NCAI’s Member Spotlight highlights professionals across our network. This feature introduces Ryan Hlubb, Jr. and his journey in the appraisal industry.

My journey into the appraisal business runs in my blood. My grandfather, Paul Hlubb, built a career in this profession from the ground up, and my father, Ryan Hlubb, followed in his footsteps so by the time I came along, the world of valuation was less of a foreign concept and more a common dinner table conversation. Growing up immersed in that environment made the decision to join the profession feel less like a choice and more like a natural next step.

Originally published in the April 14, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

We’re excited to announce that the newly enhanced Find an Appraiser directory is now live. 

Originally published in the April 14, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

The Appraisal Institute’s National Nominating Committee is scheduled to interview two candidates for 2027 AI Vice President during its May 13 meeting in Chicago.

Originally published in the March 31, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

The BRAVE (Banking Real Estate Appraisal Valuation Exchange) standard has been released to pair the appraisal PDF with a structured, spreadsheet‑friendly data file. That consistent dataset can become a “source of truth” inside financial institutions, supporting commercial appraisal review, underwriting decisions, and portfolio monitoring throughout the life of the loan.

Originally published in the March 24, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Two recent policy developments are shaping the future of mortgage lending—and creating an important opportunity for the appraisal profession to engage.

Originally published March 17, 2026, by the NC Appraisal Board
Reprinted with permission from NCAB

All trainees, licensed residential, certified residential, and certified general appraisers are required to complete the 2026-2027 7-Hour National USPAP course by May 31, 2026, to renew on time. All registrations, licenses and certificates expire on June 30, 2026, and must be renewed before this date to maintain an active status. If you do not renew by June 30, 2026, your registration, license, or certificate will expire. Any person who acts as a trainee, licensed, or certified real estate appraiser while expired shall be subject to disciplinary action and penalties as prescribed by the NC Appraiser’s Act. Online renewals will begin on May 1, 2026.

Originally published March 17, 2026, by the NC Appraisal Board
Reprinted with permission from NCAB

The North Carolina Appraisal Board has commenced rulemaking for 2026. A public hearing on the proposed changes will be held at 9:00 am on April 7, 2026, at the Board's office at 5830 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC. Written comments will be accepted until May 15, 2026. Comments may be emailed to Mindy Sealy at [email protected], or may be mailed to 5830 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. The proposed rules are available on our website at ncappraisalboard.org/rules-regulations-1.

Originally published in the March 17, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Last Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a sweeping bipartisan housing package to improve affordability and expand the housing supply nationwide. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed 89 to10 and includes provisions to boost housing availability, modernize federal programs, and ease market pressures on homebuyers.

Reprinted with permission from AI

The Administration recently issued an Executive Order aimed at expanding access to mortgage credit and addressing housing affordability. The order directs federal financial regulators to review mortgage-related regulations that may affect credit availability—an effort that could lead to significant policy changes, including rules affecting real estate appraisal requirements.

The North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute hosted its inaugural WIN Conference on March 12, 2026, at the Canopy Realtor Association Building in Charlotte, NC. The full-day event brought together real estate professionals from across the state for engaging sessions, networking, and professional development.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Lost Worlds Brewing on March 12 for NCAI’s 2026 Q1 Chapter Business Meeting and WIN Conference Reception. The evening brought members together for networking, chapter updates, and a chance to connect with colleagues from across the state.

WIN Conference attendees joined the reception to celebrate and connect over drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Originally published in the March 10, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

The Appraisal Institute is pleased to recognize Kelli Kline Mayhew, MAI, SRA, as a recipient of the Women’s Initiative SPOTLIGHT Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to advancing women in the appraisal profession.

NCAI is pleased to announce that Valbridge Property Advisors has joined the 2026 WIN Conference as a Platinum Sponsor. This generous sponsorship was led by Valbridge’s North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia offices, demonstrating their continued commitment to supporting the appraisal profession across the region. The North Carolina office is led by our own John Bosworth.

Valbridge Property Advisors is one of the largest independent commercial appraisal and advisory firms in the United States, providing valuation, consulting, and market analysis services across a wide range of property types. Through its national network of local offices, Valbridge delivers market expertise combined with deep industry knowledge to support clients including financial institutions, corporations, government agencies, and private investors.

Originally published in the March 3, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Questions surrounding attic inspection expectations under the FHA Single Family Housing Program have persisted for years within the appraisal profession. Although FHA has made incremental updates to its appraisal guidance, uncertainty remains as to whether attic observation is implied as a default requirement.

NCAI is pleased to announce that the Appraisal Institute Education & Relief Foundation (AIERF) has elected to be a Platinum Sponsor of the WIN Conference, scheduled for Thursday, March 12th in Charlotte, NC. AIERF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support charitable, literary, and educational and scientific initiatives within the appraisal profession. AIERF initiatives include:

• Funding the improvement, advancement, research and teaching of real estate appraisal techniques,
• Providing emergency financial assistance to appraisers who have experienced a disaster or emergency that has resulted in financial, physical, or emotional distress,
• Providing scholarships and grants to qualified persons for education in or work in the field of real estate appraisal,
• Promoting and conducting research into all aspects of real estate appraisal,
• Fostering the establishment of educational standards for real estate appraisals,
• Maintenance of a library and encouraging the writing and publication of treatises, books and pamphlets relating to real estate appraisal, and
• Encouraging other organizations to improve, advance and teach real estate appraisal.

 Each year, AIERF provides:

Originally published February 28 by Elevation Strategies
Reprinted with permission

Property taxes are a hot topic in Raleigh right now. The NC House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform has held several meetings, and NC Senator Phil Berger also recently announced a task force in the NC Senate to examine property taxes.

Originally published in the February 24, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Fannie Mae has announced an important update to its collateral risk management framework: Collateral Underwriter® (CU®) access is now available to Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs). The stated goal of this change is to improve transparency and alignment in the appraisal review process by enabling lenders and AMCs to work from a shared view of collateral risk.

Originally published in the February 17, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

When a property moves into foreclosure and REO status, valuation becomes more than a technical exercise, it becomes a market signal.

The window is closing fast for applications for this year’s scholarship money from the North Carolina Chapter.  The deadline is February 22, 2026.

Last year, everyone received full tuition for their respective classes.

Originally published in the February 3, 2026, issue of AI’s Appraisal Now
Reprinted with permission from AI

Registration is now open for the Appraisal Institute’s 2026 Legislative Day, taking place in Washington, DC on May 20–21, 2026.

Register Now