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Appraisal Buzzcast
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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. 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 winn...
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 o...
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 h...
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 ...
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 ...
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 UA...
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 ...
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 - ...
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 t...
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...
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 c...
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 ...























