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Northern California Chapter
APPRAISALNews
December 2025
| | 2026 Annual Spring Conference Sponsors | | | | |
The Northern California Chapter acknowledges the early support of these 2026 Annual Spring Conference Sponsors.
It's not too early to SPRING forward!
Every level of Spring Conference Sponsorship includes COMPLIMENTARY conference attendance.
Learn more
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Stacey L. Thoyre
MAI, WELL AP, CDEI, LEED Green Associate
A Dual Award Recipient
2025 Appraisal Institute Bert Thornton
National President's Award
Claudia B. Carleton Legacy in Leadership Award 2025
In October, Stacey took the stage not once, but twice to be independently honored for her service on behalf of the Appraisal Institute, Members and the appraisal profession.
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Stacey currently serves as the National Education Chair for the Appraisal Institute. She is also an author, course developer, reviewer, and instructor. Over the years she has been a presenter and committee member on various Northern California Chapter signature conferences.
During the Joint Regional Meetings in San Diego, Appraisal Institute National President Paula K. Konikoff, JD, MAI, AI-GRS, presented Stacey with the Bert Thonton President's Award. The award is given to a person who is committed to the organization; currently engaged in its activities; an effective spokesperson; representative at all times; and in touch with both the needs of other AI members and the changes that the organization must help its AI members to meet.
Clearly, Stacey checked all the boxes as President Konikoff shared the following "this committee chair has made a significant difference to what the Appraisal Institute is best known for – its gold standard education.
Stacey has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in education, inspiring not only the committee but all of us with their unwavering passion and innovative spirit. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping our educational programs, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of best practices in our profession."
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In front of a packed crowd during lunch at our 2025 Annual Fall Conference, Past Chapter President Jeanine Kraus, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, had the privilege of presenting Stacey with the Claudia B. Carleton Leadership in Legacy Award.
Jeanine acknowledged Stacey's dedication, commitment and enthusiasm and shared the following quotes:
"Stacey has always impressed me with how hard and diligently she worked for her designation, and her attention to a specialty area of valuation. She seems always willing to help out, collaborate, and lead, making her such a positive influence on all of us."
Carol Laval, SRA
"Stacey has willingly taken on the monumental task of working with an interim CEO, a limited Executive Team, and an almost completely new Education Department staff, while attempting to help win back the Appraisal Institute’s education market share, and working through technology and delivery obstacles, release and state certification deadlines, and all the other swirling issues that have taken place recently on the National level – but still manages to pop in and actively participate in our quarterly WIN(ning) Conversations. Most importantly, she listens and wants to understand what is happening at the ground level."
Lisa M. Estes
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More Cause for Applause
Congratulations to the following professionals who also received awards at our 2025 Annual Fall Conference:
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Arlen C. Mills
Education Award
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Dawn Molitor-Gennrich Education Award
| | Northern California Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award | | |
Joe Lynch, SRA, MNAA
Joseph Lynch Appraisal Services
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Petra Weise
MacLane and Company, Inc.
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Stephanie Coleman
MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS
1957 - 2025
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Thank You
2025 Annual Fall Conference Sponsors
| | Fall Conference Flash Back | |
A Day to Remember
“This milestone is more than a celebration—it’s a moment to recommit to innovation, education, and excellence in everything we do as valuation professionals.”
John Hillas, MAI, SRA, 2025 Fall Conference Chair
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On October 24, nearly 250 appraisers and allied professionals converged on the So. San Francisco Conference Center for a day of networking and learning!
More than than two dozen esteemed presenters from near and far covered topics from Artificial Intelligence to Valuation Applications sharing their perspectives and practical pointers. Presenters included not one, but two professors from the University of California at Berkeley (even after 75 consecutive years, this was a first!), plus practicing appraisers, attorneys, a career coach, analysts, compliance specialists and a cowboy!
A huge round of applause to those listed below. Without their dedication, this amazing day would not have been possible.
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Jeanine Kraus, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, National and Northern California (WIN) Committee Member, welcomes attendees to the Women's Initiative sponsor table stocked with lots of incentives.
Ask the Experts! presenters Jacinto A. Munoz
MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, National Board of Director with
Michael J. Acquaro-Mignogna, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS,
2025 Appraisal Institute National President Elect.
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Definitely a FULL House!
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Appraisers "Play-Doh" to make dough! Yes, it was truly an interactive and creative learning experience!
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Interesting Appraisal Assignments Commercial presenters Craig A. Owyang, MAI, SRA, CRE, ARA, Daniel Galleno, MAI (moderator), Melissa J. Bach, MAI, CRE, and
Brad Bassi, SRA.
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. . . . and A Night to Remember
When you turn 75, it's a reason to celebrate and we did (in style)! Conference Vice Chair Michelle Patton, MAI, SR/WA, R/W-AC, had a vision and with a partner in crime, namely Serena Laird, they brought the Fall Conference Diamond Anniversary Gala to life!
