The Heat is On!

In the midst of this blazing heat there is no denying that summer is officially here. Things aren't just heating up outside, matters are also getting dangerously hot in D.C. for the appraisal industry. Thus, in addition to taking steps to enhance your business it is also essential that one enhances engagement with the larger, more consequential discussion of the appraisal industry. As members of the industry with boots on the ground there is no voice more critical to the discussion of industry regulation, modernization, issues, and solutions.

As always, in this installment we aim to provide you with information and tools to grow and develop professionally and participate in the discourse of the industry. Read below for news on the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance's recent hearing, the ASC's determination on North Dakota's Temporary Waiver request, the role of the appraiser in modernization, tech you can use to improve your business and maximize your time and other news, events and updates you can use.
There are only two short weeks until our 2019 Annual Recertification Conference! If you haven't already, be sure to secure your registration by clicking here . This year's conference offers 21 CE hours: FHA Property Analysis For Appraisers and Brokers, Performing USPAP Compliant Appraisal Reviews, and Appraisal of Small Income Properties.

All of this year's courses will be instructed by Robbie Wilson , RA, SRA, CDEI, MBA.
Mr. Wilson is a licensed broker and a certified appraiser in the state of Texas, President of Appraisal Analytics and owner of Park One Realty with over 27 years' experience in residential and commercial practices. He has national expertise and reputations in brokerage and valuation services in the real estate industry. Mr. Wilson has taught AQB pre-licensing and Appraisal CE courses nationwide.

Join us in A tlantic City, NJ July 27-29th and partake in quality instruction, great networking opportunities, and stimulating conversation over the latest industry developments and more. We look forward to seeing you there!
What's Inside?

  • Member in the Spotlight

  • NSREA Atlanta Chapter Reestablished

  • Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance Hearing

  • Waiver Request Update: ASC Special Meeting to Consider North Dakota's Request

  • Role of the Appraiser in Modernization

  • Considering Multiple Monitors in Your Office?


  • Great Appraisers Run Great Businesses

  • Good Apps for Appraisers

  • How is Technology Growing to Help Appraisers

  • Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2019

  • The Healthbeat: 6 Keys to Better Brain Health



PAMELA J. SMITH

SMITH REAL ESTATE SERVICES, INC.
PRESIDENT AND CEO

EMAIL: PSMITH@SMITH-RES.COM


Ms. Pamela J. Smith has been appointed
to the Fulton County Georgia Tax Assessor Board!

Ms. Pamela Smith has over 40 years of experience with 35 years as President and CEO of Smith Real Estate Services, Inc. (SRES). Guided by her vision and leadership, SRES has experienced consistent growth since 1984 and has become nationally known for its technical capabilities. Her firm has successfully managed real estate projects throughout the Southeast, Washington, D.C., and in the Caribbean. Pamela has earned a Certificate in Real Estate Development, Master of Science in Real Estate, Master of Public Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies/Urban Planning and has completed Post-Graduate Advanced Studies in Public Administration.

Ms. Smith, on behalf of the officers and members of the National Society of Real Estate Appraisers, congratulations on your appointment to the Fulton County Georgia Tax Assessor Board! Fulton County is the largest county in Georgia and is the home of Atlanta.

May you continue to prosper, grow and be successful for many years to come.



The National Society of Real Estate Appraisers would like to acknowledge the reestablishment of our Atlanta Chapter. Officers of the Atlanta Chapter include: Thaddaus Dawson, President, Marlon Day, 1st Vice President, Robert Minniefield, 2nd Vice President, Tamika Whitted, Secretary, and Pamela Smith (featured Member in the Spotlight). 
Pictured from left to right: Pamela Smith, Thaddaus Dawson, Marlon Day, Tamika Whitted.
Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance Hearing

On June 20th t he Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance held a legislative hearing titled, “What’s Your Home Worth? A Review of the Appraisal Industry”. The purpose of this legislative hearing was to discuss the industry as a whole and discuss solutions. During this hearing there was the notable absence of individual appraisers and, furthermore, black appraisers or minority appraisal organizations. NSREA President, Myra L. Lillard submitted this letter to be considered by the Subcommittee. It has since been memorialized by the Congressional Subcommittee.

