Appraisal Institute suspended from The Appraisal Foundation

[Ken B]

We may not like it, but TAF's responsibilities do not include promoting or protecting appraisers. But I also don't think that they should be offering education in direct competition with those who provide them with financial support.

 

[incognito]

I respect your opinion, Pete, but I believe you are a little naive when you state that AppraisalPort was developed simply as a means of submitting a report. Email and PDF accomplish that marvelously. It was created as a DATA EXTRACTION method, in order that the appraisal data could be extracted, indexed and re-sold. Nothing more or less. I could waste your time telling you how bad AppraisalPort stinks, but that is not the point.

Don't get me wrong. I am relatively active in my local chapter, take all of my CE through the AI (15 classroom hours just last week), am a former chapter officer, and former ethics and review chairman. My complaint is that national seems to be out of touch.

I had a personal conversation with Mr. Sellers earlier this year. Previously he had made a talk to a group of members, and he kept emphasizing that we need to forget the past, and invest in the future of the AI. Forget all of the past problems. When We spoke, he would have no conversation regarding anything in the past. I imagine the next president will be asking us, no begging us, to do the same after this.

Like it or not, an AI without Appraisal Foundation sanctioning/membership/sponsorship/whatever you want to call it, is a neutered AI for sure, in the eyes of congress and legislative bodies. At some point better decisions need to be made. If you read the 2 letters which started this issue, I would have to agree with the Foundations perspective on Mr. Seller's letter, and perhaps such communications need to be approved and reviewed by an AI board or attorneys first.

 

[Calvin the Airedale]

View attachment 19907

How proud are you of AI ready and AppraisalPort, Peturner? Those are AI sponsored debacles which have been a thorn in the side of EVERY residential appraiser! Not me, I'm not proud and I'm not happy with the way my dues dollars are being spent.

AI Ready was started by AI as a common report exchange medium. They couldn't do anything with it and sold the rights to FNC, the owner of AppraisalPort. AppraisalPort has never been owned, sponsored or affiliated with the institute. It's a product of the business incubator of Mississippi State (or is it U of M, or Ole Miss, whatever is in Oxford, MS). It was started by two professors, Rayburn & Tosh.

 

[incognito]

AI Ready was started by AI as a common report exchange medium. They couldn't do anything with it and sold the rights to FNC, the owner of AppraisalPort. AppraisalPort has never been owned, sponsored or affiliated with the institute. It's a product of the business incubator of Mississippi State (or is it U of M, or Ole Miss, whatever is in Oxford, MS). It was started by two professors, Rayburn & Tosh.

Though that may be true, ALL AppraisalPort web pages and ads PROUDLY sport the "AI READY: logo:True or not true, like it or not, the logo says "Appraisal Institute" and this implies all of the things you suggest it is not

owned, sponsored or affiliated with the institute

In it's greed, the AI sold it's name with the software, and in doing so, affiliated itself forever with FNC in the eyes of the public. I dare say FNC's reputation in the industry speaks for itself...

This is just another major mistake made by the Institute that everyone wants us to forget. However, with that logo, this one will be tough to sweep under the rug...

 

[CANative]

This is like watching mom and dad fighting. It's terrible that they are doing this to their kids.

FTR... I'd rather have AI coursework on my resume than TAF coursework.

 

[incognito]

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

- Howard Zinn

 

[Lost Cause]

Fundamental Conflict Of Interest

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

- Howard Zinn

Speaking of dissenting, I must point out an error in your post#1 which has been allowed to slide until now. Far from being the worst thing they've ever done, separating from NAR was the best thing the Appraisal Institute ever did.

Brokers are interested parties whereas appraisers are distinterested parties. Appraisers and brokers in association involves substantial conflict of interest.

 

[incognito]

I must point out an error in your post#1 which has been allowed to slide until now.

Hmmm. Prior to the separation from NAR, the AIREA had tremendous lobbying power through the NAR. Shortly after the separation, the issue of de-mimimus levels for appraisals was changed to $250,000 for residential (from $50,000 I think). Lacking virtually ANY lobbying power, the AIREA had no ability to influence this decision. It is theorized that with the NAR, this De-Minimus level would have never changed.

Prior to separation a good 40% of my (and I suppose many appraiser's) residential volume was for home equity loans. It was great work. Up until the recent market downturn, virtually no bank or lending institution procured appraisals for second mortgages or HELOCKS under $250,000.

Even recently the AI discussed becoming affiliated again with the NAR. Were we today still affiliated, I doubt the NAR would have an appraisal designation (which is held by more than all AI members combined!!! - Dues paying NAR Appraiser members!!!) Also, I doubt there would be so much push today by the NAR to allow brokers to provide BPO's in lieu of appraisals. They are simply looking out for their own.

So it is you, sir, you I believe has erred, unless you can convince me why we are BETTER off today separated from the NAR???

 

[Peter LeQuire]

My recollection (though it may be faulty) is that the AI Ready format was introduced during that period at AI when the residential appraiser was not on the Institute's radar, it's primary issues being international appraisal standards, mark to market and the digitizing of appraisal information.

 

[Lost Cause]

Hmmm. Prior to the separation from NAR, the AIREA had tremendous lobbying power through the NAR. Shortly after the separation, the issue of de-mimimus levels for appraisals was changed to $250,000 for residential (from $50,000 I think). Lacking virtually ANY lobbying power, the AIREA had no ability to influence this decision. It is theorized that with the NAR, this De-Minimus level would have never changed.

Appraisers never had any lobbying power by being affiliated with NAR, unless of course, it was over something that the NAR also wanted. Otherwise, too bad, so sad, but no money for that. We're much better off not being held captive to NAR's money.