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...
With UAD 3.6, a floor plan will be required for some appraisals, i.e., desktops, hybrids, property data collections, and in traditional appraisals when there's functional obsolescence. Meet software engineer and apprAIz CEO Narainder Chandwani, one of the creators of a new tool appraisers can use to create a floor plan and comply with UAD 3.6 requirements. In this episode, we'll hear how Chandwani became a tech leader for appraisers and how apprAIz is handling the new UAD 3.6 floor plan...
In this episode of Appraisal Buzzcast, host Hal Humphreys sits down with Hansel Dobbs, General Manager and Chief Appraiser at Inspectify, to explore how AI tools are helping appraisers prepare for UAD 3.6. From streamlining inspections and data capture to improving handoffs between trainees and supervisors, Hansel shares how his new AI-powered interactive guide is reshaping the appraisal workflow. We’ll also tackle concerns about accuracy, bias, and liability—and what appraisers need to unlea...
UAD 3.6 is here—and in this episode, Hal Humphreys sits down with Ken DeFeo, Senior Director of Collateral Policy at Fannie Mae, and one of the architects behind this major overhaul. They break down what UAD 3.6 actually is, why it’s more than just a formatting change, and what lenders need to be doing right now to avoid chaos down the line. From the philosophical shift behind the update to the potential LOS bottlenecks, this is the conversation every industry pro needs to hear. At The Apprai...
This week, Freddie Mac’s Chief Appraiser Scott Reuter joins the Buzzcast for a deep dive into the upcoming rollout of UAD 3.6 and the dynamic new URAR. What does “limited production” starting September 8th mean for appraisers, lenders, and tech providers? How will the new form reshape everything from inspections to closing? Scott shares what to expect, what to prepare for, and what myths you can disregard. Get your questions answered during Scott's upcoming panel on this topic at Valuat...
The legal landscape for appraisers is shifting—and fast. With lawsuits on the rise, today’s episode dives into what every appraiser needs to know. Host Hal Humphreys is joined by Isaac Peck, President of OREP Insurance, who recently published an article on a major win in a high-profile discrimination lawsuit. Isaac breaks down what happened, why it matters, and how appraisers can stay protected. Read Isaac's article here: https://www.workingre.com/news-edition-case-dismissed-ohio-appraiser-wi...
Today, we’re digging into one of the hottest debates in the valuation world: is the appraisal clipboard officially dead? Host Hal Humphreys welcomes back Tony Pistilli—our very first Buzzcast guest ever—to talk about his recent article that's stirring up strong reactions across the industry. With the new UAD format reshaping boots-on-the-ground appraising, we ask: what’s really changing, and how should appraisers adapt? Tony breaks down the big picture, the pushback, and the mindset shift req...
This week on the Buzzcast, we're giving you a sneak peek at what’s in store for this year’s Valuation Expo — including a big announcement about our keynote speaker! Hal sits down with Tricia Wang, tech ethnographer and TED Talk alum, to talk all things Big Data, AI, and what these things really mean for appraisers. From the power of “thick data” to the irreplaceable value of human insight, Tricia shares how data is reshaping how we measure, evaluate, and make decisions in the appraisal world....
We're diving into one of the biggest updates coming to the appraisal industry—Fannie Mae’s new Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD). Jim Morrison and Hal Humphreys are joined by Kim Angellone, who’s been at the forefront of this major transition. With limited production set to begin in September, many appraisers are wondering what to expect—and how to prepare. Kim shares how she got involved in the project, what roadblocks the team faced, and what exciting changes appraisers can look forward to. P...
How does mortgage fraud even work? And how did these risky real estate schemes help fuel the 2008 mortgage meltdown? Tune in to this special crossover episode of the Appraisal Buzzcast and Sound of Pursuit podcast to hear a gripping morality play about greed, speculation, and the dangerous allure of easy credit. Our guest is a Utah mom who lost herself in a tangled Ponzi-style real estate scheme involving hard money loans based on inflated appraisals. She ended up underwater, scrambling to k...
On this episode of Appraisal Buzzcast, Hal Humphreys is joined by Ronyelle Banks, the expert leading the charge on the new Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD). With limited production kicking off this September, lenders and appraisers alike need to be ready. Ronyelle is here to walk us through what’s changing, why it matters, and what cool features are coming with it. From industry roadblocks to AI’s growing role in valuation, this is a must-listen sneak peek at what’s ahead for our world. At The...
Last fall, we put out a call for nominations for our first inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to recognize outstanding appraisers, firms, and others in the industry from around the country. In this special episode, we’re celebrating the winner of this year’s Buzzy Award for Mentor of the Year! He joins Hal and Jim to reflect on his journey in the appraisal industry, share the qualities that define great leadership, and highlight success stories he's seen along the way. Plus, we dive into UAD 3...
In this episode, Hal welcomes Joni Pilgrim, Co-founder of Nationwide Appraisal Network. Joni shares her unique journey into the appraisal industry and offers insights for newcomers looking to break in. We also chat about the importance of supporting future appraisers, Joni's advocacy for women in the industry, and what NAN is doing to foster growth during a challenging market. At The Appraisal Buzzcast, we host weekly episodes with leaders and experts in the appraisal industry about current e...
In this episode, Hal welcomes a long-time friend and first-time guest, Andy Arledge—founder of Freedom Appraise. Andy’s a familiar face in the conference world, and with speaking gigs lined up at ATA and the Appraisal Summit, we knew it was time to get him on the mic. We dive into his journey into the appraisal world, the challenges of adapting to UAD 3.6, and how tech is reshaping the future for appraisers. Will innovation bring opportunity—or early retirement—for some in the field? Tune in ...
Last fall, we put out a call for nominations for our first inaugural Buzzy Awards. We wanted to recognize outstanding appraisers and firms and others in the industry from around the country. In this episode, we’re rolling out the red carpet for our Buzzy Awards winner for Rising Star of the Year. Hal sits down with him to talk about what sparked his journey into the industry, the early lessons that shaped him, and a peek into his vision for his future and the future of the industry. At The Ap...
Jim Morrison and Hal Humphreys are back with fan-favorite Joel Baker from Totality (formerly CoreLogic) to dive into the upcoming UAD 3.6 changes and what they mean for appraisers. Listen in to hear what’s changing, how it’ll impact your workflow, and why now is the time to get ahead of the curve. If you missed Joel’s standout demo at ACTS this past April, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Join us in LA July 25–26 for a special, live course in partnership with a la mode and Appraiser eLearni...