🌟 New Season, New Adventures!The Appraisal Institute’s Face Value podcast kicks off Season 4 with a fascinating look into the booming glamping industry—where luxury meets the great outdoors.Hosts Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, are joined by special guest Shari Heilala, MAI, an appraiser with deep expertise in campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping facilities. Together, they explore:🏕️ What makes glamping properties so unique—and so challenging—to value💰 Why traditional comps often fall short, and how the income approach plays a critical role📊 Creative strategies for finding reliable data in a market without standardized reporting✨ The extraordinary amenities drawing travelers, from safari tents with heated floors to converted railroad cars🔮 Where the industry is headed, including consolidation, hotel-brand interest, and increasing standardization⚠️ Key risks appraisers must consider, from zoning hurdles to natural disastersWhether you’re an appraiser, investor, or simply curious about one of hospitality’s fastest-growing niches, this episode delivers valuable insights into the evolving world of glamorous camping.
Hosts Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, look back at the most memorable moments from Season 3 of Face Value. From appraising vineyards and wineries (yes, wine-tasting was part of the job) to exploring the challenges of stigmatized properties like the Chris Watts house, this episode highlights the insights, stories, and laughter that made the season unforgettable.You’ll also revisit conversations on the NAR settlement’s impact, the value of landscaping, and the profession’s human side—from coast-to-coast networking to family appraisal legacies.Catch the highlights, hear the hosts’ favorites, and discover your own standout moments from an incredible season.💡 Have an idea for Season 4? Email us at facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
Hosts, Tonia and Warren, sit down with Appraisal Institute President-Elect Mike Mignogna, MAI, SRA to break down the inner workings of the Appraisal Institute.Whether you’re a longtime member or just curious about the organization, this “Appraisal Institute 101” dives into:How the Institute’s structure flows from chapters to regions to the national levelThe role of members in shaping policies and decisionsSimple ways to get involved through volunteering and chapter activitiesThe networking and professional benefits of active participationHow the 45-day notice period ensures members have a real voice in policy changesAs Mignogna explains, the Institute is truly member-driven, and getting involved may be easier than you think.👉 Got ideas for future topics or feedback on this episode? Email facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.Stay connected with the appraisal profession—subscribe to Face Value and never miss an episode!
In this episode of Face Value, Tonia and Warren revisit their RevCo panel discussion with three government affairs experts to reveal the inner workings of legislative advocacy in the appraisal profession. Guests Scott DiBiasio, AI’s Director of Government Affairs; Randy Button, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, former lobbyist and National Government Relations Committee member; and Mike Twitty, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, Pinellas County Property Appraiser, share real-world examples of advocacy at the state and federal levels.From making “bad bills better” to fighting for property tax transparency, the conversation highlights why appraiser engagement in the political process is vital — and what’s at stake if the profession stays silent. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of legislative wins, defensive battles, and the personal impact of policy changes. Whether you’re an experienced advocate or new to the political side of real estate appraisal, this episode will inspire you to get involved and protect the future of the profession.Aligned with the Appraisal Institute’s commitment to appraiser-focused content, Face Value continues to engage audiences across the broader real estate industry. Members are encouraged to listen to the new episode and share feedback or suggest future podcast topics by emailing facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
In this episode of Face Value, hosts Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, sit down with Vanessa Hall, MAI, AI-GRS, and Emily Braman, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in the appraisal profession. From mentorship gaps to leadership barriers, they explore how women are building community and equity in a historically male-dominated field. Learn about the work behind Ascend Appraisers, the Women’s Initiative Committee, and why creating connection is key to advancing the profession. Aligned with the Appraisal Institute’s commitment to appraiser-focused content, Face Value continues to engage audiences across the broader real estate industry. Members are encouraged to share feedback and suggest podcast topics by emailing facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
In this episode of Face Value, hosts Tonia and Warren sit down with leading bank review appraisers Elaine Liz Plowman, MAI, AI-GRS, CCIM (Hancock and Whitney Bank), Justin Slack, MAI, SRA (WaFd Bank), and Mike Seney, MAI, AI-GRS (South State Bank). The conversation explores what appraisers need to know when working with financial institutions—from internal rating systems and quality standards to responsiveness, communication, and the importance of credibility.Building on their panel at REVCO, the guests share real-world insight into how banks select appraisers, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to build lasting, productive relationships with reviewers. Whether you're new to bank work or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers expert guidance for appraisers navigating today’s evolving financial landscape.Aligned with the Appraisal Institute’s commitment to appraiser-focused content, Face Valuecontinues to engage audiences across the broader real estate industry. Members are encouraged toshare feedback and suggest podcast topics by emailing facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
