McKissock dumps PAREA

[Tiffany Gibbons]

WRT a staff member from McKissock being on the ASB, I don't think that's much of an issue. One of the qualifications for even taking the AQB USPAP Instructor Qual course was the individual had to have experience teaching appraisal courses.

I had been teaching courses for years before the certification program came along; that's how I qualified to take the course. I never ran my own school but probably most of the other instructors were running their own programs.

Unless the idea here is to keep applicants off the ASB who had demonstrated competency both with the material itself AND teaching CE/QE courses then I don't see who else would be more qualified to sit on the ASB. Just because the Company logo said McKissock doesn't make it any more of a conflict of interest than if it was a different school. They're not the only course provider for USPAP - not by a long shot. The only difference between McKissock and the other vendors is their nationwide footprint and the increased experience of their instructors (because they teach these courses far more often than even the AI instructors).

Full disclosure, McKissock approached me to teach for them at one point but I declined because I didn't think my style would fit their program and I didn't want to travel.

I thought Mckissock got grant money for the PAREA program too, that's what I thought smelled wrong, to be clear. Not because of the instructor position. You said you were boycotting them in post 10. What happened?

 

[djd09]

Appraisal Bias: Taking Action, Leading the Conversation
As AI membership, and likely all appraisers, are aware, the past couple of years have found us facing the
issue of appraisal bias. Even the words are difficult to hear and against what appraisers stand for in our
work. Yet, this challenging issue also provides an excellent opportunity to educate the public about the
role of the appraiser, a chance to look at how we can take additional steps to help consumers and focus
on making our profession more diverse and inclusive now and in the future. Here are some of the ways
the Appraisal Institute is addressing the issues.
Collaboration
• AI is collaborating with other valuation-focused organizations such as The Appraisal Foundation,
American Society of Appraisers, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers,
International Association of Assessing Officers, National Society of Real Estate Appraisers and
MBREA | The Association for Valuation Professionals.
• Through collaboration, we have hosted webinars to share the value appraisers bring to real
estate transactions and clarify how we fit into the broader home appraisal ecosystem.
Media
• AI’s president is often interviewed, sharing salient points during lengthy Q&A. Unfortunately, only
a few important points are covered and sometimes they are taken out of context.
• AI is nurturing relationships with current media contacts, establishing new connections, and telling
our story as often as possible.
• AI has enjoyed coverage in many high-profile national and local media outlets, including
Bloomberg, The Washington Post, NBC.com, HousingWire, National Mortgage News and
National Public Radio.
• AI chapters and members are urged to send media inquiries to our national Director of
Communications, Brent Roberts, broberts@appraisalinsitute.org.
Legislators and Regulators
• AI’s representatives have testified before Congress.
• AI has provided input to the Biden administration’s Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity Task
Force (PAVE).
• AI has provided input to advance model state legislation on valuation bias and fair housing.
• AI has driven numerous discussions that focus on protecting consumers AND advocating for
appraisers.
• AI is giving a consistent and balanced public message, earning us a seat at the table.
• AI’s consistent message allows legislators and regulators to find our message firm in advocating
for appraisers, yet open to conversations on solving complex challenges.
• Questions about the efforts in Washington and in state capitals should be directed to Bill Garber,
director of government and external relations, bgarber@appraisalinstitute.org.
Appraiser Diversity Initiative
• AI has a leading role in the ADI, which is a partnership with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the
National Urban League.
• AI received a $3 million commitment from Chase Bank to fund scholarships for diverse aspiring
appraisers. These scholarship recipients are taking our education and buying our books.
• The ADI program is providing opportunities to aspiring appraisers and exposing new appraisers
to the AI Body of Knowledge and the profession’s best education.

