Appraiser Representation? Represent Yourself. Get Things Done!

One of the most common complaints heard from appraisers is their belief no association represents them or their interests in their state or in Washington, D.C. Of course, there is the Appraisal Institute, the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers, and other Professional Appraiser Organizations. They do a great job, however these days, many appraisers cannot afford to pay dues to another organization.

Here's an opportunity to participate as an appraiser member of an organization(s) you may already belong to. Think about volunteering to serve as a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Appraisal Committee or the Florida Appraisal Council.

The purpose of the NAR Appraisal Committee is:

To serve the specialized needs of those members with an interest in real estate appraisal by:

1) monitoring, reviewing, examining, and analyzing appraisal-related issues for NAR;

2) referring appraisal-related issues to appropriate NAR committees for their consideration; and

3) providing recommendations on appraisal-related issues to the Board of Directors.

If you are a member of a local association of REALTORS, you may recommend yourself to serve as a member of the Appraisal Committee. The committee meets in person twice a year. In 2011, we will meet in Washington, D.C. (sometime between May 9 - 14, 2011), and in Anaheim, California (sometime between November 9 - 14, 2011)

Follow this LINK to recommend yourself. You will need a login. If you do not have one, just follow the prompts. It might help if you have a copy of the mailing label from your REALTOR® Magazine.

The Florida REALTORS® have the Florida Appraisal Council. The Council makes recommendations directly to the President of the Association. As an example of their accomplishments, last year the Council worked with the Florida REALTORS® to get HB 303 introduced and passed into law. HB 303 requires the regulation of Appraisal Management Companies.

Use this LINK to volunteer for the Florida Appraisal Council. Again, you will need a login, but if you are a member of a local Association of REALTORS in Florida, just follow the prompts to get yourself a login and password.

The application period for both NAR and Florida REALTORS® Committees is May 24, 2010, so act soon! Both of these groups have a history of representation and getting things done.

Great American Realtor Days

The odometer on my car indicates I've been racking up the miles in 2010. Expert witness assignments accounted for two trips to West Palm Beach and three to Jacksonville. Two weeks ago, it was a drive to the state capital, Tallahassee, to provide testimony in support of HB 303 - Regulation of Real Estate Appraisers and Appraisal Management Companies. Another trip to Tallahassee is in order.

Early tomorrow, I'll make the 260+ mile trek up yonder for Great American Realtor Days. On Wednesday morning, it will be time to attend the Florida Senate Committee on Regulated Industries meeting. S1552 and S2210, both addressing the Regulation of Appraisal Management Companies in Florida, will be heard by the committee.

The Florida Association of Realtors has identified the Regulation of Appraisal Management Companies as a legislative priority this year. Take a look at their talking points. It's nice to know I will not be the only one speaking to legislators in favor of this effort.

Revised Talk Pts

Florida Association of Realtors Convention

Appraiser Active will be out of the office for the next few days. We're heading to Orlando for the Florida Association of Realtors Annual Convention and Trade Show. FAR committees and councils will be meeting, as will the FAR Board of Directors.

There will be discussion of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct and the effort to introduce and pass legislation to regulate Appraisal Management Companies in Florida.

On Friday, I will be attending the meeting of the Florida Quality Council and making a presentation about the Home Valuation Code of Conduct.

It would be nice to see some of you at either one of the meetings. Make sure you come up to say HI!

Frank