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Northern California Chapter
APPRAISALNews
June/July 2026
| | Synchronous QE/BE Appraisal Education | | |
Your Real Estate Appraisal Career
Starts Here!
Terrific NEW evening format for those looking for
life-work-learning balance as they prepare for a
career in real estate appraisal!
- Format consists of Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 5:30pm – 9:00pm (Pacific Time) exam to be completed at a PearsonVue Testing Center (view details)
- Instruction will be provided via ZOOM
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Register Early
Save up to $85 on Entry-Level Courses
Basic Appraisal Principles
Tu /Th Evening Format
August 25, 27 and
September 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, and 17
via ZOOM
Basic Appraisal Procedures
Tu / Th Evening Format
September 29, October 1, 6, 8, 13, 20, 22 and 27 (no class on 10/15)
via ZOOM
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If you’re considering a career in professional valuation services, your journey should begin with Basic Appraisal Principles. This eight-session course will introduce you to real property concepts and characteristics, legal considerations, influences on real estate values, types of value, economic principles, real estate markets and analysis, highest and best use, and ethical considerations. The course should provide a solid foundation in basic appraisal principles no matter what appraisal specialty you pursue.
Both Principles and Procedures will be co-instructed by two highly-rated experienced instructors:
– Jacinto A. Munoz, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, CRE
– Mark Smeltzer, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS
Learn More
| | Get Ready Now: Resources for UAD 3.6 | | |
Countdown to UAD 3.6: Will You Be Ready?
The appraisal profession is changing, and the deadline is real. On November 2, 2026, the new URAR becomes required for all GSE lending assignments. Countdown to UAD 3.6: Will You Be Ready? is a seven-session series designed by the Appraisal Institute built to get you there.
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Series Details
Countdown to UAD 3.6: Will You Be Ready?
Synchronous
Format: Monthly live online sessions
(all sessions recorded)
Sessions: Seven total
35 AI CE Points | No CE delays
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Session 1
UAD 3:6 Key Changes, Common Questions, and Early Lessons
Synchronous
June 30, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
Host
Maureen Sweeney, SRA, AI-RRS
Presenters
Kenneth DeFeo, Fannie Mae
Sean Murphy, Freddie Mac
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Each month, you'll hear directly from guest subject matter experts, see live demonstrations of practical tools, and walk away with something you can use right away. Whether you're already deep in the transition or just getting started, this series meets you where you are. Session 1 kicks off June 30th. Open to Members and Non-Members. All levels welcome.
Questions? About Countdown to UAD 3.6 series and sessions - Contact the Appraisal Institute's National Headquarters at 888-756-4624.
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More Opportunities to Prep for UAD 3.6
The following programs are being sponsored by the Northern California Chapter
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Navigating UAD 3.6
Friday, August 7 via ZOOM
Streamline report creation, modern workflows, computer vision, and advanced automation.
– Representatives from Aivre
A 60-minute session being featured at
The Residential Symposium 2026:
It's ALL Residential
ACT NOW! Registration starts at just $85
Earn 4-hours of CEC
| |  | |
Updates on the URAR and NEW UAD 3.6
Friday, October 16
South San Francisco Conference Center
Presenters include
Jeanine Kraus, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS
VP Chief Appraiser
Bank of Stockton
Kyle Paquin, MNAA, AGA
Certified Residential Appraiser/Partner
Valuable Appraisals
A 90-minute session being featured at the
2026 Annual Fall Conference
Watch for More Details in Late July
| | 2026 Annual Spring Conference Flash Back | |
On Monday, March 9, over 70 registrants congregated at the DoubleTree Hotel in Modesto for a full-day of customized learning and networking.
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The day started early with our merry band of helpers lead by 2026 Spring Conference Chair Joe Cormier-Knopp, MAI, AI-GRS, ensuring that everything was set up for when attendees began arriving.