Spotify Podcast Description:In Episode 17 of Face Value, hosts Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, sit down with Woody Fincham, SRA, AI-RRS, ASA, RAA, RAC, to explore the world of specialty valuations. With over 25 years of experience, Fincham discusses his shift from traditional appraisal work to complex assignments in litigation, conservation easements, and high-performance homes.He shares how writing and communication are critical skills in litigation appraisal—“appraisers are technical writers first and foremost”—and why professional designations matter more than ever in court. Whether you're a seasoned appraiser or considering a new path, this episode offers real insights into building a specialized valuation practice.Have a topic idea? Email us at facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
🎙️ Live from Chicago! The Appraisal Institute’s Face Value podcast breaks new ground with its first-ever in-person recording, captured at AI Headquarters during Board Meetings. Hosts Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS (joining remotely from Denver), welcome special guests Carrie Vann, AI’s Membership Director, and Eric Goodman, Librarian of the Lum Library.In this milestone episode, Carrie Vann shares exciting updates on AI’s newly streamlined membership structure, highlighting how recent changes promote inclusivity and reflect the Institute’s evolving strategic vision. She dives into what it means for all participants—designated, associate, and affiliate—to now be recognized simply as “members.”Eric Goodman offers a fascinating look into the Lum Library, a resource with over 90 years of appraisal knowledge. He walks listeners through its online search capabilities and encourages members to reach out for personalized research support.📩 Have thoughts or topic suggestions? Drop the team a line at facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.🎧 Tune in and stay connected with the future of the appraisal profession.
In this eye-opening episode, we're joined by Bill Garber, Director of Communications at the Appraisal Institute, who pulls back the curtain on AI's innovative SRA Designated Advantage program.Discover how this groundbreaking initiative is connecting qualified SRA designees with key players in the residential appraisal market—from regional banks and credit unions to attorneys, estate planners, and government agencies. Garber explains how the program is strategically designed to increase visibility and generate new business opportunities for SRA professionals."The Appraisal Institute is the best organization positively impacting appraisers' bottom line," Garber boldly claims during our conversation. Our host Boizot adds personal testimony, sharing how referrals through the organization have directly benefited his own practice.Whether you're an appraiser looking to grow your business or a service provider seeking qualified professionals, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of residential appraisal services.Listen now to learn how designation can become your competitive advantage!True to the Appraisal Institute’s commitment to appraiser-focused content, Face Value continues to engage audiences across the broader real estate industry. Members are encouraged to share feedback and suggest podcast topics by emailing facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
We're back with a must-listen episode! Tonia and Warren sit down with Appraisal Institute President Paula Konikoff, JD, MAI, AI-GRS, for an insightful discussion on the latest industry trends.Konikoff shares how she’s staying connected with members through LinkedIn updates and direct emails, ensuring transparency and engagement. She also addresses key challenges facing residential appraisers, including fee compression and the need to diversify beyond lending.Plus, as a Los Angeles resident, she reflects on how recent wildfires highlight the evolving role of appraisers in disaster-stricken areas. “In boom and bust, appraisers are essential,” she notes.True to the Appraisal Institute’s commitment to appraiser-focused content, Face Value continues to engage audiences across the broader real estate industry. Members are encouraged to share feedback and suggest podcast topics by emailing facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
In this twelfth episode of Season 3, hosts Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, dive into the complex world of Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs). Joining the conversation are industry experts Scott Dibiasio, Director of Government Affairs at the Appraisal Institute, and Mark Verrett, SRA, ASA, and CEO of Accurity Consolidated. Together, they break down:✅ The history behind the creation of AMCs✅ The services they provide & their compensation structure✅ The controversies surrounding AMCs & their impact on appraisers Tonia and Warren also discuss how AMCs might shape the future of the profession and how appraisers can adapt to industry changes. Plus, they highlight the Appraisal Institute’s Leadership Development and Advisory Council (LDAC) Conference on May 14-16, where appraisers will have the chance to advocate for their profession on Capitol Hill. 📩 Got thoughts or ideas for the show? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org. 🔊 Listen now and stay informed on the evolving appraisal landscape!
