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Fresh off the plane from Seattle, we’re breaking down the biggest moments from this year’s Appraisers Conference and Trade Show (ACTS). From packed sessions on UAD 3.6 to the conversations shaping the future of valuation, we’re sharing what impacted us most, and what's next. We’re joined by industry veteran Jason Covington, who was just installed as Vice President of the National Association of Appraisers Board of Directors. He talks about his journey, what this new role means, and why getting involved with the NAA could be a game-changer for your career. If you missed ACTS 2026, consider this your insiders recap (minus the jet lag). At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

Staff vs. fee panel. It’s one of the longest-running debates in appraisal history, and today we’re going to address it. Hal is joined by Todd Rasmussen of MARRCH Valuations to break down the staff appraiser model, explain why he believes it’s the future of valuation, and explore what it means for quality, consistency, and the evolving demands of lenders and appraisers alike. Todd's Top 5 Ways to Reduce Your Revision Requests 1. Make sure the AMC name is right 2. Make sure the lender name is right 3. Double check that all photo evidence matches your description, and vice versa 4. Make sure the home is actually unoccupied 5. Follow FHA-specific requirements when doing FHA reports At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

As we rounded out 2025, we put out a call for nominations for our second inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to once again recognize appraisers across the nation who are innovators, champions of their colleagues, tireless volunteers, and excellent, ethical professionals. In this episode, we’re introducing the winner for "Instructor of the Year". They'll discuss his journey into teaching, the challenges facing today’s appraisers, and how education is evolving alongside the profession. Our winner also shares his approach to making complex topics like UAD 3.6 more accessible—and why appraisers won’t want to miss his upcoming class at Valuation Expo. Register for Valuation Expo (August 16th - 19th) here: https://www.valuationexpo.com/#register  At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

As we rounded out 2025, we put out a call for nominations for our second inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to once again recognize appraisers across the nation who are innovators, champions of their colleagues, tireless volunteers, and excellent, ethical professionals. In this episode, we’re introducing the winner for "Rising Star of the Year". They'll share their journey into the appraisal profession and the experiences that shaped their early success. Plus, they'll discuss the challenges of starting out, the opportunities that fueled their growth, and offer advice and insight for the next generation of appraisers. Register for Valuation Expo (August 16-19 in Las Vegas) here: https://www.valuationexpo.com/ At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

As we rounded out 2025, we put out a call for nominations for our second inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to once again recognize appraisers across the nation who are innovators, champions of their colleagues, tireless volunteers, and excellent, ethical professionals. In this episode, we’re introducing the winner for "Mentor of the Year". They'll explore the barriers facing aspiring appraisers, the role experienced professionals play in mentoring newcomers, and how stronger mentorship can help secure the future of the valuation profession. Plus, they'll chat briefly on the role of the Appraiser Development Initiative (ADI). At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

It’s been a big week in Washington—and appraisers should be paying close attention. In this episode, John Russell of ValuSight Consulting joins us to break down key appraisal-related provisions in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, including potential changes to FHA eligibility, cross-border licensing, and new pathways for trainees entering the profession. We'll also dive into the major new Executive Order shaking up the industry, exploring its push for appraisal alternatives, streamlined qualification requirements, and possible alignment between FHA and VA standards.  If these changes move forward, they could significantly reshape appraisal practice, so consider this your must-know briefing on what’s coming next! Check out the executive order here. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/03/promoting-access-to-mortgage-credit/ At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

As we rounded out 2025, we put out a call for nominations for our second inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to once again recognize appraisers across the nation who are innovators, champions of their colleagues, tireless volunteers, and excellent, ethical professionals. These folks inspire us, and we hope they'll inspire you, too. In this episode, we’re introducing the winner for "Lender of the Year". Listen in to find out who it is, and why they won. Register for the ACTS Conference (April 11th - 14th) here: https://www.appraisersconference.net/ Register for Valuation Expo (August 16th - 19th) here: https://www.valuationexpo.com/#register At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

In this episode of the Appraisal Buzzcast, Jim Morrison and Hal Humphreys welcome Chris Williams, President of AIMSdashboard, to break down the behind-the-scenes coordination that made the industry’s first completed UAD 3.6 appraisal possible. Chris shares how the opportunity came together, the role he played in aligning the appraiser, lender, and technology partners, and why collaboration was key. The conversation digs into what stood out most when moving from the legacy process to a live UAD 3.6 assignment, who benefits most from the new workflow, and what this early experience reveals about change management across the appraisal ecosystem. At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

