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In this issue
October Update
President's Message
Soon we'll be accepting nominations for the 2027 Board of Directors of the Appraisers' Coalition of Washington at the November Board meeting, including self-nominations.
I know many of you are thinking that board service sounds like a lot of work. A few years ago, you might have been right. That's no longer the case. We've put real effort into making the Coalition run smoothly, so our volunteers can focus on what matters.
The Board meets via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., so there's no driving and it fits easily at the end of your workday. That’s an easy one-hour commitment.
Here's what has changed:
Professional support. A part-time administrative professional now handles all our marketing and social media.
One platform for operations. Our new StarChapter management platform and website handle the membership database, email, event registration and credit card processing.
Committees that share the load. Our membership, communications and legislative committees manage our education events and initiatives, so no one carries it alone.
Dedicated legislative leadership. We recently appointed a new Director with a background in political science to lead our legislative group alongside our lobbyists.
The Coalition has grown into a respected voice for Washington appraisers. We've built stronger relationships with the Department of Licensing, REAC and the Appraisal Institute. We participate in The Appraisal Foundation Advisory Committee (TAFAC) and are a Foundation Partner. We also hold a seat on the National Association of Appraisers Board of Governors, and we were selected to co-host the annual ACTS conference last year here in Seattle.
Legislative advocacy for appraisers remains our focus. We are preparing several bills to submit for the 2027 legislative session and working with our lobbyists to get sponsors and support for them. Please see the Legislation section below.
Serving on the Board puts you at the center of this work. It also expands your professional network, builds leadership experience, and gives you a direct hand in shaping the future of our profession.
Not everyone can commit to board service, and that's okay. Committee members help develop programs, support key initiatives and keep the Coalition responsive to members. It's a great way to get involved, and many of our board members started there. We need appraisers from all corners of the state and all types of appraisal practice.
If you're interested in the Board or a committee, or just want to ask what's involved, please reach out to me soon. I'd love to talk.
Thanks,
Kathy Walsh
President
Legislative Updates
Building Momentum for 2027
The Coalition is preparing for the 2027 legislative session with two priorities: establishing reasonable time limits for lawsuits involving appraisal work and addressing barriers to performing waiver valuations for infrastructure projects.
Statute of Limitations: Building on Bipartisan Support
During the 2026 session, our statute of limitations bill, HB 2477, advanced out of the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee with a unanimous vote. All 15 committee members, Democrats and Republicans alike, supported the measure. This was an encouraging step forward for Washington’s appraisal profession.
Although the bill did not reach final passage in 2026, its unanimous committee support gives us momentum heading into 2027. We plan to pursue reintroduction, refine our legislative strategy, and strengthen relationships with legislative champions in both parties. Our focus will be on turning that bipartisan support into passage.
Waiver Valuations: Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Projects
The Coalition will pursue legislation addressing waiver valuations; an important tool for agencies and other entities acquiring property for roads, utilities, and other public infrastructure. These valuations provide a streamlined alternative to full appraisals for uncomplicated acquisitions involving relatively small dollar amounts.
Thank you to our members and legislative supporters for helping advance these priorities. Your continued involvement will be essential as we prepare for the 2027 session.
Coalition News
Bridging the Gap Between Appraisers and Realtors
ACOW and Northwest MLS Open a New Dialogue
On September 29, the Coalition hosted a Zoom discussion titled “Bridging the Gap Between Appraisers and Realtors – A Conversation with NWMLS,” featuring Wendy Lawson, Training and Member Engagement Manager for Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). The meeting aimed to foster better communication between the appraisal community and NWMLS, covering key updates such as listing status changes, seller concession data, square footage challenges, and photo retention policies.
Looking ahead, the Coalition and NWMLS plan to establish regular quarterly discussions, collaborate on joint educational opportunities, and expand appraiser feedback channels. Ultimately, the ongoing initiative seeks to improve shared listing data, build mutual understanding between appraisers and realtors, and deliver better real estate outcomes across Washington.
News in the Profession
UAD 3.6 Update - Effective Date
UAD 3.6 is currently active and many lenders are ready to make the switch to 100% of all new conventional orders on the UAD 3.6 format by Nov 2, 2026.
However, due to issues noted in areas of the country with lenders unable to meet the requirements, Fannie/Freddie published a join statement allowing for lenders to apply for extensions for UAD 3.6 compliance.
Appraisers will be required to be flexible and provide both formats of appraisal reports. Appraisers should already be watching their orders closely and confirming the scope of work under UAD 3.6 or UAD 2.6 on all incoming orders. As a reminder, UAD 3.6 is only for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and many jumbo lenders. FHA and VA have yet to announce an official start date for UAD 3.6.
See the attached Lender Letter: Temporary Policy Exception for Lenders Unable to Meet the UAD 3.6 November Mandate (09/30/26) for more details.
Appraisal Institute Updates
Seattle Chapter Events & Education
2026 Fall Conference
The Seattle Chapter is celebrating its 20th anniversary hosting the annual Fall Conference and the registration deadline is coming up soon.
Education Opportunity
Attend in person or via Zoom!
From Chatbots to Agentic AI:
Artificial Intelligence for Seattle Valuation Professionals
November 18, 2026 | 9 AM - 12 PM
Click here for details and registration
(Note: There are different registration pages for either synchronous or classroom learning; be sure to register accordingly.)
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.
