DEADLINE APPROACHING: 45-Day Notice of Proposed Amendments to Appraisal Institute Bylaws

At a Special Board Meeting occurring at least forty-five days after the date of this Notice or at its November 12-13, 2026, meeting in Chicago, Illinois, the Appraisal Institute Board of Directors will consider proposed amendments to the Appraisal Institute Bylaws regarding:

• Amended and Restated Bylaws

The proposed amendments are expected to have a financial impact of a minimum of approximately $300,000 annual savings, including travel and meeting expenses for Board of Director meetings, reduction of committees and other expenses offset by meeting expenses for the new regional council.

Any and all comments, whether pros or cons, will be sent to and reviewed by the AI Board of Directors. If you have any comments, concerns, and/or suggestions, please share them ASAP, but by November 1, 2026 via 45daynotice@appraisalinstitute.org

View 45-Day Notice

Appraisal Institute Raises Concerns About Public Appraisal Database

The Appraisal Institute met with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on October 26 to discuss its study of the feasibility of a public appraisal database, required by the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

AI emphasized concerns about homeowner privacy, potential commercial misuse of property information, and the risk of drawing misleading conclusions from appraisal data without adequate context. AI also urged GAO to consider whether existing data and controlled research access could meet legitimate research needs without the risks of broader public disclosure.

GAO’s report to Congress is due March 8, 2027. AI will continue providing input as the study moves forward.

Appraisal Institute Monitoring New Mortgage Executive Order

The Trump administration’s October 22 executive order directs FHFA to consider appraisal waivers as part of expanding the title acceptance program for eligible refinances. The provision addresses certain limited cash-out refinances that reduce borrowers’ monthly payments, where existing Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac data support a waiver. Specific eligibility and implementation policies remain to be developed.

The order separately calls for a mortgage insurance cancellation pilot using automated valuation models and other data.

The Appraisal Institute has concerns about reducing reliance on independent appraisals without adequate safeguards. AI will engage with federal housing regulators as policies take shape, emphasizing reliable valuations, consumer protections, and the continued role of independent, professional appraisal expertise.