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Get all the news you need to know from the real estate appraisal industry with the latest Appraisal Buzzcast.
261 Episodes
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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. I...
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 occup...
What do European banking regulators have to do with appraisals written in the United States? More than you might think. In this episode, Hal Humphreys sits down with Chris Thorne, a UK-based valuation expert who has been working directly with the European Central Bank as it reviews commercial real estate lending across the Eurozone. Those reviews don’t just cover European properties. They’ve also included loans secured by U.S. real estate, pulling American appraisal reports into the global re...
Adam Winstead just made history as the first appraiser to complete a UAD 3.6 appraisal. On this episode, Hal and Jim chat with Adam about what this major shift means for the industry, how it changes your workflow, and what appraisers can expect as this new standard becomes mandatory. Adam shares firsthand insights on the challenges, opportunities, and surprises he encountered, offering a practical roadmap for navigating UAD 3.6. At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders ...
More big UAD 3.6 news just dropped. In this episode, Hal and Jim sit down with Joel Baker of a la mode | Cotality to break down what their official verification by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac really means. Joel explains how UAD 3.6 will change the day-to-day experience inside appraisal software, what appraisers should be doing now to prepare, and the roadblocks developers had to overcome along the way. Join us for a UAD 3.6 Bootcamp in Orlando: https://appraiserelearning.com/product/uad-3-6-b...
We’re officially unveiling the finalists for the 2026 Buzzy Awards. In this special episode, we're announcing finalists for: Appraiser of the YearAMC or Appraisal Firm of the YearLender of the YearInstructor of the YearSoftware of the YearAppraisal Content CreatorRising Star of the YearMentor of the YearThese finalists went above and beyond to move the appraisal profession forward this year. From UAD 3.6 trailblazers and servant leaders to creative voices and mentors changing lives, they repr...
Meet the appraiser who went from old-school clipboard to full-blown tech evangelist. In this episode, Hal and Jim sit down with Kurt Rehak, Chief Appraiser and CEO of ZAP Appraisals, to talk about the rapidly shifting profession, and the new tools reshaping it. Kurt shares how the idea for the ZAP App was born, how UAD 3.6 updates influenced its design, and why appraisers who resist technology might be doing themselves a disservice. If you’re wondering what the next decade looks like for valu...
In a world obsessed with automation, AI, and “instant valuations,” Simon Blackburn has a refreshingly bold message: appraisers aren’t going anywhere. In this episode, Hal sits down with the CEO of MtgeFi to dig into why appraisers still sit at the center of the real estate finance ecosystem. Simon breaks down the staggering numbers behind daily mortgage trading, why FIRREA still matters, and how technology fits into the bigger picture. He also shares where new opportunities are opening up thr...
UAD 3.6 is no longer some far-off deadline. It’s happening. The limited-production phase has begun, and Rocket Mortgage is gearing up to start sending actual UAD 3.6 appraisal orders out the door. In this episode, Hal sits down with Rachel Robinson of Rocket Mortgage to talk through what appraisers really need to know now. Rachel breaks down the biggest misconceptions about manufactured housing, what they've already put in place for the UAD rollout, the internal hurdles they’ve overcome, and ...
The future of appraisal just got a whole lot faster. In this episode, Hal sits down with Reggora CEO Brian Zitin to unpack one of the biggest tech stories in valuation: the push toward a true 24-hour appraisal workflow. They dig into how it works, what it means for appraisers in the field, why some folks are skeptical, and how this shift could reshape the profession over the next few years. At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry a...
Today, hosts Hal Humphreys and Jim Morrison sit down with Matt Johnson of SFREP, one of the first software companies verified by the GSE's for UAD 3.6, to talk about what UAD 3.6 means from the software side of things: how software companies are preparing, what roadblocks they’ve hit, and why now might be the perfect time for appraisers to reevaluate their tools and workflows. At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current e...
