2019 Appraisal Institute President Stephen Wagner, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, outlines the Appraisal Institute’s priorities for the year in the organization’s latest video.

As the Appraisal Institute continues to serve as the global valuation profession’s thought leader, the organization remains at the forefront of the most pressing issues facing appraisers today.

The Appraisal Institute designated 26 members in December, including five who received their MAI designations, seven who received their SRA designations, 12 who received their AI-GRS designations and two who received their AI-RRS designations. 

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Dear fellow members of NCAI:

It is with mixed emotions that I submit to you this fourth and final President’s Report. As my tenure as President comes to a close, I am excited to begin the next chapter in my life, but at the same time melancholic that my term has to end. While not without its challenges, my time on the Executive Committee was among the most rewarding experiences of my life, both personally and professionally, because of members like you. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the North Carolina Chapter for entrusting me with the great honor and privilege to serve what I believe is by far the best Chapter in the Appraisal Institute.

The Appraisal Institute on Jan. 9 announced the recognition of one individual as a "Volunteer of Distinction" for the fourth quarter. 

The Appraisal Institute announced Jan. 9 that it is accepting nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Outstanding Service Award, two ways AI recognizes some of its most deserving professionals. Nominations for both awards are due May 24. Awards will be presented at the Appraisal Institute's 2019 Annual Conference July 22-24 in Denver.

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By Michael Tucker

After several quarters of record-breaking high rents and low vacancies, the industrial real estate sector will likely "pause" soon, said JLL, Chicago. But it said that could be good news for smart owners, investors and occupiers.

By Caroline Basile

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced late Friday that it will resume selling and renewing flood insurance policies, rescinding its initial ruling that the National Flood Insurance Program cannot be renewed amid the ongoing government shutdown.

The Appraisal Institute and 15 other organizations submitted a letter Dec. 21 to the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency requesting that they hold a public meeting as part of the process to determine whether to increase the residential appraisal threshold from $250,000 to $400,000. 

Click here to read the letter.

Dear NCAI Member, 

I hope 2018 was a great year for you, your family, and your business, and I wish you a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2019!  

By Jessica Guerin

After months of uneven recovery following last October’s program changes, reverse mortgage volume has fallen to a low it hasn’t seen since 2004.

Commercial real estate activity was modest to moderate in most Federal Reserve districts, while residential activity was reported to be mostly flat or declining — although the majority of districts reported increased home prices, according to the Fed Beige Book released Dec. 5. 

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By Andrea Riquier

Commercial real estate in large urban areas will be the big winner from the tax scheme aimed at boosting investment in needy areas, according to an analysis released in November.

By Kelsey Ramirez

Many economists are predicting the next recession could occur in 2020 or even 2019, but that’s not what Goldman Sachs is predicting.

By Kelsey Ramirez

Buying and selling a home is about to get a lot more difficult in 2019, or so says one expert in her forecast for next year.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2019.  In most of the U.S., the 2019 maximum conforming loan limit for one-unit properties will be $484,350, an increase from $453,100 in 2018. 

Baseline limit

The limited supply of urban industrial inventory available for “last mile” e-commerce distribution space is causing investors and end-users to get creative by repositioning other types of real estate with failed uses or shrinking demand, according to a JLL report, Urban infill: the route to delivery solutions.”  The report notes that annual total e-commerce deliveries have more than tripled over the past five years, but development of new urban industrial infill assets has remained relatively flat.

Despite dwindling opportunities in urban locations, investors remain interested in the 18 percent sales price premium last mile industrial assets command over “first mile” locations, and the higher rents users are willing to pay in order to be near their customer base.

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The Appraisal Institute and the Land Trust Alliance co-signed a letter Nov. 29 urging congressional leaders to advance the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act, which would help maintain the integrity of conservation easement donations by closing an apparent loophole related to abusive syndicated tax shelters. 

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