Originally published in the October 10, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

The partial shutdown of the federal government is creating uneven impacts across the mortgage and housing landscape. While some loan programs continue operating, others have slowed or paused entirely—creating uncertainty for lenders, appraisers, and borrowers alike.

Originally published in the October 3, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Now in its sixth year, the IVSC Valuation Webinar Series brings together valuation professionals from around the world to explore the forces shaping the profession in 2025.

At its November 13-14, 2025, meeting in Chicago, Illinois, the Appraisal Institute Board of Directors will consider proposed amendments to the Appraisal Institute Bylaws and Regulation Nos. 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 regarding:

• Chief Executive Officer Powers and Duties
• Chief Executive Officer Title
• Course Examination Requirements for Candidates
• National Nominating Committee
• Regular and Special Board Meeting Related Requirements

Unless otherwise noted, the proposed amendments are expected to have no or minimal financial impact. 

Originally published in the September 26, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

The Department of the Interior (DOI) has begun implementing provisions of the Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts (AACE) Act, which expands the Department’s authority to procure appraisal services. The law authorizes DOI to contract directly with any certified general appraiser in the United States, but only after first attempting to locate an appraiser in the state where the assignment occurs. This new authority is intended to streamline the Department’s ability to obtain timely appraisals from qualified and cost competitive appraisers, though state-level discussions are beginning to reveal uncertainties in how the law will function in practice.

Originally published in the September 26, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

A new push to modernize the real property appraiser licensing process is underway. The Portal for Appraiser Licensing Act (H.R. 5520) has been officially reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) with bipartisan cosponsors Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN), Daniel Meuser (R-PA), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Brittney Pettersen (D-CO), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Susie Lee (D-NV).

Congratulations to one of our own! Governor Josh Stein has appointed Laura Gourlay, MAI, AI-GRS to a three-year term on the North Carolina Appraisal Board, ending June 2028. Laura is an executive officer of the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. Currently serving as Secretary in 2025, she will serve as chapter Treasurer in 2026. Laura is the owner of AccuAppraisal of NC, LLC, which is headquartered in Asheville, NC, and whose primary market area encompasses western North Carolina.

She is an expert in Eminent Domain appraising and works full time for the NCDOT as a review appraiser. Her practice also includes appraisal and consulting on a wide variety of commercial real estate. Laura regularly teaches for the NCDOT, and is an AQB Certified USPAP Instructor. 

Originally published in the September 26, 2025, NC General Assembly Update
Author: Jon Hardister of Elevation Strategies

The NC General Assembly convened for session this week, where they voted on several matters and worked to address budgetary issues.

A highlight of our Q3 Chapter Business Meeting in Asheville last week was honoring our newest designee – Brent Koenig, MAI, AI-GRS – who was recognized for his designation by NCAI President Elect Greyson Morgan, MAI.

Brent provides real estate valuation, consulting, research and project management services, and has 22 years of experience in real estate as a manager, director, practice leader, appraiser, owner-builder and project engineer. He has advised lenders, investors, developers and builders on the development of 93,000+ housing units. Brent currently works for Freddie Mac as a Senior Credit Risk Consultant and Senior Review Appraiser.

Originally published in the September 19, 2025, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

 A federal judge has ruled that Rocket Mortgage and appraisal management company Solidifi must defend themselves against allegations of appraisal bias under the Fair Housing Act.

By Jon Hardister and Sebastian King of Elevation Strategies

The NC General Assembly convened for session earlier this week, but no action was taken. They have now adjourned with plans to return for work on September 22nd.

Originally published in the August 22, 2025, issue of AI's Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

In two recent rulings, the U.S. Tax Court once again signaled that inflated conservation easement valuations will not pass muster. The Ranch Springs (Ranch Springs, LLC v. Commissioner, 164 TC 2025-6) and Beaverdam Creek Holdings (Beaverdam Creek Holdings v. Commissioner TC Memo 2025-53) cases both centered on charitable deductions tied to land conservation, and in each, the court found the taxpayer’s claimed values to be dramatically overstated.

Our membership keeps growing. We're thrilled to introduce the following new members of the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute:

Associate Members

• Karina Kizatova, Indian Trail, NC
• Louis Fierro Nunez, Jacksonville, NC

Thank you for joining, and we're excited to have you as a part of the NCAI community!

Recently, 2022 NCAI President Vanessa Hall, MAI, AI-GRS, was featured on the Appraisal Institute's podcast, Face Value. The show, hosted by Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, discusses news, insights and stories with appraisers and real estate professionals.

In the July 28th episode titled, "WIN and AA, " Vailas and Boizot sat down with Ms. Hall and another fellow AI member, Emily Braman, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in the appraisal profession. Hall also highlighted her work as chair of AI's Women's Initiative Committee (WIN).

Security Bulletin from the Appraisal Institute

We’ve been made aware of recent phishing attempts in which cybercriminals are impersonating the Appraisal Institute to try to steal personal information. These emails may appear convincing but are not from us. Please remain vigilant and follow the guidance below to help protect yourself:

The Annual Meeting of the Appraisal Institute membership will take place virtually on August 19, 2025. The meeting will commence at approximately 2:00 p.m. CT and run until all business is concluded. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the state of affairs of the Appraisal Institute. Information on how to join the meeting will be forthcoming. The meeting will be conducted at the same time as the third regular Board Meeting Recap and Q&A.

The Appraisal Institute task force composed of five non-officer Directors has begun its work in an effort to help ensure a safe and respectful environment for all staff and members. The group will be reviewing associated policies, procedures and protocols and then will consider what recommendations it might make. The task force is currently reviewing options for outside counsel who will work alongside it.

Once the task force hires outside counsel, they will coordinate and supervise work to clarify best practices; consider existing approaches; and identify and address any gaps. The task force consists of the following members:

Nominate a deserving colleague by July 31

The Appraisal Institute would like to recognize some of the brightest, most committed and deserving AI members. If you believe you know an AI member who fits the criteria below for the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Service Award, William S. Harps DEI Award, or the Women’s Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award, please nominate that person. Submissions for these Awards must be completed by July 31, 2025.

J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award
The J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an AI member who best demonstrates high ethical standards; contributed to the Appraisal Institute at the chapter, regional, national and/or international level(s); provided service to his or her community; and contributed to the appraisal profession.

By Greyson Morgan, MAI, NCAI President-Elect

NCAI and the Government Relations Committee have been working diligently and have made significant positive progress in recent months at the North Carolina Capitol!

Thank you to everyone who came out to Congdon Yards in High Point last week for NCAI's Q2 Chapter Business Meeting. The meeting was a great success: we got a lot accomplished, we connected with old friends and industry peers, and we enjoyed an evening of socializing and fun at the Carolina Core FC game!

(L-R): Greyson Morgan, Brian Crowder, Scott DiBiasio, Mike Elwell, Laura Gourlay, Erica Butler
and NCAI President Kelli Mayhew

Our membership keeps growing. We're thrilled to introduce the following new members of the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute:

New Members

Associate Member