PAREA
• The AI Board of Directors has invested in the future of appraisal experience opportunities by
developing a Practical Application of Real Estate Appraisal program. AI was awarded a $500,000
grant from TAF to supplement this investment.
• This program will attract aspiring appraisers and give AI a first touch for education and mentors
that guide them to successful completion.
• To date, more than 30 states have accepted the PAREA program as an alternative to the
experience requirement. This eliminates the challenge of finding a supervisor.
• AI Board of Directors committed $2 million to seeing this program completed. This is a
commitment to growing the residential appraiser population and potentially AI membership.
• Learn more about PAREA: https://www.appraisalinstitute.org/service/FAQ/#572
AI’s Bias Research Solutions Project Team
• AI’s Bias Research Solutions Project Team was created to review several studies that address
the topic of appraisal bias.
• During the past 1 ½ years, the Project Team has carefully analyzed studies published by
government sponsored enterprises, university researchers and others, and have developed initial
findings.
• The Project Team hopes to publish its final report in the next couple of months.
• Once the Project Team’s report is finalized, it will be shared with the national Board of Directors,
as well as AI’s membership.
• National leadership also will be prepared to address the studies, if asked, by the media,
legislators or other interested parties.
Going Forward
• The Appraisal Institute continues to be a voice for professional appraisers and an active thought
leader in education, guidance and policy.
• AI must be a part of the ongoing conversations with the media, legislators and regulators.
• AI must work with other organizations to protect the future of the profession.
• AI must encourage new, and diverse, individuals to join our organization.
• AI must stand with other organizations in defense of appraisers.
• AI must continue to acknowledge and seek opportunities for growth and change.
Appraisers are a proud, dedicated, hard-working group of professionals, and together, no challenge is too
big. Is AI a great organization now? Yes! Could we be even better in the future? Absolutely

https://colo-AI.org/images/downloads/Articles/appraisalbias.pdf

 

[J Grant]

AND the increasing number of appraisers who did not want to work for AMCs at all...and didn't. They cultivated their community bank connections and non-lender clients.

That, or they went broke and left.
This did not have a happy ending for everyone.

 

[George Hatch]

I thought Mckissock got grant money for the PAREA program too, that's what I thought smelled wrong, to be clear. Not because of the instructor position. You said you were boycotting them in post 10. What happened?

Yeah, I don't think the whole guilt-by-proximity thing amounts to a cogent argument. I objected to what I thought the company was doing before because I oppose the use of PAREA for experience and I don't want to support that effort with my CE dollars. That's the reason; moreover, that actually IS a reason for me to have an objection. Now that we're getting info that they might be backing out of that program that removes the reason I had for not wanting to do business with them or anyone else who is selling experience credits for licensure.

In lieu of information about anyone at TAF has engaged in a conflict of interest and in lieu of any indication that the PAREA suddenly popped up when this individual joined the ASB I am not inclined to jump on the guilt by association bandwagon. If the allegation is that someone at TAF has done something (other than PAREA) that hurts fee appraisers then I'ma actually need something to agree with because other people being angry for no discernable reason isn't enough for me.

Lastly, the individual in question serves on the ASB (Appraisal Standards), not the AQB (Appraiser Qualifications) which is where the PAREA issue comes up. And I still don't see anything in USPAP that works in the favor of the lenders, the AMCs, the PAREA purveyors, or any of the other parties that fee appraisers consider to be their moral enemies. Not in any of the recent changes to USPAP and not in any of the changes made since the inception of licensing.

Show me an action to criticize and a person who committed it and if that's the case then I'm in. But by the time we're complaining about William Fall being on the AQB or Michelle Bradley being on the ASB that's just not enough to indicate to misconduct.

 

[Tiffany Gibbons]

Yeah, I don't think the whole guilt-by-proximity thing amounts to a cogent argument. I objected to what I thought the company was doing before because I oppose the use of PAREA for experience and I don't want to support that effort with my CE dollars. That's the reason; moreover, that actually IS a reason for me to have an objection. Now that we're getting info that they might be backing out of that program that removes the reason I had for not wanting to do business with them or anyone else who is selling experience credits for licensure.

In lieu of information about anyone at TAF has engaged in a conflict of interest and in lieu of any indication that the PAREA suddenly popped up when this individual joined the ASB I am not inclined to jump on the guilt by association bandwagon. If the allegation is that someone at TAF has done something (other than PAREA) that hurts fee appraisers then I'ma actually need something to agree with because other people being angry for no discernable reason isn't enough for me.