Dancing to the sounds of The Nostalgics, sipping curated cocktails, dipping strawberries in the chocolate fountain, noshing on prime rib sliders, posing in the photo booth, viewing the legacy boards and just chatting with new and old friends, it was a memorable night for all! Tamara Spokane, MAI, gave a special tribute to G. Michael Yovino-Young, MAI, ASA, President, East Bay Chapter of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers (1967). Michael has been an incredible mentor and inspiration to a number of well-respected appraisers. After more than 65 years as an appraiser, always ready for the next assignment, Michael still goes into the office most days!
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G. Michael Yoving-Young, MAI, ASA and company.
Way to represent Y-Y!
| | Scott Hamm, MAI, (second from left) literally Hamm(ing) it up in the Photo Booth! | | Who knew a meeting room could be transformed? Michelle did! | | Cheers to our Peers from Rick and Laura Betts. | Al Watts, MAI, SRA, gets into the fun in front of the camera! | | |
Sampling of the Legacy Boards highlighting the professionals who have mentored and inspired others.
Kudos Serena for showcasing these "valuable" individuals.
Didn't catch a peek? Watch for the Legacy Boards at Spring Conference.
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"It's a Wrap!" said the smiling Chair and Vice Chair!
We'll look forward to seeing you next year! Save the date.
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Monterey Bay Branch Chapter
"Simply Social"
The Monterey Bay Branch Chapter held a "bowling and brews" night on November 12 in Monterey. They had so much fun (yes, everyone got a "golden prize" hand-crafted by MBBC Chair, Greg Migdale, AI-GRS) rumor has it that they will do it again in 2026 and may enlist some friendly competition with other Chapters!
| | Appraisal Institute Benefits You Can Use | | |
Unlock Powerful Short-Term Rental Insights with AirDNA – Exclusive for AI Members
As a member of the Appraisal Institute, you receive discounted access to AirDNA’s Rentalizer—a powerful tool designed to help you accurately assess the short-term rental income potential of residential properties.
By entering an address and key property details, Rentalizer delivers real-time projections for average daily rates, occupancy rates, and annual revenue, using data from comparable Airbnb and Vrbo listings.
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This supports more robust income approach valuations and allows you to evaluate the viability of short-term versus traditional rental models.
To see the tool in action, check out this demo video or explore the full capabilities in AirDNA’s Rentalizer Guide.
Enhance your valuation practice with this exclusive AI member benefit today!
AI members will receive a 20% discount on Pro subscriptions.
Learn more about pricing (you will need to set up a free account with AirDNA to view pricing details).
| | What is a Chapter Business Meeting? | | |
Chapter Business Meetings are vital for identifying individual concerns, networking, and receiving information.
To meet these needs, Chapters are required to conduct at least four regular Chapter Business Meetings each year to permit timely discussion of matters to be considered by the National Board of Directors at its meetings.
One of the regular meetings shall be to elect Chapter Officers and Directors for the subsequent year.
Chapter Business Meetings can be held either in person or by interactive technology.
To encourage attendance and Member participation, CBMs have typically been scheduled to coincide with workshops or webinars.
When is the next one?
Wednesday, January 21 via ZOOM at 4:00pm
immediately following our 2026 Economic Forecast
Learn more
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The Appraisal Institute, the leading professional association of real estate appraisers, is your home base— for community, for education, and for resources that can help you perform your job with more efficiency and ease than before.
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Tech Tips: Protect Yourself from Phishing Emails
We want to remind members to stay vigilant when reviewing emails that appear to come from the Appraisal Institute or any other organization.
Here are a few best practices reinforced in a Security Bulletin in AI's Customer Service section to help you identify legitimate emails:
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Check the sender’s address carefully. Be cautious of misspellings or look-alike domains.
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Hover before you click. Before clicking a link, hover over it to verify that it directs to an official domain or another trusted site.
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Avoid sharing personal or financial information by email. The Appraisal Institute will never ask for sensitive data such as passwords or credit card details via email.
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Watch for urgency or threats. Scammers often use phrases like “immediate action required” to pressure recipients into responding quickly.
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When in doubt or if something feels off - do not reply to the suspicious email.
Your attentiveness helps protect both you and our professional community.
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The Latest on Self Storage
Whether you're first entering this profitable niche or deepening your expertise, our newest book, Self Storage Economics and Appraisal, Second Edition, will help you stay ahead of the curve—and ahead of the competition.
Authors: R. Christian Sonne, MAI with contributing author Jonathan Lang.
Self storage is a $44 billion industry with over 57,000 facilities nationwide—and it's showing no signs of slowing down. Recession-resistant and investor-approved, this dynamic sector continues to attract capital, fueling demand for accurate appraisals and in-depth analysis.
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Self Storage Economics and Appraisal, Second Edition builds on the success of the widely used original, delivering fully updated content that reflects today’s evolving market. This go-to guide equips appraisers with the tools, insights, and methodologies needed to value self storage properties with precision and confidence.
