Earlier this month, Jim Amorin, president of the Appraisal Institute, addressed the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) during the organization's meeting in Rome, Italy, with a presentation titled, "Rethinking Real Estate Markets." Speaking to the need for transparency and accountability in the worldwide valuation profession, he called for uniform valuation standards to advance professionalism, especially as tough economic conditions strain international market activity.
Member Referral Program
The Appraisal Institute has established a new Member Referral Program that will allow existing members to earn a 5% discount on 2010 National Dues for every new member that joins in their name. As a member, you can make up to four referrals for a maximum 20 percent discount on dues. All referrals that are eligible for the program must join the Appraisal Institute by September 30, 2009. For more information and to download the member referral cards, please visit www.appraisalinstitute.org/referral.
Customizable Lender Education Now Available
The Appraisal Institute has made the first of our many world-class educational programs customizable for lenders. The program, titled Commercial Appraisal Engagement and Review for Bankers, is being offered as a customizable program to assist banks and mortgage lenders with appraisal training. By working with Appraisal Institute instructors, lenders and their staff may learn the latest terminology, understand the changing regulations, and become familiar with proper procedures—and do so according to their specific needs. Developed for groups as an on-site or live online Webinar program, the Commercial Appraisal Engagement and Review for Bankers seminar may be delivered as a four- or seven-hour program. Discussions and explanations covered in the seminar include topics such as:
*How to interpret appraisal requirements (appraisals vs. "evaluations")
*Appraisal compliance (managing approved lists, who can order and review appraisals within your institution)
*Appraisal options (the different types of appraisals and when they can be ordered)
*Understanding appraisal standards (the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)
*Latest terminology and changing regulations
*What should go into your appraisal policies and procedures
*What to include on your review form
*What should be covered in an engagement letter
For more information about Appraisal Institute education programs designed for lenders, please visit www.appraisalinstitute.org/education/lenders.aspx
Legislative and Regulatory Overview Presentation
The Appraisal Institute is continuing to work hard for its members. To keep Appraisal Institute members apprised of the latest legislative and regulatory activities, and present current business opportunities resulting from recent government programs and initiatives, the Washington office recently recorded a Legislative and Regulatory Update for the first half of 2009. The presentation, which includes running commentary and insights in conjunction with a PowerPoint presentation, is delivered by Bill Garber, director of government and external relations, and Scott DiBiasio, manager of state and industry affairs. Bill and Scott share their insights on appraisal reform legislation pending in congress, as well as provide updates on federal agency appraisal policies, HVCC and initiatives at the state level that impact the appraisal profession. The Legislative and Regulatory Update is free for members. To view the presentation, please visit www.appraisalinstitute.org/myappraisalinstitute/govt_update.aspx.
MA Chapter Contributes to the North Star Challenge
Thanks to all Mass. chapter members and associates who contributed to the North Star Challenge. The funds will benefit the Appraisal Institute government relations committee and their work in Washington DC. Use of the funds is limited to (1) government relations consulting and lobbying costs and (2) enhancing member value towards external outreach.

David Cary, MAI, MRICS, is the 2009 president of the Mass. Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and managing director of Integra Realty Resources, Boston, Mass.