Originally published in the October 17, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI
Applications for 4th Quarter 2025 are open through December 8th
Originally published in the October 3, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI
The William S. Harps DEI Award honors an Appraisal Institute Member who truly exemplifies the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the valuation profession and has actively worked to make the profession reflective of all the communities we serve. It commemorates the legacy of William S. Harps, MAI—the first African American to earn the MAI designation (1960), former president of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (1981), and a leader in breaking barriers in the appraisal profession. Harps passed in 2009.
Originally published in the October 3, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI
Recently, an outside group attempted to send messages that mimicked an official Appraisal Institute dues notice. While our systems remain secure, we want to remind members to stay vigilant when reviewing emails that appear to come from the Appraisal Institute or any other organization.
At its November 13-14, 2025, meeting in Chicago, Illinois, the Appraisal Institute Board of Directors will consider proposed amendments to the Appraisal Institute Bylaws and Regulation Nos. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 regarding:
Unless otherwise noted, the proposed amendments are expected to have no or minimal financial impact.
Congratulations to one of our own! Governor Josh Stein has appointed Laura Gourlay, MAI, AI-GRS to a three-year term on the North Carolina Appraisal Board, ending June 2028. Laura is an executive officer of the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. Currently serving as Secretary in 2025, she will serve as chapter Treasurer in 2026. Laura is the owner of AccuAppraisal of NC, LLC, which is headquartered in Asheville, NC, and whose primary market area encompasses western North Carolina.
She is an expert in Eminent Domain appraising and works full time for the NCDOT as a review appraiser. Her practice also includes appraisal and consulting on a wide variety of commercial real estate. Laura regularly teaches for the NCDOT, and is an AQB Certified USPAP Instructor.
A highlight of our Q3 Chapter Business Meeting in Asheville last week was honoring our newest designee – Brent Koenig, MAI, AI-GRS – who was recognized for his designation by NCAI President Elect Greyson Morgan, MAI.
Brent provides real estate valuation, consulting, research and project management services, and has 22 years of experience in real estate as a manager, director, practice leader, appraiser, owner-builder and project engineer. He has advised lenders, investors, developers and builders on the development of 93,000+ housing units. Brent currently works for Freddie Mac as a Senior Credit Risk Consultant and Senior Review Appraiser.
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown last Thursday for NCAI's Q3 Chapter Business Meeting. We had a great meeting and we got a lot accomplished: we discussed chapter news and events, we recognized industry achievement, we connected with old friends and industry peers, and we enjoyed a presentation by an outstanding local leader!
(L-R): Real Estate Valuation Conference Committee Residential Chair Nathan Pippin, SRA; Government Relations Committee Chair Shep Overton, MAI; President Kelli Mayhew, MAI, SRA; Treasurer Brian Crowder, MAI, SRA; and Women’s Initiative Committee Chair Linda Nelson
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Damon C. Bidencope, MAI, who lost his battle with melanoma Saturday, September 13th, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennie, and their children Emma and Michael, who were the center of his life.
Damon began his career as an appraiser in 1992 with the Meyer Appraisal Company in Charlotte. In 1995, he co-founded Trident Real Estate Services, which operated until 1997.
Our membership keeps growing. We're thrilled to introduce the following new members of the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute:
Thank you for joining, and we're excited to have you as a part of the NCAI community!
Reconsideration of Value (ROV) requests are becoming more common as consumers, lenders, and regulators look for greater transparency and accountability in the appraisal process. This Trending Topics Thursday webinar will bring together perspectives from Fannie Mae and practicing appraisers to help clarify how ROVs work in practice, what lenders are asking for, and how appraisers can respond while upholding professional standards.
Rachel Beam of Fannie Mae will provide an overview of the GSE’s approach to ROVs, including recent guidance and expectations for lenders. Megan Judd, SRA, AI-RRS, will share insights from her workshop on consumer appraisal appeals, offering practical guidance for appraisers facing ROV requests in the field.
Our membership keeps growing. We're thrilled to introduce the following new members of the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute:
Thank you for joining, and we're excited to have you as a part of the NCAI community!