Kudos to Jeanine Kraus, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, Alex Forster-Hart, MAI, Melissa Downing, MAI, AI-GRS, Michelle Patton, MAI, and Sean Lim, MAI, for their early morning assistance.
Thank You
for Your Support
2026 Spring Conference Sponsors
| | |
The opening Keynote State of the Profession presented by Mike Belote, Lobbyist / Immediate Past President and Michael J. Acquaro-Mignogna MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, 2026 National President
Appraisal Institute provided up-to-date information regarding real estate related changes in the appraisal industry, including proposed legislation to existing regulations. The conference featured 9-breakout sessions ranging from AI (Artificial Intelligence) to practical applications relating to the new URAR/UAD 3.6. The General Closing session gave an overview of Development and Redevelopment Trends in California including California Forever, a next-generation, master-planned destination embodying California’s iconic lifestyle, environmental stewardship, and experiential design.
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Sierra Branch Chapter
"Simply Social" - Thursday, July 9
5:30pm - 7:00pm
The Brass Tap
4500 Dale Road, Modesto
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Plan now to join your colleagues in the Central Valley
for another casual “Simply Social”
- We are rallying in Modesto to enjoy complimentary appetizers and no-host beverages
- Non-AI professionals and new appraisers or those thinking about entering the real estate appraisal profession are encouraged to attend
- We will gather not just to talk appraisal, but to make meaningful friendships and networking connections
- No RSVP – just show up! Come one, come all!
Questions? Reach out to Michelle Patton, MAI, Sierra Branch Chapter Chair
Learn more
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Joint North Bay Branch Chapter and REAA
"Simply Social" - Thursday, September 24
4:30pm - 8:30pm
Hooby’s Brewing at the Farm
24830 County Road 95, Davis
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It's more than just a "Simply Social" - Learn to Line Dance
(If you already know how to Line Dance, then come show off!)
Together we will enjoy in-person networking with no-host beverages and complimentary appetizers.
But wait – there is more! There will be music and line dancing!
It’s casual. We’ll chat. It’s fun. We’ll literally kick-up our heels!
- Yolo Line Dancing will provide us with 30 minutes of private instruction before they open to the general public
- Not new to line dancing? Get ready to show us your stuff!
- The evening starts with lessons and dances for beginners … and they up the difficulty every hour or so
- Watch for more details coming soon
Questions? Contact North Bay Branch Chapter Chair Steve Salmon, MAI.
Learn more
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Joint North Bay and East Bay Branch Chapter
"Nature Hike" and BBQ
Almost 40 people registered for our "Highest & Best BBQ" on Saturday, June 20th at Rush Ranch in Suisun City!
Attendees included appraisers, aspiring appraisers, colleagues, and their families came out for a great afternoon. Shout out to Past Chapter Presidents, Paul Chandler, MAI (2025), Steve Salmon, MAI (2022), Brad MacLane, MAI, AI-GRS (2013), Kathryn Sturgis-Bright, MAI, AI-GRS (2015) and Ron Garland, MAI, SRA (1995) who were in attendance.
In addition, nearly a dozen students / recent graduates from San Jose State University made the trek from the Silicon Valley area on a Saturday morning! This group of bright young engaged individuals came prepared and fired off intelligent career fact finding questions to the seasoned appraisers who were eager to provide answers and shed light on why they "value" a career in real estate appraisal. Way to represent Spartans!
| | Special kudos to North Bay Branch Chapter Chair / Event sponsor Steve Salmon MAI (and his "Team Salmon" - Heather, Cole and Kate) for running the grill all afternoon and to East Bay Branch Chapter Chair Soren Nieminen for making sure that the picnic logistics were in place. | | | Collectively, we grilled. We hiked. We caught a free horse-drawn wagon ride and toured the historic blacksmith shop and visitor center. And yes, a docent brought live snakes, so braver folks (they were a hit with the kids) who got up close for a hissing match! | A big thanks to everyone who came out and brought a dish to share. Getting out from behind the desk with this crew was easily the best part! Can't wait to do it again! | | |
Thank You to our
"Highest & Best BBQ"
Sponsor
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Chapter "Simply Social"
Following the Monterey Bay and Golden Gate Branch Chapter's "The Business behind the Building" (the Northern California Chapter's first hybrid) workshop/webinar on Tuesday, May 5th, attendees gathered post the Chapter Business Meeting (CBM) on the patio at Casa Munras for a "Simply Social" to sip some cool beverages and nibble on tasty treats before continuing the conversations at dinner!
