Appraisal & Consulting

2025 Connecticut Chapter of the Appraisal Institute update: New year – New opportunities!

On December 16, 2024 the Connecticut Chapter held its annual holiday party/installation of officers and directors. The 2025 slate of officers and directors were installed by National 2024 vice president Michael Mignogna, MAI, SRA at Verdi Restaurant, Waterbury, CT.

Housing …hidden in plain sight - by Daniel Calano

I was walking quickly to a downtown hospital the other day, in panic mode, so as not to miss a long planned doctor’s appointment. I reached the hospital, and while the main desk person “helped” by saying “go down this hall, take your first right, go to end, just before a left elevator bank, up to 4th floor,” etc, etc.,

The Trump regime: Pledges, promises and real estate impacts

Now that the election has settled, and President Elect Trump is setting up cabinet, departments, congressional favorites and so on, at a rip-roaring pace, we need to be aware and understand impacts to our industry. First, consider his pledges, which he has been fulfilling well before he is inaugurated.

Data, judgment and analysis - by William Pastuszek

The following falls into the category of Broadly Generalizing, but the issues need to be discussed. This isn’t the first time the subject has been discussed in this column and it’s probably far to say that the writer believe that it can’t be discussed enough.

The Appraisal Institute chapters are here, like always, dependable, working on what will benefit members

The Appraisal Institute Chapters are here, like always. Dependable, working on what will benefit our members. Connecticut is here to provide education and support to residential and commercial appraisers. Supporting National AI and moving the Institute and Chapters forward.

The interest rate see-saw: When we thought loans would be cheaper…- by Daniel Calano

Back in August, it seemed like the whole real estate industry was waiting /hoping that the Fed would lower the short-term borrowing rate. Daily financial news kept us on edge. What would the Fed do? When would it do it? Would it be too little, too late, and maybe create a recession? Whew!!

Coming down for the count…soft landing - by David Kirk

GDP looks like a full three for Q3. Actual Q3, 2.8 q/q, good enough. And inflation at two for the 12 months of the most recent period based on Personal Expenditures Consumer Price Index. With expected unemployment of 4.1% for October, employment has so many points of light, it’s bright. Actual unemployment from DOL?

Interest rates - Not so fast! - by William Pastuszek

Long awaited, the Federal Reserve dropped the “benchmark” federal funds rate to the 4.75 to 5% range, a 50 basis point drop. The statement from the Fed’s rate-setting committee noted the decrease was made “in light of the progress on inflation and the balance of risks.

Appraisers rely heavily on information provided by the owner or client when doing appraisal “inspections” - by Dennis Chanski

Dennis Chanski is principal of Speno Chanski Appraisal Associates, LLC, Hebron, Conn. ...

Commercial real estate property in the fall - by David Kirk

The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) did not disappoint in NYC. Out of the box at the annual meeting of the CRE, NYC is active, if not vibrant. A grand variety of sub market volcanic eruptions. The five Burroughs are caring and sharing. And transactions are occurring and activity ramping.