What can you learn about appraisal practice from one member of a state board?
A lot.
Members of a state board see all types of appraisal reports - good ones, bad ones and fantastic ones. Members can cite what makes an appraisal report stand out. And, a member can describe a failing report.
What can you learn when you put members of several state boards together on a panel?
A whole heck of a lot.
You will have the unique opportunity to hear from representatives from five New England state boards at the 2014 New England Appraisers Expo. During their presentation the panelists will answer your questions and talk about common issues they see in appraisal reports. They share tips for making your appraisals less open to complaints and criticism. And, among other topics, the members will give guidance on how to respond when a complaint is filed.
But that's not all!
In addition to state regulators, you will receive from Paul Willen of the Boston Fed, an update about the New England economy. And, there's more. Jim Park, executive director of the Appraisal Subcommittee will unravel mysteries of Dodd Frank.
And there's more!
Following the expo's traditional outstanding hot buffet lunch, you get to choose your path to either commercial or residential appraisal topics. You can learn all about the Expo at www.mbrea.org.
The expo's producers, MA/RI Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and the MBREA need to acknowledge the Expo sponsors. These companies loyally support the appraisal profession with their generosity and, without them, the price to attend would be substantially higher. The 2014 sponsors are: Gold Sponsor Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency, Lunch Sponsor MLS property Information Network and Silver Sponsor The Warren Group.

Banner year for appraiser
government affairs
When you see Allan Cohen at the expo make sure you give him a pat on the back for leading MBREA's Government Affairs Committee. For the past few years Cohen has been instrumental in MBREA's drafting and filing of legislation benefiting Massachusetts appraisers. He spent many hours at the State House, sending emails and cajoling others to do the same. Fortunately, he's not going anywhere so the profession will be able to continue drawing on his leadership.
Stephen Sousa is the executive vice president of the Mass. Board of Real Estate Appraisers, Dedham, Mass.