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Thank you to our two exceptional speakers Brittany Marrow, MAI, and Stephen Bethel, MAI, MA, MA, BA as well as the Northern California Chapter's Golden Gate Branch Chapter Chair Alex Stumpf and Monterey Bay Branch Chapter Chair Greg Migdale, AI-GRS for their behind-the-scenes efforts.
| | Thank you to our "The Business behind the Building" Sponsors | | |
Sacramento Branch Chapter
"Simply Social"
On Friday, March 27th, the Sacramento Branch Chapter held it's first "Simply Social" of 2026 at Federalist Public House in Midtown Sacramento.
| | | | |
A Trio of Chapter Leaders!
Angela Hernandez, MAI, AI-GRS, Chapter Treasurer, Joe Esparza, MAI, Board of Director and Quirina Mitchell, MAI, AI-GRS, Board of Director and 2026 Sacramento Branch Chapter Chair.
| | It was a success! It was nice to see so many familiar faces. New connections were made, we learned about local employment opportunities (a handful of BREA staff members attended). More local events are in the works! | | Appraisal Institute Benefits You Can Use | | |
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| | |
NEW! Advisory Guidance for Designated Members!
This new benefit is exclusively for Designated members and provides a unique educational opportunity to enhance future appraisal reports! Designated members may submit an eligible appraisal report for independent advisory guidance from a fellow Designated member (serving as an Advisory Guidance Counselor) who has knowledge and background in evaluating appraisal reports.
The Advisory Guidance Counselor will schedule a virtual one-on-one advisory guidance session and verbally provide educational and constructive feedback. The cost for an Advisory Guidance Session is $500 for one commercial report or $300 for two residential reports. Learn more.
| | What is a Chapter Business Meeting? | | |
Chapter Business Meetings (CBMs) 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 (ZOOM).
To encourage attendance and Member participation, CBMs have typically been scheduled to coincide with workshops or webinars.
When is the next one?
Thursday, August 20 via ZOOM (Time TBD)
Learn more
| | | | | |
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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Appraisal Institute Leaders Discuss Fair, Evidence-Based Valuation Enforcement with HUD
Appraisal Institute leaders met this week with senior officials at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for a candid and constructive discussion about valuation policy, fair housing enforcement, and the role of appraisers in the housing finance system. Read more.
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Tech Tips:
How to Recognize Legitimate Appraisal Institute Emails
We want to remind Members to stay vigilant when reviewing emails that appear to come from the Appraisal Institute National Office in Chicago.
As reinforced in our Security Bulletin located in the Customer Service section of the AI National website, here are a few best practices to help you identify genuine Appraisal Institute communications and protect your information:
- Check the sender’s address carefully. Official Appraisal Institute messages always come from addresses ending in @appraisalinstitute.org. Be cautious of misspellings or look-alike domains.
- Hover before you click. Before clicking any link, hover your cursor over it to confirm that it directs to an official Appraisal Institute domain or another trusted site.
- Avoid sharing personal or financial information by email. The Appraisal Institute will never ask for sensitive data such as passwords or credit card information via email.
- Watch for urgency or threats. Scammers often use alarming language such as “immediate action required” to pressure recipients into responding quickly.
-
When in doubt, verify. If something seems suspicious, contact the Appraisal Institute directly through our Support Center rather than replying to the questionable message.
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NEW Releases!
The simultaneous release of The Appraisal of Real Estate, 16th Edition, and The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, 8th Edition, brings together two of the profession’s most trusted and forward‑looking resources, developed side by side through an expert-driven review process.
