The 2011 annual holiday meeting took place on December 13th at the Hawthorne Inn. More than 50 appraisers from across the state took advantage of a two hour continuing educational offer, and welcomed in our new president for 2012, Tyler Brown of Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors.
It is hard to believe that one year has passed since I accepted my role as president of the Chapter.
2011 was a challenging year to say the least for most appraisers given weak but improving economic conditions state wide, and volatile markets.
The year began with a challenge from the Realtors and bankers to the law regarding BPO (Broker Price Open) letters, and their use in appraisal work. Our legislative committee did a fine job in ensuring that the use of BPOs is not expanded, but continues to be used in the listing of real estate for licensed real estate salesmen and brokers.
The Connecticut Chapter hosted four dinner meetings throughout the year, all with excellent speakers, and sometimes most welcome C.E.
A variety of courses and seminars were provided over the year and well received by our members, ensuring that residential and commercial appraisers remain up to date on the latest trends and technology in the field.
With continued weak but improving economic conditions forecast for 2012 and beyond, real estate markets throughout New England will remain challenging.
For these reasons, it is more important than ever for consumers of real estate appraisals, to use designated members of the Appraisal Institute, especially those members with the MAI or SRA designation.
Members of the Connecticut Chapter holding these designations are held to the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
Given that 2012 is a mandatory renewal year for appraisers, a full complement of courses and seminars will be available over the next few months.
Please go to the chapter website (www.AI-Ct.org) for a full list of our educational offerings.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the board of directors of the Connecticut Chapter for their hard work over the past year and especially our executive director Jackie Beauchaine for her fine leadership.
George Shawah, the 2011 president of the Connecticut Appraisal Institute, is with Baldwin Pearson & Co., Inc., Bridgeport, Conn.