE
Randal Dawson, MAI, has been elevated to Vice Chairman within CBRE’s Valuation & Advisory Services group in Chicago, one of the firm’s most senior professional distinctions.
SRA Explores “Overbuilt” D.C. Home
Johnathan Montgomery, SRA, takes viewers inside a newly constructed home in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Washington, D.C., asking a simple but important question: Is it too much for the market?
MAI Honored Among GlobeSt. Women of Influence Nominees
Lena Lenowicz, MAI, is a 2026 GlobeSt. Women of Influence nominee, highlighting her contributions to the valuation profession and broader commercial real estate industry.
Real Estate Horizons
Stay updated and check out links to the latest major real estate industry stories!
More Opportunities to Learn
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Until Next week
Team Appraisal Institute
