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To All Chapter Members,
Client pressure on valuers is unbecoming in conduct and detrimental to the appraisal process and the entire system. I would like to encourage all appraisers to continue acting professionally and independently. We are engaged to offer our supported opinion of value, not support the client’s (or their borrower’s) opinion of value.
I contend that professional appraisers separate themselves from the rest of the pack under dynamically changing economic conditions. The Appraisal Institute’s education and training is second to none and clients, more than ever, need the services of our designated members and associates.
Listed below is a recap of what the chapter has accomplished so far this year.
• We have a new chapter website that will be more efficient allowing constituents to sign up for meetings, events, and classes on line.
http://www.appraisalinstitutekc.org
Special thanks to Michael Elliott who developed the entire concept and did a fantastic job. Additional thanks to Executive Director Rosanne Saitta, who has been working on this project.
• Our first meeting at Jack Stack BBQ downtown was attended by about 60 people. Edward Knotek, an economist with the Federal Reserve, was our guest speaker and answered a number of topical and interesting questions. Thanks to Ken Jaggers, MAI for planning the event and Rosanne Saitta for all the work she contributes.
• Your Board of Directors has already had two official meetings and the Nominating Committee, headed by Marian Fields, SRA, has assembled the 2010 slate of officiers.
• We rewrote the Chapter Bylaws effective January 2009, which was passed by electronic ballot.
• Erin Reese attended the LDAC Conference (Leadership Development & Advisory Council) in Washington, D.C. April, 2009. Erin has been serving the KCCAI for several years now and has done an outstanding job providing education alternatives as the Chair of the Education Committee this year.
• Last year we awarded two MAI designations. This year there may be as many as five new MAIs, and possibly two new SRAs. The time is now for you to follow through with your commitment to attain a designation. There are several new demonstration report styles available, so if you have been putting it off, revisit the opportunity.
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The Education Committee co-chaired by Erin Reese and Antonia G. Viens, MAI has put on 5 seminars and courses so far this year. There are at least 8 more courses and seminars that will be offered through the end of the year, including 3 in June. Please visit our new web site to learn more about the classes offered and sign up to attend.
• We produced our first “green” chapter directory last year which was e-mailed in a PDF format to all members with e-mail addresses. Please be sure to let our Executive Director, Rosanne Saitta, know if your information has changed so that we can keep you informed and edit the directory going forward. If you would like an electronic or hard copy please contact Rosanne. By having an electronic directory, we are helping the environment and reducing chapter costs.
• We have published the spring newsletter electronically and are working on a summer edition by the end of June. Thanks to co-editors T.J. Hawks and Michael Elliott, with additional assistance from Brian Klahr, MAI.
• We had three officers and directors attend the Regional Meetings in Salt Lake City, Utah in April, 2009. Many important issues regarding the HVCC were discussed. Bill Garber and the Appraisal Institute are doing a good job of representing appraisers in this battle for keeping the appraisal process independent.
• Kansas has recently signed into law a bill designed to bring the state into compliance with provisions outlined in the federal Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008. The Kansas bill, S.B. 240, would make it illegal to influence a person in connection with a residential mortgage loan by making a payment, threat or promise. Moreover, it would be illegal to make a payment, threat or promise to an appraiser for the purposes of influencing the value of a property. Under the legislation, a first-time conviction for inappropriately influencing an appraiser is considered a Class A misdemeanor with a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Second convictions are considered a Level 7 felony. The new law will become effective on July 1, 2009. To view S.B. 240 in its entirety visit www.kslegislature.org/bills/2010/240.pdf. If you have questions regarding this issue, please contact Bruce Fitzsimons, the KCCAI - Kansas- Government Relations Chair.
• Missouri has enacted laws designed to ensure that real estate appraisers remain independent third-parties free from outside influence. The new laws prohibit mortgage loan originators from making "any payment, threat or promise, directly or indirectly, to any appraiser of a property for the purposes of influencing the independent judgement of the appraiser with respect to the value of the property." Under the new Missouri law, anyone convicted of improperly attempting to influence an appraiser can be civilly fined up to $25,000 and have their mortgage loan originator license suspended or revoked. (available at www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills091/biltxt/truly/HBO382T.HTM). If you have questions regarding this issue, please contact Mark H. Maschger, SRA, the KCCAI - Missouri- Government Relations Chair.
I would like to thank the officers, directors, committee chairs and Rosanne who have already put a lot of time and effort into this year. The KCCAI also thanks the members who have taken the time to attend a meeting or education offering. We appreciate your support and involvement.
Sincerely,
Sidney W. Womack, MAI, MRICS
Kansas City Chapter of the Appraisal Institute (KCCAI)
President 2009