Stephen Sousa, Mass. Board of Real Estate Appraisers

A quarter century of excellence. That is the remarkable achievement of the New England Appraisers Expo. The brainchild of two MBREA leaders, John Easton, MRA and Richard Goulet, MRA, the Expo has endured through the advent of licensing, real estate cycles of expansion and contraction and the imposition of unanticipated regulatory challenges.

In doing so, the expo annually serves as the largest gathering of real estate appraisal professionals in the Northeast. Through networking many new professional relationships have started and flourished. Appraisers connect with each other and use time at the expo to discuss common issues. Throughout the year, expo friendships enable appraisers to ask each other for advice and guidance.

The expo has also served as a forum featuring outstanding speakers and presenters. The noted housing economist, Chip Case, has graced the stage on many occasions sharing his insights in meaningful ways. Leaders from the Federal Reserve Bank, the Appraisal Subcommittee, the Appraisal Foundation and other organizations have been featured speakers as well.

The most important contributors have been the rank and file appraisers who take the stage to educate through sharing experiences and the teaching of appraisal theory. These folks, way too many to name, are the life blood of the Expo. They plan sessions, moderate panels, prepare presentations and freely share their expertise for the benefit of others.

Rich and John (who is no longer with us) planted the seed for an event that continues to grow so many years later.

Many have made projections about what the future holds for the appraisal profession. Is it bound for extinction as the average age of appraisers goes up and few new appraisers are being created? Will AVMs relegate appraisers to the sidelines? Will fees for residential appraisers ever be commensurate with the client’s expectations of experience and quality?

The answers to these questions are unknown today. One certainty is that the expo will be there to provide appraisers with information and insight of trends. The expo will continue to be the place appraisers will gain knowledge to help them adapt to any changes thrown their way.

Thank you for your support of the expo over 25 years and we hope to see you at many more in the years ahead.

Stephen Sousa is the executive vice president of the Mass. Board of Real Estate Appraisers, Boston.