Happy New Year!

We want to thank you for reading our NSREA Quarterly Newsletter and connecting, growing, and developing along with us throughout 2019. The year was filled with exciting events and developments. From our continuing education conferences, our new course offerings in Dallas, Texas to the amazing professional opportunities extended by Eve Moss of Clarendon Valuation Advisors during our Annual Recertification Conference. We are so very grateful for your input and engagement, it is truly what makes this appraisal organization a genuine treasure. We are proud to be rich with networking opportunities, educational offerings, and personal development guidance. These are the characteristics that push us toward our goal of developing the next generation of minority appraisers. Thank you. We look forward to another amazing year of growth and opportunity. Happy New Year!
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 information on AVMs, bifurcated appraisal updates, dealing with odd angles while appraising unique properties, New Year's resolutions for entrepreneurs and more news you can use to improve your business.
Congratulations to Mr. Emerson Sutton! Emerson was appointed Board Secretary as he serves on The Appraisal Foundation's Board of Trustees.
Congratulations to Mr. Robert Hughes who was appointed Honorary President of NAREB and awarded a Chicago street name honor (pictured below) by Ronald Branch of Chicago.
We are so pleased to welcome new members Dwayne Flowers and Richard Willis Jr. of Georgia!

NSREA Members, mark your calendars for the NAREB 2020 Mid-Winter Conference February 8-13, 2020! During this year's conference we will be conducting our Annual Board Meeting and General Membership Meeting in addition to holding NSREA Elections. Click below for more details on NAREB's 2020 Mid-Winter Conference.
What's Inside?

  • A Perspective on AVMs

  • Tips for Appraiser Trainees

  • FHFA Halts Fannie's Bifurcated Program

  • Safety Tips for Appraisers


  • VA on Bifurcated Appraisals

  • Accurate Measurements with Odd Angles

  • Nuances of Black Neighborhoods in America

  • New Year's Resolutions for Entrepreneurs

  • The Healthbeat: 8 Simple Health Goals You Can Stick to in 2020!
A Perspective on AVMs
While automated valuation models are growing in popularity and those who champion them often describe them as simply the next step toward the future and employing latest technologies, how accurate are they and what are the dangers of their adoption? Click here to read A Perspective on AVMs , Paul Chandler's frank discussion on the shortfalls of AVMs and why the role of a professional independent appraiser is an absolute must.
  • Tips for Appraiser Trainees

One of the barriers to becoming an appraiser is one's ability to acquire an apprenticeship as a trainee. In her feature, Tips for Appraiser Trainees , Taunya Richards explains that contrary to popular belief it isn't just about who you know but what you know as well. Click here to read her tips for trainees and their mentors including remaining flexible and the importance of ethics.
  • FHFA Halts Fannie's Bifurcated Program

It seems that the attempts to replace or diminish the appraiser's role in the valuation process is becoming ever more frequent. Between waivers, AVM implementation, hybrid appraisals, and bifurcated appraisal there seems to be little resistance to the recklessness of minimizing the role of trained, qualified valuation professionals. However, FHFA has taken some steps in halting Fannie Mae's Bifurcated Program. For now Fannie Mae will continue to operate their Value Verify pilot program, but only on a limited pilot basis. Click here to read WorkingRE editor, Isaac Peck's article discussing the details of why the Value Verify program has been halted.
Safety Tips for Appraisers


While in the field appraisers face plenty of potential dangers from confrontational homeowners (and sometimes their less than friendly pets) to the physical safety of a vacant property. It is important for one to remain aware and prepared.

Click here to read Appraiser Safety Tips, a collection of tips and advice from fellow appraisers on remaining safe while in the field.
VA on Bifurcated Appraisals


In what is hopefully becoming a trend of cautiousness, the Departmennt of Veteran Affairs has issued guidance on VA "bifurcated" appraisals. Click here to read the details in this WorkingRE feature.
Accurate Measurements with Odd Angles

What do you do when the property you are appraising falls outside of typical architecture? Raechel Stickney, owner of Real Market Appraisals, has just the tool for you: the digital angle finder! Click here to read more.
Black Communities in America

This past year ShelterForce, The Voice of Community Development, has featured several articles that explore the nuances of the black communities and discusses the implications and future thereof. Click the feature titles below to read a few of the top articles covering the future of the black urban neighborhood, action needed to address racial disparities in homeownership and how to respond to the inevitable gentrification.



New Year's Resolutions for Entrepreneurs

Are you looking for simple, effective, achievable New Year's resolutions for your business? Check out GoDaddy contributor Amanda Larson's piece 20 New Year's Resolutions for Entrepreneurs in 2020 for ways to build your brand and develop your business this year!

8 Simple Health Goals You Can Stick to in 2020!

Ambitious, sweeping personal health resolutions are quite common however are almost impossible to achieve. The key to actually following through on your New Year's resolutions are to make them simple and easily integrated into your lifestyle. Click here to read 8 Health Goals You Can Actually Stick to in 2020 featured in Real Simple magazine.
Free Video Webinar: California's Assembly Bill 5
On January 10, 2020 (9:30 a.m. Pacific) Peter Christensen of Valuation Legal is hosting and presenting a video webinar about California's Assembly Bill 5. This webinar is specifically for individual appraisers. He will be covering AB 5 (California’s new “gig worker” law) in relation to individual real estate appraisers and small appraisal firms.

Click here to register for free.
Free Webinar: USPAP-Compliant Sample Evaluations
and Update on Standards
On January 16, 2020 (1:00 PM Eastern) Wayne Miller, Chair of the ASB, and John Brenan, Vice President Appraisal Issues at The Appraisal Foundation, will discuss in-depth the two sample evaluations, provide updates on Standards, and answer your questions and comments.

To register for the free webinar, click here .
COURSE O FFERING: Basic Appraisal Principles
Date: Tuesday, January 28 - Friday, January 31, 2020
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Wyndham Dallas Suites
7800 Alpha Road
Dallas, TX
Click here for more information.
COURSE OFFERING: Basic Appraisal Procedures

Date: Monday, February 3 - Friday, February 7, 2020
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Wyndham Dallas Suites
7800 Alpha Road
Dallas, TX
Click here for more information.
C OURSE OFFERING: National USPAP Course (Real Property)

Date: Saturday, February 1 - Sunday, February 2, 2020
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Wyndham Dallas Suites
7800 Alpha Road
Dallas, TX
Click here for more information.
NAREB 2020 Mid-Winter Conference

Date: February 8-13, 2020
Location: Mirage Las Vegas Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
Click here for more information.
TAFAC Committee Meeting

Date: Thursday, January 23rd
Location: The Westin Crystal City
1800 Richmond Hwy.
Arlington, VA 22202
Click here  for more information.
TAFAC General Meeting

Date: Fri day, January 24th
Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: The Westin Crystal City
1800 Richmond Hwy.
Arlington, VA 22202
Click here for more information.
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