The Appraisal of Real Estate, 16th Edition, offers refined explanations and timely insights that reflect today’s evolving valuation landscape, while the newly updated Dictionary provides current terminology aligned with modern appraisal practice.
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Select Savings of up to 35%.
Bundle options available that include Print + PDF.
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AI on AI Replay: Every Session from Season 1, All in One Place
The Appraisal Institute is introducing the AI on AI Replay, a complete collection of every session from Season 1, now available in one place.
This is not just a set of recordings. It is a structured, on demand resource designed to help you understand how AI can be applied across real appraisal workflows, from organizing information to improving report development. Whether you are getting started or looking to refine how you use AI, the Replay allows you to move at your own pace and revisit key concepts as needed.
You can access the full AI on AI Replay now for $99 for a limited time. Learn more.
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The Appraisal Foundation Opens Call for ASB and AQB Applications
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The Appraisal Foundation is now accepting applications for its annual selection of new members to serve on the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) and the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB). Individuals appointed through this process will begin their term on January 1, 2027. Each appointment may be for a one-, two-, or three-year term, depending on the needs of the board.
For this selection cycle, there are up to three open seats on the AQB and up to four open seats on the ASB that are eligible for appointment or reappointment.
“The ASB and AQB are central to the Foundation’s work to uphold our congressional authorization and maintain public trust,” said Kelly Davids, President of The Appraisal Foundation. “Folks with a deep commitment to the appraisal profession’s next chapter have a unique opportunity to shape its standards and qualifications at the highest level.”
Each Board holds two in-person, two-day work sessions annually, along with additional virtual work sessions as needed. Meetings are typically held in Washington, DC, but may occasionally take place in other locations in conjunction with Foundation events. Boards also convene for two to three virtual public meetings per year (half-day sessions) and monthly two- to three-hour conference calls. Board work between meetings is ongoing and varies by project.
Members are compensated for their service and reimbursed for travel expenses. Individuals appointed to the AQB or ASB in this cycle will begin their terms on January 1, 2027, with an initial term length of one, two, or three years depending on Board needs.
The Boards Nominating Committee of the Board of Trustees seeks applicants from a range of disciplines and professional backgrounds who bring deep thinking, collaborative decision-making, and a commitment to advancing the appraisal profession in the public interest.
How to Apply: Applications are due in July
Click here to apply for the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB).
Click here to apply for the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB).
Questions or More Information?
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Arika James at arika@appraisalfoundation.org or via phone at 202-624-3072.
______________________________________________________
The Appraisal Foundation Opens Call for
PPRP and BVRP Applications
The Appraisal Foundation is now accepting applications for its two resource panels: the Personal Property Resource Panel and Business Valuation Resource Panel. Panelists can serve up to two three-year terms. New terms would commence on January 1, 2027.
These resource panels bring together subject matter experts to provide insights, research, and feedback that help shape the development of appraisal standards and qualifications. The panels serve as advisory groups to the Boards, offering specialized knowledge in areas such as business valuation and personal property.
Their input supports informed decision-making and helps ensure that the standards remain current, credible, and responsive to industry needs.
If you are interested in learning more or applying, please click below and submit your application by September 1st.
How to Apply:
Click here to apply for the Personal Property Resource Panel.
Click here to apply for the Business Valuation Resource Panel.
______________________________________________________
AQB Releases Second Exposure Draft
of Proposed Changes to the Criteria
The Appraiser Qualifications Board has released their Second Exposure Draft of proposed changes to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria.
The Second Exposure Draft widens the path into the profession and shortens the route to a credential, while upholding the current standard a candidate must meet and the public trust the credential carries.
Taken together, the proposals would:
• Open additional paths into the profession
• Remove requirements that are not tied to practice readiness,
• Clarify provisions that have produced confusion in practice, and
• Preserve the substantive standard the Criteria are designed to verify.
