Is It Time To Revoke The Appraisal Foundation's Authority

[TD Morgan]

The Appraisal Foundation and its associated boards are private entities. If approached with an issue with which they don't want to deal, they will ignore their responsibility to the appraiser profession. The one time in 25 years that I needed their involvement, they were not responsive.

They have developed their educational Alliance for Valuation Education. If they want to get into the business of appraiser education, how can they also be the authority that provides qualification standards? Isn't that prima facie evidence that TAF is self-serving?

So my question is this:

Is it time to promote the dissolution of the foundation's oversight authority? No one could actually force its formal demise or dissolution, what is being requested is actually removing all its authority to force states to follow its dictates.

It would likely require Congress establishing a formal oversight board that is run by the government (or is otherwise under the direct supervision and control of Congress, rather than operate as a private entity.)

While I would think the ASC could take over the authority, they currently don't have the ability to dictate any actions over TAF. They currently have no teeth to force any actions whatsoever. They just create an annual report that they send to Congress.

[For those who aren't aware, Title XI of FIRREA created the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) to oversee and monitor appraisal standards. It seems, however, as if they have given up their direct authority, based on the response give to me from them.]

 

[TD Morgan]

Does anyone know where Congress gave authority to TAF to create its Appraiser Qualifications Board Course Approval Program?

Title XI authorized the private sector — the Appraisal Foundation and its two independent boards, the Appraiser Qualifications Board and the Appraisal Standards Board) — to establish uniform minimum appraiser qualifications standards and uniform standards of professional appraisal practice.

I do not see any mention of authority that grants TAF ot AQB authority over educational courses. I only see where the minimum educational requirements for the APPRAISER is mentioned.

If anyone is interested in reading the actual rules, see: https://www.ASC.gov/Documents/Rules/ASC Rules.pdf

 

[glenn walker]

No matter what our personal opinion is on this issue I believe the AI is the only group interested in their demise and that appears to be over TAF getting involved in education. The other organizations don't appear to be on board and frankly I don't think congress even knows who or what the Appraisal Foundation is or does and the AI is not far behined. The TAF Sounds like it's a bunch of old guys that meet for coffee and do-nuts and then tries to figure out a way to keep expanding USPAP so they can deliver and sell their books every two years. Personally I would like to abolish them and most of the appraisal organizations because many are worthless good old boy clubs that have done nothing for residential appraisers since licencing. I personally belong to NAR/CAR because even though they don't have a large appraiser base they do have the money and clout on Capital Hill and both our Congressman and Senators at least know who they are. I will say AI has some good education and I do respect anyone who takes the time and dedication to get designated most are very good appraisers. As for me I dropped out of the organizations in about 1994 because the last meeting I attended had 5 or 6 appraisers and 4 were semi-retired .

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I will say AI has some good education and I do respect anyone who takes the time and dedication to get designated most are very good appraisers. As for me I dropped out of the organizations in about 1994 because the last meeting I attended had 5 or 6 appraisers and 4 were semi-retired .

My last NAIFA chapter meeting consisted of 6 people. John Wilkerson, president of NAIFA that year, and president of Claremore - Pryor Creek, (NE OK chapter) - Gerald - one of John's employees. There was me (I drove 70 miles), a fellow from Tulsa (30 miles) and the guest speaker and a friend who tagged along with him, from Bartlesville (40 miles away or so). John and Gerald lived in Pryor and John had a meeting room for us. I was embarrassed that of some 70 members only 4 showed up and two of those were in the same town. There were at least 20 appraisers within 20 miles.

 

[TD Morgan]

... of some 70 members only 4 showed up and two of those were in the same town.

I would bet that they would have much more involvement if they utilized modern telecommuting tools.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I would bet that they would have much more involvement if they utilized modern telecommuting tools.

Who wants to present to a group except as a multi-functional generic presentation for the masses? And without the incentive of CE, no one is going to attend anyway on line. Which is an excellent way to get attendance up, make each meeting worth a CE point. Meet 7 times and earn 7 hours - the states ought to offer that for all groups. Try those webinars for a one time meeting. We have board meetings with a group and about 2 hours later you want to cut your throat. I presented at an AI Seminar and the preparation time and rehearsing took up at least a days full work for my 20 minutes of the presentation. I won't be making that same presentation ever again, so? Whazza point? I did it for the benefit of the 100 or so who signed up, not for what it meant to me. BTW, Gotomeeting may be OK, but Joinme is an easier set up.

Yes, you can play basketball over the internet but wouldn't you rather get the exercise and actually build friendships on your team? Why do you think corporations force employees to go on retreats or "team" events? They know it works. That's why. You improve the ability of employees to interact with each other. The best appraisers and the only ones that I recommend when asked are regular members of our NW Arkansas group. No exceptions.

We are talking about a chapter meeting. You know where you actually get to learn the name of other members and interact in a way that will never be replaced by machine. And some presentations are easier than others. Those relationships (BTW that NAIFA meet was 15+ years ago) still work and I spoke with Gerald a few months ago. John is old, pushing 90 but still kickin' when I spoke to Gerald who still works for him.

 

[CANative]

Sigh

 

[Riick]

Sigh

???? ...........or does it have to do with your tagline?

 

[Evincere]

Dissolution or dimishment of TAFs "authority" would be like the public demanding/asking/petitioning NSA or TSA be relieved of their duties and/or responsibilities. Whereas the public shows distaste, vocalizes their restlessness and growing resentment of how these two entities affect them personally, the public could care less about any oversight ramifications of TAF. Matter of fact 99% aren't even aware of its existence let alone why it was even created.

Appraisers are akin to TAFs "children" - to be watched, governed and disciplined - but never rewarded.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Sigh

Make that a "heavy sigh"...