Lastly, the individual in question serves on the ASB (Appraisal Standards), not the AQB (Appraiser Qualifications) which is where the PAREA issue comes up. And I still don't see anything in USPAP that works in the favor of the lenders, the AMCs, the PAREA purveyors, or any of the other parties that fee appraisers consider to be their moral enemies. Not in any of the recent changes to USPAP and not in any of the changes made since the inception of licensing.

Show me an action to criticize and a person who committed it and if that's the case then I'm in. But by the time we're complaining about William Fall being on the AQB or Michelle Bradley being on the ASB that's just not enough to indicate to misconduct.

https://www.appraisers.org/asa-newsroom/article/2024/01/08/the-appraisal-foundation-board-of-trustees-overhauls-governance-structure--ending-direct-appointments-by-outside-organizations

ShareFile

appraisalfoundation.sharefile.com

 

[George Hatch]

The members of the AQB and ASB are appointed by the BOT. Not by outside entities. TAF issues public notice soliciting applications for the ASB and AQB.

A while back there was some clamor among appraisers to nominate and support a candidate for one of the boards (I forget which) as if it was some kind of election or beauty contest. That didn't work. The BOT does appoint non-appraisers to round out these boards (attys and such) but they're looking for competence with the material for their ASB appointments.

The other point I'll mention for the gallery to consider is that these boards work as a group, not as individuals. So even when one of the members has a vested interest in how USPAP is structured (like when they were considering the "draft appraisal issue") it's still the group decision, not the individual decisions. Anyone who has ever worked as part of a committee will probably be familiar with the distinction between one member wanting something vs the committee agreeing with them.

 

[Tiffany Gibbons]

The members of the AQB and ASB are appointed by the BOT. Not by outside entities. TAF issues public notice soliciting applications for the ASB and AQB.

A while back there was some clamor among appraisers to nominate and support a candidate for one of the boards (I forget which) as if it was some kind of election or beauty contest. That didn't work. The BOT does appoint non-appraisers to round out these boards (attys and such) but they're looking for competence with the material for their ASB appointments.

I think Rohit Chopra pointed out in the "bias hearing" that appointing members of "Sponsor" groups might not be in the public's interest, sort of Pay to play. The committee was going to take a closer look. I was just hoping maybe they did.

 

[djd09]

Yeah, I don't think the whole guilt-by-proximity thing amounts to a cogent argument. I objected to what I thought the company was doing before because I oppose the use of PAREA for experience and I don't want to support that effort with my CE dollars. That's the reason; moreover, that actually IS a reason for me to have an objection. Now that we're getting info that they might be backing out of that program that removes the reason I had for not wanting to do business with them or anyone else who is selling experience credits for licensure.

In lieu of information about anyone at TAF has engaged in a conflict of interest and in lieu of any indication that the PAREA suddenly popped up when this individual joined the ASB I am not inclined to jump on the guilt by association bandwagon. If the allegation is that someone at TAF has done something (other than PAREA) that hurts fee appraisers then I'ma actually need something to agree with because other people being angry for no discernable reason isn't enough for me.

Lastly, the individual in question serves on the ASB (Appraisal Standards), not the AQB (Appraiser Qualifications) which is where the PAREA issue comes up. And I still don't see anything in USPAP that works in the favor of the lenders, the AMCs, the PAREA purveyors, or any of the other parties that fee appraisers consider to be their moral enemies. Not in any of the recent changes to USPAP and not in any of the changes made since the inception of licensing.

Show me an action to criticize and a person who committed it and if that's the case then I'm in. But by the time we're complaining about William Fall being on the AQB or Michelle Bradley being on the ASB that's just not enough to indicate to misconduct.

and gates only had dinner with epstien...36 times

 

[djd09]

OPENING THE DOORS: HOW THE APPRAISER DIVERSITY INITIATIVE AND PAREA ARE CHANGING THE FACE OF THE APPRAISAL INDUSTRY​

Find out how PAREA and the Appraiser Diversity Initiative (ADI) are attracting new entrants and opening the doors to the appraiser profession.