The Exposure Draft is now open for public comment until July 27th. The AQB will hold a webinar on the new Exposure Draft and take public comments on July 9th at 2pm ET. Click here to register.
______________________________________________________
Advisory Opinion 41
Use of Technology in an Appraisal or Appraisal Review Assignment has been adopted by the ASB and will be included in the next incarnation (2028) of the Guidance and Reference Manuel (GRM). Learn more.
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Trending Topics Thursdays - FREE Webinar
The Next Generation of Commercial Appraisal Data:
Understanding BRAVE
As commercial real estate valuation becomes increasingly data-driven, the need for standardized, interoperable appraisal data has never been greater. The BRAVE (Business Rules for Appraisal and Valuation Exchange) Appraisal Data Standard was developed to create a common framework for exchanging commercial appraisal information across lenders, appraisal firms, technology providers, and other industry stakeholders. Join Jeff Garvin, MAI, Senior Vice President and Chief Appraiser at Bank OZK, and Elaine D. Liz-Plowman, MAI, AI-GRS, Director of Appraisal Services at Hancock Whitney Corp., for an overview of the origins and development of BRAVE, the challenges it was designed to address, and its role in the future of commercial valuation.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
9:00am (Pacific Time)
Register
| | 2026 Annual Fall Conference Sponsors | | | | |
The Northern California Chapter acknowledges the early support of these
2026 Annual Fall Conference Sponsors.
It's not too early to show your support!
Every level of Spring Conference Sponsorship includes COMPLIMENTARY conference attendance.
Learn more
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"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
| | |
Artificial Intelligence
"Brown Bag" Discussion Group
It's NEW. It's RELEVANT. It's FREE!
July 7 / via ZOOM
Course: Business Practices
and Ethics
Instructor: Jacinto A. Munoz
MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, CRE
Still Time to Secure Your Spot
ONLY West Coast Summer offering
July 8 / via ZOOM
Seminar: 4-Hour Federal / CA
Laws & Regs
Developer / Instructor: Jacinto A. Munoz
MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, CRE
HURRY! Save up to $45
July 9 / via ZOOM
Sierra Branch Chapter
"Simply Social"
July 9 / Modesto
RES-NC: Residential Northern California
It's FREE. It's Interactive.
July 15 / via ZOOM
2026 Coastal California Conference
Final 2 Days to Save up to $55
July 16 / via ZOOM
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting
July 16 / via ZOOM
The Residential Symposium
It's ALL Residential
Limited Time
BEST VALUE Rate starts at $85
August 7 / via ZOOM
WIN-NC: WIN(ning) Conversations
It's FREE. It's Interactive.
September 2 / via ZOOM
North Bay Branch Chapter
"Simply Social" + Line Dancing!
September 24 / Davis
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__________________
Qualifying / Basic Education Courses
Perfect for those looking to enter the
real estate appraisal profession
NEW! Synchronous Evening Format
Register Early
Save up to $85 on these QE/BE Offerings
Basic Appraisal Principles
Tu /Th Evening Format
August 25, 27 and
September 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17
via ZOOM
Basic Appraisal Procedures
Tu / Th Evening Format
September 29, October 1, 6, 8, 13, 20, 22
and 27 (no class on 10/15)
via ZOOM
__________________
2026 Annual Fall Conference
Become a Conference Sponsor
October 16 / So. San Francisco
Course: Advanced Concepts
and Case Studies
Instructor: Gary DeWeese, MAI
November 2-7 / Walnut Creek
Course: Business Practices
and Ethics
Instructor: Jacinto A. Munoz
MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, CRE
Save up to $160
November 9 / via ZOOM
Seminar: 4-Hour Federal / CA
Laws & Regs
Developer / Instructor: Jacinto A. Munoz
MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, CRE
Secure Your Spot - Save up to $85
November 10 / via ZOOM
Seminar: Vineyard Valuation
November 13 / Location TBA
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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It's Official
2027 Leadership Team Elected
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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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