So who, REALLY Represent us?

[Workbox]

On the latest Buzz letter, there is a Mention of the AI and I quote; "Don Kelly oversees the Washington, D.C. operations for the Appraisal Institute and has been seen by many as the Voice of the Appraisal Profession for nearly 22 years."

So with the words of "voice of the Appraisal Profession", this makes me wonder after so many threads both in defense and against of the AI. What keeps coming to mind is in some past post are, "they only represent the members of the AI", or "why should we complain since we do not get involved." Or "that we should have gone along with their past ideas and now paying for it, and doesn't matter anymore". (Paraphrasing)

So, who other can we definitely say that they truly represents us? I know that their are some very good local state organizations or other local AI's that many are happy with. Why doesn't the AI come to this Forum and at least communicate with US? They hear us and I am sure they frequent here. I think this Forum has more true representation, maybe not the Money, but they know we can make and impact.

 

[Thomas Fiehler]

The AI is not one person-it is an organization of thousands of appraisers, some of whom are part of the AF roster.

 

[Workbox]

Here is the Q&A

Q&A with Don Kelly, Director of External Affairs For The Appraisal Institute

Don Kelly oversees the Washington, D.C. operations for the Appraisal Institute and has been seen by many as the Voice of the Appraisal Profession for nearly 22 years. Working with legislators and real estate related and banking associations, Don and his team have most recently helped to manuver the most significant appraisal related legislation through the House of Representatives since the Savings and Loan bailout bill, FIRREA. Plenty of challenges remain, but here is a short report on the progress of the bill.


Buzz: The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3915, the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, two weeks ago. What does the bill mean for appraisers?
Kelly: The appraisal provisions in the bill address many of the shortcomings in the appraisal regulatory structure and helps ensure an independent appraisal process by requiring significant fines (ten-thousand dollars) for anyone that "pressures" an appraiser in the course of an assignment. The legislation gives the Appraisal Subcommittee additional authority to issue rules involving temporary practice, information sharing and enforcement. Importantly, the bill specifically allows for consideration of an appraiser's designation by lenders or others when engaging an appraiser for an assignment.

Buzz: What happens next?

Kelly: Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) is expected to introduce a comprehensive mortgage reform and predatory lending bill in the near future, perhaps before the end of the year. This legislation is expected to include appraisal independence language--similar to what just passed in H.R. 3915. We, at the Appraisal Institute's Washington office, continue to work with Senator Dodd's office to ensure the appraisal independence language is in the bill.

Buzz: Appraisers have asked if this bill will change or lower the de minimis requirement, is that true?

Kelly: H.R. 3915 only changes the de minimis in regard to HOEPA loans or high-cost loans, which are a small percentage of the market . A written appraisal is required for all such loans. In all other cases, the de minimis remains unchanged. However, H.R. 3915 does call for a Government Accountability Office study on the de minimis within 18 months of passage of the bill .

Buzz: What can individual appraisers do to help move this legislation forward?

Kelly: Individual appraisers did a great job contacting their Representatives about H.R. 3837 (the appraisal bill that was added to H.R. 3915 as an amendment). In the near future, the Appraisal Institute will be asking them to contact their Senators asking for their support of the appraisal bill in the Senate. Appraisers are encouraged to keep their eyes open for an email alert when time is right.

Is this the beginning of some improvement or just more of the same Ole.

 

[Don Clark]

We speak with many tounges

We have many organizations that say they represent appraisers, and all do, to some extent. I personally do not belong to any organization on a national level unless you count NAR. I do belong to a state appraisal organization. I have been successful over the years, through my state representative, in getting changes made to our state appraisal board here in Virginia. And, by providing services as an expert witness for another appraiser, along with his attorney, in a case before the state board, that led to changes in state regulations over how a trainee can sign appraisal reports.

As to the AI, in my opinion, they are the premier appraisal organization for real estate appraisers. I would add that the NAIFA is also in the upper echelon of organizations. But, trying to have one organization for all appraisers is very similar to herding cats. There are too may diversified interest to likely ever have just one organization to represent all appraisers. Frankly, I don't see that as a negative. And, we have many great members of many appraisal organizations who regularly participate in this forum as well as their own forums.

Just as a suggestion, why not look around in your own state and see what you can do to improve things there? You may find more opportunities than you thought existed.

 

[Workbox]

Thanks Don, but that raises the question as to why many of these organizations wanted to group together recently, or if they are still in the process?

 

[Lost Cause]

There Is Regular Direct Communication Between AI and AF

Any time a member of the AI posts on the Forum, the AI is communicating with the Forum. Many members of the AI post here regularly.

 

[Joyce Potts]

Despite being an SRA since 1991, my letters to the AI in Chicago have gone unanswered.

 

[Don Clark]

Despite being an SRA since 1991, my letters to the AI in Chicago have gone unanswered.

Joyce,

Maybe they moved and forgot to tell you

Sorry, I just could not resist.

 

[Lost Cause]

Maybe they moved and forgot to tell you

Somehow, I suspect that dues bill manages to find its way to Joyce every year.

 

[NC Old Guy]

Joyce,

Try their e-mail addresses. I don't know that I have ever had a "no resonse". Now, that doesn't mean it might not take some time to get a response. Or better yet, call them. You'll leave a message but again, at least I've had responses. (Hey, that doesn't mean that I necessarily get the answer I want but I do get an answer.)

SRA since 1989.