April Update 
President's Message
The Appraiser’s Conference and Trade Show (ACTS) is just around the corner. Are you ready? Are you registered?
We are so excited to be the state organization host for ACTS, with our beautiful city on stage. A conference is a great way to get those CE hours we all need, to make connections with our fellow appraisers, and to have fun. What could be better?
The event kicks off on Saturday, April 11, with optional activities throughout the weekend, including a 7-hour USPAP class and the Valuation Bias & Fair Housing class., along with two trainee appraiser events, one of which is a field trip to a new construction site for some boots on the ground experience.
Sunday evening is the Disco-themed opening reception, where we can relive our past and have the “time of our lives”. Monday and Tuesday are jam-packed with presenters covering a wide range of issues that are relevant in your day-to-day practice. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA, FHA, TAF, all the big names will be in attendance. You don’t want to miss them or any of the experts we have lined up.
Other special events include “Appraisers in Flight”, a fun evening at the Museum of Flight on Monday night. And what could be more appropriate to Washington State than the pickleball tournament on Wednesday, starting at 8 am! What a great way to wind up the event before you head home.
Scroll down for more information about all the fun that's planned for ACTS and register today. You don’t want to miss this. As a Coalition member, you can register with the discounted NAA member rate.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Kathy
Coalition News
The Northern Puget Sound Association of Realtors (NPSAR) recently invited us to participate in a panel discussion at the Skagit Golf & Country Club with approximately 100 real estate professionals in attendance for an open and informative conversation about the appraisal process and the evolving valuation landscape. The panel featured Coalition members Anthony Blackburn and Mike Williams, joined by Mark Thomas.
The discussion created a valuable opportunity for Realtors to engage directly, ask questions and address common misconceptions about how residential appraisals work, and how appraisers approach complexities such as adjusting for rapid market shifts with limited or older comparables, handling over-improvements, unique properties, deferred maintenance, the role of AI and automated valuation models, and government-insured financing challenges, as well as how Realtors can help the appraisal process run smoothly by providing useful information and access. Panelists discussed the upcoming Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) 3.6 changes, explaining how the modernization of appraisal reporting will affect lenders, appraisers, and real estate professionals.
Opportunities like this highlight the importance of ongoing collaboration between appraisers and real estate professionals. By participating in open dialogue with organizations like NPSAR we can foster stronger working relationships and improve understanding across the industry. The Coalition appreciates the invitation from the NPSAR and looks forward to continuing to support educational events that strengthen communication between appraisers and the broader real estate community.
News in the Profession
Executive Order | Promoting Access to Mortgage Credit
On March 13, 2026, Executive Order 14393 (the Order) was placed by the Office of the President to promote access to mortgage credit. The Order made an intention of removing increased regulatory oversight implemented after the Great Recession (primarily, the Dodd-Frank Act). Through reduced regulatory steps, the Order aims to achieve increased mortgage access for creditworthy borrowers. Section 6 of the Order focuses on Appraisal Modernization, with an increased focus on alleviating appraisal requirements for low-risk transactions. Alternative valuation methods will include alternative valuation models, desktop and hybrid appraisals, and artificial intelligence valuation tools. Further, the Order aims to ease appraiser qualification requirements and align required standards for FHA and VA valuations.
Overall, this order creates opportunities for appraisers to focus on their professional skillset, providing appraisal services on complex properties that require a hands-on, in-person analysis. It is also a reminder of the changes to our profession and the infusion of technology-based valuations.
The Appraisal Foundation
A lot has been happening at The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) over the past month. Check out their latest newsletter for all the updates about everything from the Appraisal Industry Improvement Act and Appraisal Modernization Act, to updates from the Appraiser Qualifications Board and Appraisal Standards Board, a new release of the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria, and more: TAF | Newsletter. Of note, some updates from the ASB and AQB below:
Appraisal Standards Board
Click here to send your comments.
Appraiser Qualifications Board
The board voted to release the first public edition of the Job Analysis Report, which they will use to update the National Uniform Licensing and Certifications Examinations. A Frequently Asked Questions document will also be compiled based on public feedback to further explain the results in the report. If you have questions about the report, please contact [email protected].
UAD 3.6 Did You Know?
UAD 3.6 Replaces Location with a Broader Concept: Site Influence
Site Influence groups View and Site Influence within the Site section (along with other site characteristics such as Size, Parcels, Zoning, Use, Access, Features, Utilities, Defects, and Site Valuation). At 30 pages, the Site section is the second largest chapter in Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide, trailing only the Sales Comparison Approach (67 pages). This underscores the importance of site characteristics in the valuation process—recall the old adage, “location, location, location.”
Clear, concise, and accurate descriptions and analysis of site characteristics are essential to a credible appraisal report. Rather than beginning with the Location or View rating and then applying factors, UAD 3.6 begins by asking the appraiser to select all View and all Site Influence types that apply. The lists of defined enumerations are expanded to 28 View and 20 Site Influence types, plus a catch‑all Other option for characteristics not captured in the defined lists. All enumerations are spelled with no abbreviations.
Education and Events
If you're not registered for ACTS yet, this is your last chance! In addition to timely and relevant CE content, an excellent line-up of speakers and presenters, sponsors and exhibits, here's a look at some of the events that are sure to make for an exciting, fun, and unforgettable conference.
Saturday, April 11th
Sunday, April 12th
Monday, April 13th
Wednesday, April 15th (Post-Conference)
American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers
Advanced Rural Case Studies (A400)
April 27th - May 1st
7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (MT) daily
Instructors: Lee Smith, ARA and Mark Akers, ARA
(Attend in person in Glendale, CO or virtually)
Click for additional details and registration
Appraisal Institute
Board of Directors Meeting
We Appreciate Your Support
Your membership supports the day-to-day functioning of the organization and, most importantly, our Lobbyist in Olympia. Along with our Lobbyist, our board of volunteers works with industry partners to protect and promote the interests of all Appraisers in Washington State.
Not a member yet? Click below to join us today.
