Governance Reform: Join the 45-Day Notice Session on Thursday
In this issue:
- Proposed governance reform and this Thursday’s informational session
- AI’s advocacy on a public appraisal database and the new mortgage executive order
- Cost Approach and Site Valuation in the New URAR premieres November 10
- Early bird pricing for the 2027 Annual Conference and award nominations
45-Day Notice on Governance Reform
After the third-quarter Board meeting, the Appraisal Institute released a 45-Day Notice on governance reform. The proposed Bylaws changes affect how the Board of Directors and Regional Council are structured. Members are encouraged to read the proposal and share feedback here.
Want to learn more? Join Appraisal Institute President Michael Acquaro-Mignogna, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, for the 45-Day Notice Informational Session on Thursday, October 29. He’ll walk through the proposal and answer your questions.
Appraisal Institute Raises Concerns About Public Appraisal Database
The Appraisal Institute met with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on October 26 to discuss its study of the feasibility of a public appraisal database, required by the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
AI emphasized concerns about homeowner privacy, potential commercial misuse of property information, and the risk of drawing misleading conclusions from appraisal data without adequate context. AI also urged GAO to consider whether existing data and controlled research access could meet legitimate research needs without the risks of broader public disclosure.
GAO’s report to Congress is due March 8, 2027. AI will continue providing input as the study moves forward.
Appraisal Institute Monitoring New Mortgage Executive Order
The Trump administration’s October 22 executive order directs FHFA to consider appraisal waivers as part of expanding the title acceptance program for eligible refinances. The provision addresses certain limited cash-out refinances that reduce borrowers’ monthly payments, where existing Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac data support a waiver. Specific eligibility and implementation policies remain to be developed.
The order separately calls for a mortgage insurance cancellation pilot using automated valuation models and other data.
The Appraisal Institute has concerns about reducing reliance on independent appraisals without adequate safeguards. AI will engage with federal housing regulators as policies take shape, emphasizing reliable valuations, consumer protections, and the continued role of independent, professional appraisal expertise.
New Seminar Premiering November 10
Two Weeks Away: Cost Approach and Site Valuation in the New URAR Premieres
Under UAD 3.6, every cost approach conclusion needs to hold up in review. In this hands-on, 4-hour CE seminar, instructor Jason A. Tillema, SRA, AI-RRS, walks you through supported site value and transparent depreciation analysis on a residential case study. Join us live online Tuesday, November 10, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM ET. Open to members and non-members.
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.
Early Bird Pricing Is Open for the 2027 Annual Conference
Join us April 26–28, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans for three days of education, connection, and leadership. You’ll find education sessions, the 2027 Appraisal Institute Awards ceremony, and the University Valuation Case Competition all in one place. Early bird pricing ends January 4, 2027, and our hotel block is open now. Register early to get the best rate.
Your Community
Nominations Are Open for the 2027 Appraisal Institute Awards
Know a colleague whose leadership and service move the profession forward? Nominate them for a 2027 Appraisal Institute Award. This year’s awards include the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award, the Outstanding Service Award, the William S. Harps DEI Award, and the Women’s Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award. Honorees will be recognized at the 2027 Annual Conference, April 26–28 in New Orleans. Nominations are due by 12:00 PM CT on Tuesday, December 1.
Until next time,
Appraisal Institute