Big news in UAD 3.6 land! Just a month after his last appearance on the show, we invited back Jake Lew, CEO of AIVRE, to give us an update so major we couldn’t wait to share. Jake digs into what it means to be the first software provider approved for UAD 3.6 by the GSEs, the pressure that comes with blazing the trail, and how appraisers should prepare as the new format rolls out. If you want the inside scoop on what’s changing (and what’s coming next), listen in. See the full press release he...
Big things are happening for appraisers — and Candy Cooke is right in the middle of it. Newly elected as Vice Chair of the Real Property Valuation Committee with NAR, Candy joins hosts Hal and Jim to talk about what this role means for the industry and why it’s time for appraisers to make their voices heard. She shares why representation matters, how appraisers can get involved, and what she plans to tackle in her new position (spoiler alert: she’s not afraid to shake things up). If you’ve ev...
Big changes are on the horizon for the appraisal profession. In this episode of the Appraisal Buzzcast, host Hal Humphreys sits down with Lisa Desmarais, Vice President of Appraisal Issues at The Appraisal Foundation, to discuss the AQB’s comprehensive review of the new appraiser qualification criteria. From education and experience requirements to exams and new entry pathways, Lisa breaks down what’s being considered, why it matters, and how the goal is to open doors for future appraisers—wi...
Think you can nail a home’s value just by looking at the listing photos and a few details? In this episode, Hal Humphreys and Jim Morrison sit down with Doug Weitzbuch, the TV-producer-turned-game-designer behind Housle (HOU$LE)—a daily real estate price-guessing game that’s equal parts trivia, strategy, and addictive fun. Doug shares how his background in entertainment shaped the game, why it hooks players so quickly, and how appraisers might find it both a lighthearted break and a sneaky wa...
In this episode, host Hal Humphreys sits down with Jeanette McLain, President of ValorValuations, to talk about her unique journey into the appraisal industry and why she built a Veteran-powered company. Jeanette shares how she creates a powerful team in the valuation space, the alternative valuation products they’re delivering, and how they’re adapting to major changes like Fannie Mae’s Value Acceptance + PDC and Freddie Mac’s PDR. Plus, she explains how ValorValuations is opening long-term ...
The UAD 3.6 rollout is here—are you ready? In this episode, host Hal Humphreys sits down with Jake Lew to talk about what limited production means for appraisers right now, how adoption may unfold, and how to prepare for the future. Jake also shares insights from his recent Valuation Expo main stage appearance, where he tackled the pros and cons of AI in the appraisal industry. If you’re feeling uncertain about UAD 3.6 or wondering how AI will reshape the profession, this episode has the answ...
The appraisal industry is changing fast—and new voices are stepping up to the plate. Today, host Hal Humphreys and Jim Morrison sit down with first-time Valuation Expo attendee Megan Johnson Judd. Megan shares her journey into the profession, what inspired her to create the 10,000-member Facebook group Appraisal Basics, and how she’s helping appraisers navigate big industry shifts. She also gives us her take on Valuation Expo highlights, sessions that stood out, and why UAD 3.6 may not be the...
On this episode of the Appraisal Buzzcast, host Hal Humphreys sits down with Humza Ahmed, founder of Automax AI, to talk about how artificial intelligence is already helping appraisers save time and adapt to structured data requirements. From comps to report generation to safeguarding client data, Humza shares how his AI “copilot” can turn days of work into minutes. If you’re wondering how technology will reshape appraisal under the new UAD 3.6, this conversation is a must-hear. At The Apprai...
This week, host Hal Humphreys sits down with Nathan Funston of The Federal Savings Bank to unpack the pros and cons of AI in the valuation process. Nathan shares insights from his recent Valuation Expo presentation, covering the biggest opportunities for efficiency and consistency, as well as the risks and pitfalls appraisers need to be watching closely. Plus, he tells the story of a wild appraisal addendum that recently crossed his desk and offers a lender’s perspective on what appraisers co...
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