Recently, 2022 NCAI President Vanessa Hall, MAI, AI-GRS, was featured on the Appraisal Institute's podcast, Face Value. The show, hosted by Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, discusses news, insights and stories with appraisers and real estate professionals.
In the July 28th episode titled, "WIN and AA, " Vailas and Boizot sat down with Ms. Hall and another fellow AI member, Emily Braman, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in the appraisal profession. Hall also highlighted her work as chair of AI's Women's Initiative Committee (WIN).
The Appraisal Institute is proud to announce the reopening of applications for the Pathways to Success scholarship, funded by The Appraisal Foundation and administered by the Appraiser Development Initiative (ADI). This scholarship provides full financial support for individuals pursuing licensure through an approved Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) program - offering a flexible and accessible pathway into the valuation profession.
The 2025 program year has already awarded 42 Pathways to Success scholarships supporting a pipeline of future appraisers.
The Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation (AIERF) is seeking nominations from AI members for the Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award. The deadline for nominations is July 31st. Nominate Today
The Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award recognizes one or more worthy individuals who have made a distinguished contribution to the appraisal profession during the immediately preceding year. The Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award is open to both Appraisal Institute members as well as those who do not belong to the Appraisal Institute. Nominators should provide a letter of recommendation and brief biography of the nominee to [email protected] by July 31. For more information on AIERF and the awards, please visit the AIERF website.
NCAI Past President Claire Aufrance, MAI, was elected Chair of the North Carolina Appraisal Board (NCAB), during the June 24th meeting. Formerly the Vice Chair, Claire’s term as Chair began on July 1, 2025, and will run through June 30, 2026. Claire is the first woman to hold the position of Chair in NCAB history.
Among her many professional accomplishments, Claire has served as President of the NC Chapter of the Appraisal Institute in 2016, Chair of Appraisal Institute Region V in 2021 – 2022, and as a member of the Appraisal Institutes’ national board of directors between 2019 – 2022. Claire has been the recipient of multiple Appraisal Institute honor’s including: the President’s Award in 2022, the Women’s Initiative Spotlight Award in 2022, and as a Volunteer of Distinction also in 2022.
Security Bulletin from the Appraisal Institute
We’ve been made aware of recent phishing attempts in which cybercriminals are impersonating the Appraisal Institute to try to steal personal information. These emails may appear convincing but are not from us. Please remain vigilant and follow the guidance below to help protect yourself:
The Appraisal Institute task force composed of five non-officer Directors has begun its work in an effort to help ensure a safe and respectful environment for all staff and members. The group will be reviewing associated policies, procedures and protocols and then will consider what recommendations it might make. The task force is currently reviewing options for outside counsel who will work alongside it.
Once the task force hires outside counsel, they will coordinate and supervise work to clarify best practices; consider existing approaches; and identify and address any gaps. The task force consists of the following members:
The Appraisal Institute would like to recognize some of the brightest, most committed and deserving AI members. If you believe you know an AI member who fits the criteria below for the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Service Award, William S. Harps DEI Award, or the Women’s Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award, please nominate that person. Submissions for these Awards must be completed by July 31, 2025.
J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award
The J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an AI member who best demonstrates high ethical standards; contributed to the Appraisal Institute at the chapter, regional, national and/or international level(s); provided service to his or her community; and contributed to the appraisal profession.
By Greyson Morgan, MAI, NCAI President-Elect
NCAI and the Government Relations Committee have been working diligently and have made significant positive progress in recent months at the North Carolina Capitol!
By Emma Abraham, Membership Programs Manager, Appraisal Institute
We recently hosted an hour-long pilot webinar (via Zoom) entitled “Designation Requirement Overview” with the Chicago chapter and intend to host several more this year. The webinar, targeting Candidates and Associate Members, covers the policies and processes of Experience, the Comprehensive Examination, and the Demonstration of Knowledge. If you have a Candidate who has questions about these requirements, please mention that they should keep an eye out for these webinars. Advisors are welcome to attend these sessions to brush up on their knowledge of the requirements. If your chapter or region is interested in hosting one, please let me know.