Order Your Copy Today!
| | Emergency Financial Assistance | | |
The Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation (AIERF) is proud to have provided over $50,000 in emergency financial assistance last year to Appraisal Institute members and other real estate professionals facing unexpected hardships. From natural disasters to medical emergencies, we’re here to help our community weather the storm.
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Need Help? Apply Today
If you or someone you know is experiencing a personal emergency, we encourage you to apply for financial assistance. Whether the challenge is sudden or ongoing, AIERF is here to support you.
You Can Help Too
Our ability to assist others depends on the generosity of individuals like you. If you’re in a position to give, please consider making a donation—every contribution helps us make a real impact.
Questions? We’re Here for That Too
Email us at aierf@appraisalinstitute.org or call 312-335-4239. We’re happy to assist.
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2026 National Appraisal Institute Vice President Nominated
Smedmore Montgomery Bernard, Jr., MAI, was nominated for 2026 Appraisal Institute vice president by the AI National Nominating Committee at its December 4 meeting in Chicago.
National Nominating Committee Chair Sandy Adomatis, SRA, submitted the committee’s nomination to the AI Board of Directors. Board members may file petitions for additional nominees in accordance with the Appraisal Institute Bylaws. The AI Board of Directors is expected to elect the 2026 vice president in January.
The 2026 vice president will serve as the Appraisal Institute’s 2027 president-elect, 2028 president and 2029 immediate past president, in addition to chairing the Finance Committee in 2026 and the National Nominating Committee in 2029.
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Change is in the Air:
What Lies Ahead: UAD 3.6 and Appraisal Reporting
The next two years will bring the most significant process change in mortgage appraisal reporting in over a decade. The Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 and dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) will replace legacy forms with a single, data-driven report for all residential property types.
Timeline highlights:
• Limited production: Sept. 8, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026
• Broad production: Jan. 26, 2026 – Nov. 1, 2026
• Mandatory adoption: Nov. 2, 2026
• Retirement of old forms: May 3, 2027
Field insight:
As one appraiser in the UAD 3.6 test group shared with the Appraisal Institute, "Everyone said they were more ready than they are." This honest reflection underscores the need for early, practical training as the industry adapts to new standards.
| | With sympathy, we share the name(s) of members we've recently lost | | |
Charles LaFlamme, MAI
Sacramento Sierra Chapter President 2010
Appraisal Institute National Board Member
| | The Northern California Chapter has made or is making memorial donations in memory of these professionals to the Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation (AIERF) or charities specified by their families. | | |
"LIVE" Classroom or Synchronous Education
Plus FREE interactive chats
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Everyone learns differently.
The Northern California Chapter is committed to bringing you the education delivery options that work best for you. Take a peek at newly scheduled offerings in which you will learn and network in the way that works best for you!
If there is a specific course or seminar that you are seeking but do not see it on our calendar,
reach out to our Chapter Office.
View Calendar
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Installation Celebration
Meet our 2026 Leadership Team
All are Welcome
Register Now and Save!
January 16 / Sunnyvale
Webinar: 2026 Economic Forecast
January 21 / via ZOOM
Chapter Business Meeting
January 21 / via ZOOM
Course: Quantitative Analysis
Instructor: Gary DeWeese, MAI
Early Registration Required
January 26 - 30 / Walnut Creek
Course: 2026-27 (7-Hour) USPAP Update
NEW version
Instructor: Greg Migdale, AI-GRS
BEST VALUE RATE expires 12/31
Save up to $90 - Act Now
January 30 / via ZOOM
Seminar: Stats. Graphs & DataScience
Developer / Instructor:
George Dell, MAI, SRA
February 11-12 / Walnut Creek
Seminar: Market Analysis with Intelligence
Developer / Instructor:
George Dell, MAI, SRA
February 13 / Walnut Creek
Webinar: Cap Rates
February 20 / via ZOOM
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Annual Spring Conference
Great Topics. Super Speakers.
March 9 / Modesto
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting
March 19 / via ZOOM
Course: Review Theory - General
Only Scheduled 2026
West Coast Offering
April 20 - 24 / Walnut Creek
The 2026 Northern California Residential Appraisal Conference
April 27 / North Bay
2026 Spring Litigation Conference
May 1 / Oakland
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting
May 28 / via ZOOM
Course: 2026-27 (7-Hour) USPAP CE
NEW version
Instructor: Greg Migdale, AI-GRS
June 1 / via ZOOM
2026 Coastal California Conference
July 17 / via ZOOM
The Residential Symposium 2026
It's ALL Residential
August 7 / Format TBD
2026 Annual Fall Conference
October 16 / So. San Francisco
View our full calendar of events
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The General Demonstration Report—Capstone Program is an option that general Candidates may choose to complete their demonstration of knowledge requirement for the MAI designation.
Learn more about the program, the required prerequisites, and register here
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Knowledge. Experience. Integrity.
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Thank You
2025 Leadership Team
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Learn More
As of 01/01/22, "Synchronous" delivery format is the sole term for offerings described as a live online class taught in real time by an instructor.
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