UAD 3.6 is a fundamental shift in how appraisal data is structured, collected, and delivered. But what does this actually means for your day-to-day work? In this episode, hosts Jim Morrison and Hal Humphreys sit down with Ken DeFeo of Fannie Mae and Sean Murphy of Freddie Mac—two of the key minds behind the development of UAD 3.6. Together, they unpack why the redesign was necessary, how UAD 3.6 moves the industry beyond legacy form-based reporting, and what appraisers should know about data consistency, clarity, and quality going forward. The conversation also tackles the very real concerns around change management, lessons learned from early production and testing, and how this new standard supports appraisal modernization—without changing the core role of the appraiser. UAD 3.6 Bootcamp is in Orlando next week! Find out more and register here: https://appraiserelearning.com/product/uad-3-6-bootcamp-orlando-fl-march-4th-6th/ At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

As we rounded out 2025, we put out a call for nominations for our second inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to once again recognize appraisers across the nation who are innovators, champions of their colleagues, tireless volunteers, and excellent, ethical professionals. These folks inspire us, and we hope they'll inspire you, too. In this episode, we’re introducing the winner for "AMC of the Year". Listen in to find out who it is, and why they won. Register for UAD 3.6 Bootcamp (March 4th - 6th) here: https://appraiserelearning.com/produc... Register for the ACTS Conference (April 11th - 14th) here: https://www.appraisersconference.net/ Register for Valuation Expo (August 16th - 19th) here: https://www.valuationexpo.com/#register At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

As we rounded out 2025, we put out a call for nominations for our second inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to once again recognize appraisers across the nation who are innovators, champions of their colleagues, tireless volunteers, and excellent, ethical professionals. These folks inspire us, and we hope they'll inspire you. Between now and Valuation Expo, we’ll host one of those winners every few weeks on the Buzzcast. In this episode, we’re introducing the winners for "Content Creator of the Year". Listen in to find out who it is, and why they won. Register for UAD 3.6 Bootcamp (March 4th - 6th) here: https://appraiserelearning.com/product/uad-3-6-bootcamp-orlando-fl-march-4th-6th/ Register for the ACTS Conference (April 11th - 14th) here: https://www.appraisersconference.net/ At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

As we rounded out 2025, we put out a call for nominations for our second inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to once again recognize appraisers across the nation who are innovators, champions of their colleagues, tireless volunteers, and excellent, ethical professionals. These folks inspire us, and we hope they'll inspire you. Between now and Valuation Expo, we’ll host one of those winners every few weeks on the Buzzcast. In this episode, we’re introducing the winner for "Appraisal Software of the Year". Listen in to find out who it is, and why they won. Register for UAD 3.6 Bootcamp (LIVE in Orlando, Florida) here: https://appraiserelearning.com/product/uad-3-6-bootcamp-orlando-fl-march-4th-6th/ Register for the ACTS Conference here: https://www.appraisersconference.net/ At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

One of the appraisal industry’s biggest events of the year is back. In this episode, Hal and Jim are joined by Barry Phillips, incoming President of the National Association of Appraisers, to talk about the return of the Appraisers Conference and Trade Show (ACTS) this April in Seattle. Barry shares what makes ACTS different from other conferences, how the event stays relevant in a rapidly changing profession, and why in-person connection still matters for appraisers at every stage of their career. If you’re looking for education that actually applies to today’s challenges (and a reason to step away from your desk) this episode is for you. Learn more or register for ACTS here: https://www.appraisersconference.net/ At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

As we rounded out 2025, we put out a call for nominations for our second inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to once again recognize appraisers across the nation who are innovators, champions of their colleagues, tireless volunteers, and excellent, ethical professionals. These folks inspire us, and we hope they'll inspire you. We tallied your votes and announced the 2026 Buzzy Award Winners here. Between now and Valuation Expo, we’ll host one of those winners every few weeks on the Buzzcast. In this episode, we’re introducing the winner for "Appraiser of the Year". Listen in to find out who it is, and why they won. At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles. 

Short-term rentals are one of the fastest-growing (and most misunderstood) segments of the appraisal world. In this episode of the Appraisal Buzzcast, Hal and Jim sit down with Erik Morin, CEO of AtlasVMS, to unpack why STR appraisals are so difficult, where traditional tools fall short, and how new data-driven solutions are changing the game. Erik introduces Atlas STR Insight, a new form built specifically for short-term rental valuation, and explains how booking data, seasonality, and occupancy trends can lead to more accurate and defensible results. At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current events and relevant topics in our field. Subscribe and turn on notifications to catch our episode premieres every Wednesday! You can find the video version of this podcast at http://www.youtube.com/@TheAppraisalBuzzcast or head to https://appraisalbuzz.com for our breaking news and written articles.