Click here to read President Myra L. Lillard's letter.
Click here to read more on the hearing and those who served as witnesses during the hearing.
Waiver Request Update: ASC Special Meeting to Consider North Dakota's Request

In August of last year, the Appraisal Subcommittee received a temporary waiver request from the state of North Dakota to include the entire state and to remain in place for a period of five years. The premise of this letter was the state's "appraiser shortage" causing significant delays. The ASC requested comments on the matter through July 1, 2019 and received 105 letters from various organizations and individual appraisers. On July 9, 2019, the ASC held a several hours long meeting to consider North Dakota's Temporary Waiver Request at the conclusion of which the ASC granted the temporary waiver request for one year and an option for a second year. The ASC, however, cannot grant such a waiver alone. This decision needs to be agreed upon by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council at its next meeting before a final decision can be made. This opens an opportunity for further comment on the matter. Some organizations, including the Appraisal Institute are voicing opposition. Click here to read the ASA and Appraisal Institute's comments regarding the ASC's conclusion.

Click here to read North Dakota's initial request.
Click here to read the founder of Collateral Risk Network, Joan Trice's comment from prior to the July 1 cutoff.
Click here to read the ASA and Appraisal Institute's comment following the ASC's 5-2 vote to grant the waiver request.
Role of the Appraiser in Modernization

When discussing appraisal modernization there is often the mention of technologies like AVMs and hybrid appraisals, which can spark anxiety among some appraisers for fear of replacement. Is this all there is to the modernization of the appraisal industry? Click here to read Andrew Bough's, Executive Vice President of Valuations at Solidifi, take on the role of the appraiser in modernization and why he feels that putting appraisers first is the only way we should be moving forward.
Considering Multiple Monitors in Your Office?

Have you grown weary of managing several windows on your computer while compiling your reports? Have you considered a multi-monitor set up? Having multiple monitors prevents you from having to constantly manipulate your open windows and less manipulation means more productivity. If you haven't considered switching to this setup Derek Eisenberg's feature will walk you through the benefits of a multi-monitor office setup and if you have considered multiple monitors Eisenberg's piece will provide a great reference for getting started.


Great Appraisers Run Great Businesses

While you may consider yourself quite a capable appraiser, there is so much more to running a successful appraisal business than appraisal expertise. From time management to financial planning there are many non-appraisal related aspects that contribute to a successful business operation. Click here to read 5 non-appraisal related elements to running a great business.

Good Apps for Appraisers

There's an app for that! A common refrain, but does it apply to the business of appraisals? Absolutely it does! A good app can help you streamline your business, maximize your time and effort. Apps for Appraisers, written by Irimar Waters, features 5 awesome apps for appraisers to test out and this more dated but still quite relevant post from A La Mode lists another 10 very useful apps for appraisers.

Click here for Apps for Appraisers
Click here for Fill Your New Device with Useful Apps for Appraisers
How is Technology Growing to Help Appraisers?

Would you like to learn how to employ technology to maximize your time? Appraisal Buzz recently sat down with Keith Ellis, COO of Anow, a leader in the technology industry for over three decades. Click here to read the full interview with Keith Ellis as he discusses the importance of his upcoming webinar titled, “Your Office in the Palm of Your Hand.” You can also register for the recording of this webinar by clicking here .
Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2019

Senator Kamala Harris and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently worked together to introduce the Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2019. This bill intends to make it easier for those with criminal records to find housing and also seeks to reconfigure and examine the roadblocks to those with criminal records applying for federal housing.

Click here to read the National Low Income Housing Coalition's and the National Housing Law Project's fact sheet on the Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2019. And click here to read the MReport piece Access to Housing Focus of Proposed Bill, which not only discusses more details on the Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2019 but also other bills passed by the U.S. House of Representatives regarding housing (including the Protect Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act of 2019).
6 Keys to Better Brain Health

Brain health is often overlooked when formulating health and wellness plans and fitness resolutions. When was the last time you considered the wellness of your mind or taken steps to improve it? In this Chicago Magazine feature, c hief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, Maria Carrillo, provides 6 keys to maintaining and improving brain health. Click here to check out Six Keys to Brain Health, According to an Alzheimer’s Researcher .
COURSE OFFERING: Basic Residential Appraisal Principles
Date: July 20th - 21st, 2019
Location: Wyndham Dallas Suites
7800 Alpha Road
Dallas, TX
Click here for more information.
COURSE OFFERING: Basic Residential Appraisal Principles
Date: July 22nd - 25th, 2019
Location: Wyndham Dallas Suites
7800 Alpha Road
Dallas, TX
Click here for more information.
NSREA Annual Recertification Conference
Date: July 27th - 29th, 2019
Location: Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Hotel 777 Harrah's Boulevard
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Click here for more information.
NAREB 72nd Annual Convention
Date: July 28th - August 2nd, 2019
Location: Harrah's Resort Atlantic City Hotel 777 Harrah's Boulevard
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Click here for more information.
You can donate by clicking the button above. Donations of any amount are welcomed and greatly appreciated!
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