You’ll find below:
- My appraisal bias class on April 18 – if you take it and later get a complaint alleging bias, I’ll defend you (details below).
- My California/federal laws and regs class on May 16 with Appraiser eLearning.
- Appraiser-related California and federal legislation news.
- A reminder about where to find example engagement agreements.
New Required BREA Class
“Elimination of Bias and Developing Cultural Competency“
April 18, 2024, 10am to 1pm Pacific – $70
3 California CE Hours (Approved in California only)
Live on Zoom
BREA Course Approval No. 2310722004 (Provider: Valuation Education)
Fulfills BREA requirement for 2 hours of Elimination of Bias and 1 hour of Cultural Competency
I will defend you! If you take my elimination of bias/cultural competency class on April 18 and receive a discrimination complaint to HUD, the CFPB or the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers within 2 years about an appraisal performed after the class, I will volunteer 12 hours of my time to assist or represent you in that administrative proceeding. Details about my offer are on the class registration page.
Beyond that, you’ll get up-to-date information from me about what is really happening in the courts and with government agencies relating to alleged appraisal discrimination. You’ll learn key ways to work on bias issues and reduce your legal risk. You’ll also learn how a lack of “cultural competency” has led some appraisers into legal quagmires. Course Details and Registration
Laws and Regs Class with Appraiser eLearning
Do you need to take the Federal and California Laws and Regulations class for your renewal with BREA?
I’m teaching this class on May 16, 2024, 9am-1pm Pacific, on Zoom with Appraiser eLearning. Details and registration are at this link: Appraiser eLearning – Laws and Regs Class. Cost is $79.95.
My version of the course takes a fresh approach to the required subject. I answer real-world legal questions about your appraisal work.
Appraiser-Related Legislation
California. There isn’t much to report about appraiser-related legislation in California in 2024. This is it: SB1225 is a California bill sponsored by the Appraisal Institute. It would amend California appraiser law to authorize the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, upon petition by an appraiser and payment of a fee, to remove from BREA’s public website information about discipline imposed on the appraiser that is more than 10 years old and for which the appraiser provides evidence of rehabilitation. The bill also would authorize BREA to develop regulations specifying the amount of the fee and the information to be included in an appraiser’s petition.
Federal. At the federal level, these are the most significant pending bills: HR2771 and S2692 would create a federal internet-based portal for appraiser and AMC licensing/registration to make licensing in multiple states more efficient.S3902 is sponsored by REVAA. The primary substance of the bill is that it would: add trainees to national appraiser registry, permit licensed appraisers to perform FHA assignments again, permit the ASC to decrease the AMC registry fee (the fee is currently fixed per appraiser in federal law), and add the VA and USDA to ASC membership.
If you want more details about the above bills or bills in other states, you’ll find a legislation map on my website: Map Link. In Mississippi, for example, an appraiser/legislator proposed a bill that would require the licensing of “property data collectors.” It died …
Free Resource Reminder
Sample Engagement Agreements for Non-Lending Assignments
With lending work down in volume, it’s a good time for appraisers to work on their businesses. One aspect might involve improving the use of engagement agreements for different types of assignments. Good agreements and using a service like DocuSign can boost the professionalism of your practice and also provide key legal protection. Importantly, get your good agreement signed!
I’ve made available on my website example basic agreements for: general appraisal assignments, expert witness work, and divorce assignments. My examples are based on materials from the Appraisal Institute – I was a part of work group with AI that revised those materials several years ago.
You’ll find my example engagement agreements at this link: Appraiser Engagement Agreements.
