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.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown last Thursday for NCAI's Q3 Chapter Business Meeting. We had a great meeting and we got a lot accomplished: we discussed chapter news and events, we recognized industry achievement, we connected with old friends and industry peers, and we enjoyed a presentation by an outstanding local leader!

(L-R): Real Estate Valuation Conference Committee Residential Chair Nathan Pippin, SRA; Government Relations Committee Chair Shep Overton, MAI; President Kelli Mayhew, MAI, SRA; Treasurer Brian Crowder, MAI, SRA; and Women’s Initiative Committee Chair Linda Nelson

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.

The process for nomination and election of the Appraisal Institute’s 2025 vice president has begun. The following individuals (listed alphabetically) have announced their candidacies and will come before the National Nominating Committee at its September 29-30 meeting in Chicago:

• Smedmore Bernard, Jr., MAI
• Joseph Calvanico, MAI, AI-GRS
• Enrique 'Henry' Casado, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS
• Sharon Harbin, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS
• Ryan Hlubb, MAI, SRA
• Ashley Johnson, MAI, SRA
• Jefferson Sherman, MAI, AI-GRS

AI Members may view the candidate biographies and questionnaires (log-in required) and written input may be provided by 5 p.m. CT, Wednesday, September 24. Correspondence should be addressed to Sandy Adomatis, SRA, chair, 2025 National Nominating Committee, and emailed to Joan Barngrover, board secretary and special assistant to the CEO, at j[email protected].

The Appraisal Institute is seeking individuals interested in serving as the 2026 Vice President of the Appraisal Institute. The 2026 Vice President will succeed to:

• 2027 President Elect
• 2028 President
• 2029 Immediate Past President

How to Submit a Nomination

If you are interested in serving, or wish to recommend someone for the position, please send a written recommendation to:

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

Associate Member

• George H. Williams, McLeansville, NC

Affiliate Member

• Lloyd Barron Van Dyke, Arden, NC

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

We’re back in tune — and we can’t wait to see you in Nashville!

Join hundreds of valuation professionals April 14–15, 2026, for the Appraisal Institute Annual Conference, packed with energy, innovation, and connections you won’t find anywhere else.

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.

Handling Reconsideration of Value Requests: Best Practices from the Field

September 18, 2025

Reconsideration of Value (ROV) requests are becoming more common as consumers, lenders, and regulators look for greater transparency and accountability in the appraisal process. This Trending Topics Thursday webinar will bring together perspectives from Fannie Mae and practicing appraisers to help clarify how ROVs work in practice, what lenders are asking for, and how appraisers can respond while upholding professional standards.

Rachel Beam of Fannie Mae will provide an overview of the GSE’s approach to ROVs, including recent guidance and expectations for lenders. Megan Judd, SRA, AI-RRS, will share insights from her workshop on consumer appraisal appeals, offering practical guidance for appraisers facing ROV requests in the field.

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!

Both of the Foundation's resource panels are accepting applications through September 1st. These panels rely on a constant stream of new talent from across the profession to carry out their work to uphold public trust and advance standards of excellence. We need dedicated people like you with a heart for the profession to consider dedicating your time and skills to our work.

Check out the list below to access the application for the group you think best fits your skills and interests.

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).

The Appraisal Institute is proud to announce the reopening of applications for the Pathways to Success scholarship, funded by The Appraisal Foundation and administered by the Appraiser Development Initiative (ADI). This scholarship provides full financial support for individuals pursuing licensure through an approved Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) program - offering a flexible and accessible pathway into the valuation profession.

The 2025 program year has already awarded 42 Pathways to Success scholarships supporting a pipeline of future appraisers.

The Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation (AIERF) is seeking nominations from AI members for the Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award. The deadline for nominations is July 31st. Nominate Today

The Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award recognizes one or more worthy individuals who have made a distinguished contribution to the appraisal profession during the immediately preceding year. The Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Award is open to both Appraisal Institute members as well as those who do not belong to the Appraisal Institute. Nominators should provide a letter of recommendation and brief biography of the nominee to [email protected] by July 31. For more information on AIERF and the awards, please visit the AIERF website.

Make a Nomination Today

NCAI Past President Claire Aufrance, MAI, was elected Chair of the North Carolina Appraisal Board (NCAB), during the June 24th meeting.  Formerly the Vice Chair, Claire’s term as Chair began on July 1, 2025, and will run through June 30, 2026.  Claire is the first woman to hold the position of Chair in NCAB history.

Among her many professional accomplishments, Claire has served as President of the NC Chapter of the Appraisal Institute in 2016, Chair of Appraisal Institute Region V in 2021 – 2022, and as a member of the Appraisal Institutes’ national board of directors between 2019 – 2022.  Claire has been the recipient of multiple Appraisal Institute honor’s including: the President’s Award in 2022, the Women’s Initiative Spotlight Award in 2022, and as a Volunteer of Distinction also in 2022.