Originally published in the January 13, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

A newly introduced bill in the Illinois General Assembly highlights the increasingly important role of professional real estate appraisers in resolving land use conflicts tied to large-scale data center development. Illinois House Bill 4319 (2025, 2026), the Property Owner Protection from Data Center Impacts Act, was introduced on January 7, 2026, by Rep. Jed Davis (R, 75). The legislation establishes a framework allowing property owners to seek compensation for measurable harm caused by the construction or operation of nearby data centers, with valuation determinations grounded in professional appraisal analysis.

Originally published in the December 5, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

The Appraisal Institute recently submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in response to its request for information on the future of reverse mortgage programs. In its letter, the Appraisal Institute emphasized the importance of retaining the second appraisal requirement, calling it a vital safeguard against overvaluation that protects the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, supports accurate collateral valuation for investors, and ultimately safeguards senior homeowners.

Originally published in the December 5, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

A recent news report highlights that mom-and-pop business bankruptcies have climbed to record levels as debt burdens rise. The spike has pushed more small businesses into Subchapter V restructurings, where real estate often plays a central role in determining whether a reorganization plan can succeed.

Originally published December 3, 2025 by The Appraisal Foundation
Reprinted with permission from AI

The Appraiser Qualifications Board has released an exposure draft of proposed changes to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria, accompanied by two concept papers.

Originally published December 2, 2025 by The Appraisal Foundation
Reprinted with permission from AI 

The Appraiser Qualifications Board has released an exposure draft to address three narrowly defined issues: 1) interpretation of a Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) requirement, 2) interpretation of a Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Continuing (VBFH) Education requirement, and 3) retirement of Guide Note 4 on the practicum.

Originally published October 30, 2025, by The Appraisal Foundation
Reprinted with permission from AI

The Appraiser Qualifications Board has released an exposure draft to address three narrowly defined issues: 1) interpretation of a Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) requirement, 2) interpretation of a Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Continuing (VBFH) Education requirement, and 3) retirement of Guide Note 4 on the practicum. 

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 17, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Last week, the US Senate passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a bipartisan vote of 77–20. Before final passage, a “Manager’s Amendment” was adopted that included the Renewing Opportunity to the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act, a broad housing package aimed at expanding and preserving housing supply, improving affordability and access, and strengthening oversight of federal housing programs.

Originally published in the October 17, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Fannie Mae has updated its rental income policy to allow income generated from an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to be considered as part of a borrower’s qualifying income, marking a notable shift in how these secondary units may influence loan eligibility and underwriting decisions.

Originally published in the October 10, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

The partial shutdown of the federal government is creating uneven impacts across the mortgage and housing landscape. While some loan programs continue operating, others have slowed or paused entirely—creating uncertainty for lenders, appraisers, and borrowers alike.

Originally published in the October 3, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Now in its sixth year, the IVSC Valuation Webinar Series brings together valuation professionals from around the world to explore the forces shaping the profession in 2025.

Originally published in the October 3, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Some recent media coverage has suggested that inflated appraisals may be contributing to valuation-related lending problems in “fix and flip” scenarios in cities like Baltimore, Maryland. But there’s no evidence to support that claim. What’s really happening is a breakdown in how value premises are interpreted and applied—particularly by institutional investors and analysts who may not fully understand the difference between as-is and as-completed market values.

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:

• Chief Executive Officer Powers and Duties
• Chief Executive Officer Title
• Course Examination Requirements for Candidates
• National Nominating Committee
• Regular and Special Board Meeting Related Requirements

Unless otherwise noted, the proposed amendments are expected to have no or minimal financial impact. 

Originally published in the September 19, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

 A federal judge has ruled that Rocket Mortgage and appraisal management company Solidifi must defend themselves against allegations of appraisal bias under the Fair Housing Act.

The process for nomination and election of the Appraisal Institute’s 2025 vice president has begun. The following individuals (listed alphabetically) have announced their candidacies and will come before the National Nominating Committee at its September 29-30 meeting in Chicago:

• Smedmore Bernard, Jr., MAI
• Joseph Calvanico, MAI, AI-GRS
• Enrique 'Henry' Casado, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS
• Sharon Harbin, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS
• Ryan Hlubb, MAI, SRA
• Ashley Johnson, MAI, SRA
• Jefferson Sherman, MAI, AI-GRS

AI Members may view the candidate biographies and questionnaires (log-in required) and written input may be provided by 5 p.m. CT, Wednesday, September 24. Correspondence should be addressed to Sandy Adomatis, SRA, chair, 2025 National Nominating Committee, and emailed to Joan Barngrover, board secretary and special assistant to the CEO, at j[email protected].

The Appraisal Institute is seeking individuals interested in serving as the 2026 Vice President of the Appraisal Institute. The 2026 Vice President will succeed to:

• 2027 President Elect
• 2028 President
• 2029 Immediate Past President

How to Submit a Nomination

If you are interested in serving, or wish to recommend someone for the position, please send a written recommendation to:

We’re back in tune — and we can’t wait to see you in Nashville!

Join hundreds of valuation professionals April 14–15, 2026, for the Appraisal Institute Annual Conference, packed with energy, innovation, and connections you won’t find anywhere else.

Originally published in the August 22, 2025, issue of AI's Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

In two recent rulings, the U.S. Tax Court once again signaled that inflated conservation easement valuations will not pass muster. The Ranch Springs (Ranch Springs, LLC v. Commissioner, 164 TC 2025-6) and Beaverdam Creek Holdings (Beaverdam Creek Holdings v. Commissioner TC Memo 2025-53) cases both centered on charitable deductions tied to land conservation, and in each, the court found the taxpayer’s claimed values to be dramatically overstated.

Handling Reconsideration of Value Requests: Best Practices from the Field

September 18, 2025

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:

Associate Members

• Karina Kizatova, Indian Trail, NC
• Louis Fierro Nunez, Jacksonville, NC

Thank you for joining, and we're excited to have you as a part of the NCAI community!