In this jam-packed session, you will:

• Learn about PAREA; understand where we are today with PAREA acceptance and imminent roll-out; see a sneak peek of the new game-changing simulator training; and learn how PAREA has the potential to dramatically reduce the barriers of entry for new appraisal professionals.
• Hear first-hand from lenders on how PAREA is expected to affect their business and gain insights into their plans to support the program.
• Find out from ADI leaders the latest on the Appraiser Diversity Initiative and how PAREA will expedite the focus of the program; get a better understanding of how PAREA can impact diversity across the appraisal industry; and learn how you can help.

Panelists include:


Rachel Beam, Director of Valuation Equity, Fannie Mae; Scott Reuter, Chief Appraiser and Director of Valuation, Freddie Mac; Bill Garber, Director of Government and External Relations, Appraisal Institute; the industry’s top mortgage lenders including Jarrett Scarpiello, Valuations Fulfilment Director, Collateral Valuations Group and Miriam Lopez, VP, MB Operations Manager II, Collateral Valuations Group, Staff Appraisers and Direct Engagement Panel at JP Morgan Chase & Co; and Colleen McCafferty, Chief Compliance Officer, Solidifi.


Loren L. Cooke, President of Solidifi will be hosting the session.


Join us for an exclusive networking event after the session, where session panelists and attendees can connect before the Trade Show Opening Reception. We look forward to seeing you there.


If you have already registered for Valuation Expo and want to attend this session, email Karen Connolly at karen@stoaryboardemp.com to be added to the list.


Speaker:

• Loren Cooke, President – Solidifi
• Rachel Beam, Director of Valuation Equity, Fannie Mae
• Scott Reuter, Chief Appraiser and Director of Valuation, Freddie Mac
• Bill Garber, Director of Government and External Relations, Appraisal Institute
• Jarrett Scarpiello, Valuations Fulfilment Director, Collateral Valuations Group, JP Morgan Chase
• Miriam Lopez, VP, MB Operations Manager II, Collateral Valuations Group, JP Morgan Chase
• Hem Merriman, SVP and Head of Residential Valuation Quality Assurance, Wells Fargo
• Colleen McCafferty, Chief Compliance Officer, Solidifi

OPENING THE DOORS: HOW THE APPRAISER DIVERSITY INITIATIVE AND PAREA ARE CHANGING THE FACE OF THE APPRAISAL INDUSTRY – Valuation Expo

Appraisers work hard to build a successful appraisal firm business. This workshop will cover key topics to help you take your business to the next level. This event is include with any Valuation Expo pass. You do not have to be on the Solidifi panel to participate in this event, all appraisers...

valuationexpo.com

the faces have changed since you hung around...but the dream remains and has turned around

 

[George Hatch]

I think Rohit Chopra pointed out in the "bias hearing" that appointing members of "Sponsor" groups might not be in the public's interest, sort of Pay to play. The committee was going to take a closer look. I was just hoping maybe they did.

The actual "Appraisal Sponsors" group consists of the various appraisal orgs. I don't think that's who you're referring to in the above. I think you're going for the for profit (Industry Advisory Council) and non-profit/govt (TAFAC) groups.

I'm curious if anyone other than a couple of the militants here actually think a $3500 application fee to join the IAC is enough "pay" to purchase enough "play" from a TAF that has annual revenues in excess of $3M. If there are 35 members of the IAC then the application fee is enough to buy a 1/35th vote. That is, it would be if the IAC actually had a vote on anything TAF does.

As for Chopra's comments (for the camera) his arguments are framed solely in terms of DEI and have zero to do with improving or promulgating appraisal standards or appraiser qualifications. He most likely has put zero thought into how a more diverse ASB could alter appraisal standards or what changes a more diverse AQB would make to appraiser qualifications criteria. And why would he? It's not as if he knows anything about what he's talking about.

If it mattered to the federal govt enough they could appropriate federal funding to issue grants to POCs trainees on the racially discriminatory basis to buy their experience off of PAREA. The feds don't need any cooperation from TAF or anyone else to do that.