May Update 
President's Message
Thanks to everyone who attended ACTS. It was a great conference and a good opportunity to meet our fellow appraisers. I hope everyone enjoyed it. Next year we will resume with our own annual conference and would like your input as to a location. Wenatchee, anyone?
Here is a photo of the board members in attendance.
Pictured (left to right): Anthony Blackburn, Lynn-Marie Palmer, Dallas Kiedrowski, Kathy Walsh, Linda Stewart, Briana Criqui, Diane Hayes. (Not pictured: Anne Olsen-Harlan).
Earlier this month, the Real Estate Appraiser Commission (REAC), an advisory committee that serves as a liaison between appraisers, the public and the Department of Licensing, held their quarterly meeting via Zoom. REAC’s duties include recommending changes to the Director or to the legislature.
The Coalition contributed during the public comment period asking REAC to review the licensing fee structure, including a review of the accounts and appraisers’ funds. The goal is to determine if, now that we have paid the extra fees and replenished the deficit, we can return to a more reasonable fee structure, similar to what other states have. We also asked for a regular review of the department’s budget to identify errors before they result in another large, unexpected fee increase, and to have those reports released to the public, in full transparency.
REAC has taken the request under advisement and will address this issue in the next public meeting, scheduled for July 23rd.
If you have concerns or questions about the Department of Licensing, the public comments section of the REAC meeting is your venue to voice those concerns. You will be allowed three minutes, or you can submit your comments in writing to the department.
Visit the REAC page for more information.
Please contact me for more information or to support the Coalition in these efforts.
Thanks,
Kathy
[email protected]
Coalition News
The Appraisers’ Coalition of Washington Hosts ACTS 2026 in Seattle
We were proud to serve as the state organization host for the 8th annual Appraiser’s Conference and Trade Show, (ACTS), held April 11–15, 2026, at the Seattle Airport Marriott. Hosted by the National Association of Appraisers and Appraiser eLearning, the conference brought appraisers, educators, regulators, technology providers, and industry leaders from across the country to Washington State for several days of education, discussion, and professional engagement.
ACTS 2026 featured 26 speakers, 23 exhibitors, and 28 hours of continuing education with pre and post-conference sessions and events. Sessions addressed many of the key issues currently shaping the appraisal profession, including UAD 3.6 implementation, PAREA and trainee pathways, regulatory updates, technology, litigation and claims issues, manufactured housing, ADUs, upzoning, lakefront properties, and real-world appraisal challenges. The trade show was hosted in a stunning five-story atrium, providing a unique setting for attendees to connect with vendors and explore tools and services supporting appraisal practice.
In addition to the educational programming, the conference offered valuable opportunities to network with other professionals and have some fun, memorable experiences, including sunrise yoga, a Murder Mystery dinner event for supervisors and trainees, Disco Days themed opening reception, trainee field trip offering a hands-on learning experience in new construction analysis at a Conner Homes community, a dinner at the Museum of Flight, and a pickleball tournament.
We would like to thank co-hosts, National Association of Appraisers and Appraiser eLearning, sponsors, exhibitors, presenters, volunteers, and attendees for contributing to the success of ACTS 2026. We're honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as this year's state organization host. The conference underscored the importance of professional engagement, connection, and collaboration, and it was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when professionals come together with a shared commitment to advocacy and education in continued support for the appraisal profession.
News in the Profession
UAD 3.6 - Did you know?
Since the new UAD format is dynamic and applies to multiple situations, there is a new definition of "effective date".
When an appraisal is the traditional scope of work, the effective date remains the same as the field inspection date.
However, when the scope of work is a hybrid with the inspection relying on a third-party inspection, (typically a Property Data Report), the inspection will pre-date the effective date. The appraiser’s effective date will be the date the appraiser completes the process and forms their valuation opinion.
For more information on Hybrid appraisals, click here: Hybrid Appraisals | Fannie Mae.
Education and Events
We will be hosting another Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course with Attorney, Peter Christensen, via Zoom on June 4th, 2026. This course is approved for California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and it is required for credential renewal. Registration coming soon!
Appraisal Institute Updates
Seattle Chapter Events & Education
Spring Chapter Meeting
Members and non-members are invited to join the Seattle Chapter for an update on the Appraisal Institute National Board's current activities from the Region's Chair, Darwin Ernst, SRA, AI-RRS next week. The meeting will also feature the team of UW students who recently competed in the University Valuation Case Challenge at the annual conference in Nashville, who are excited to share their experience and some highlights from the event. This is a great opportunity to connect and socialize with other appraisers.
May 15, 2026 | 4 PM - 6 PM
Gould Hall, UW Campus
Click here for more details.
Advanced Concepts & Case Studies
July 13-18, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 4: 30 PM
35 CE + 3 hr exam
Click here for details and enrollment.
Board of Directors Meeting
Our monthly board meeting will be held on May 12th, 2026 at 4:30 PM. Guests are welcome to attend. Please register on our website prior to the 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.