The episode focuses on the process of acquiring designation through the Appraisal Institute, featuring recent SRA designee Megan Judd, a residential real estate appraiser for 30 years. Judd speaks with passion about what prompted her to acquire her SRA designation and the multi-year journey she took, concluding this past year. She talks about the value of the designation, the job opportunities it unlocks and the importance of remaining relevant through designation in a fragile marketplace. Vailas and Boizot also reflect on their own journeys to acquiring designation and the value it added to their professional lives. They also discuss opportunities for local coalition building and lobbying members of Congress on behalf of appraisers through AI’s Leadership Development and Advisory Council (LDAC)
The episode focuses on appraising rural markets. Despite rural America making up 97% of the country’s land mass and being home to 1 in 5 Americans, there are few appraisers that work in this market. And it requires a special set of knowledge, which Vailas and Boizot tap from guest Ben Davidson, an MAI, SRA, AI_GRS, AI_RRS designated appraiser. Davidson discusses rural geography and what constitutes a rural property - it's not just how close the houses are together! Warren recalls being told that checking the box for ‘rural’ might ‘kill a deal’, an idea Davidson dismisses as a problem from the past. They discuss the impacts of water rights and utilities on value, the ‘barndominium’ craze, and opportunities for the next generation of appraisers.
The episode features 2024 AI President, Sandra Adomatis, SRA, who marks her 4th appearance on the Face Value Podcast. On this episode, hosts Vailas and Boizot ask Sandy to share a few things about herself that listeners don’t know – including experiences with the Coast Guard, flying planes and being a grandparent several times over. She tells the story of how she became an appraiser, one that’s wrapped up in how she met her late husband. Boizot asks about how she came to become the third woman AI president in 92 years, and she talks about her ambitions and some of the challenges she’s faced in the last year. Adomatis, Boizot and Vailas revisit new developments in the PAREA project - a topic that Adomatis discussed in previous Face Value podcast appearances. And as a resident of Florida, Adomatis discusses the challenges of living with frequent storms and the relief services available to AI members.
The episode focuses on stigmatized properties, where the value of a property is affected by psychological reasons. Guest Rob Stilo has appraised stigmatized properties throughout Colorado, including the home of Chris Watts, who in 2018 murdered his pregnant wife and two young children. Rob discusses the methodology he used to determine that the Watts house would be unsellable in the first two years after the tragic events, then regain 10-20% of value each year thereafter. While the discussion of haunted houses was fitting for the Halloween season, Rob noted that stigma can also be positive. He discussed some of the properties he appraised in Colorado that benefited in value by their inclusion in a home-building TV show. Warren chimed in with a PSA to television producers of home-related show content – Always include the opinion of an appraiser! Appraiser-centric - in line with all the Appraisal Institute’s communications , the new Face Value podcast is targeting audiences across the wider real estate industry. Member input and podcast ideas are welcome and encouraged, please send them to facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
The episode focuses on short term rentals, featuring guest Rodman Schley, an MAI and SRA designated real estate investor and valuation expert, an Emmy-nominated TV host and producer, author and head of Blue Fusion Capital, which focuses on investing in short term vacation rentals. He’s served on the Appraisal Institute’s National Board of Directors, including a term as its 2021 President. Schley discusses his investment in short term rentals in Costa Rica and swaps host stories with Vailas and Boizot, both of whom are also owners of short term rental properties. Schley talks about the cap rate he requires to commit to an investment property, ways to economize and optimize management tasks, and the evaluations he makes when investing, which he says appraisers know well. Schley also discussed some of the regions he’s looking into investing in the future. Appraiser-centric - in line with all the Appraisal Institute’s communications -- the new Face Value podcast is targeting audiences across the wider real estate industry. Member input and podcast ideas are welcome and encouraged, please send them to facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
The Appraisal Institute, the leading association of real estate appraisers, releases the sixth episode in season three of its popular “Face Value” podcast, hosted by Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS. The episode focuses on the NAR Settlement; what happened, why, and what’s next for homebuyers and sellers. Boizot and Vailas are joined in this episode by guests: Darwin Ernst, SRA, AI-RRS, a certified Residential Appraiser and current Vice Chair of Region 1 for the Appraisal Institute, and Heather Mull, a MAI/SRA designated appraiser and the owner of Placer Realty Advisors, a full service commercial appraisal and consulting firm. With both commercial and residential professionals represented, the discussion digs deep on the types of new broker agreements, ranges in compensation, and effects of the settlement on sale price and appraisal. Appraiser-centric - in line with all the Appraisal Institute’s communications - the new Face Value podcast is targeting audiences across the wider real estate industry. Member input and podcast ideas are welcome and encouraged, please send them to facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
The Appraisal Institute, the leading association of real estate appraisers, releases episode three in season three of its popular “Face Value” podcast, hosted by Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS. The episode focuses on Wine Appraisals featuring guest Nick Cadigan, MAI, the Appraisal Director for American AgCredit’s Northern California region who specializes in vineyard and winery appraisal. In advance of the podcast recording, Cadigan sent hosts Boizot and Vailas a Chardonnay and a Pinot Grigio in order to taste the two wines in real-time during the podcast. In addition to providing some wine tasting tips, Cadigan discussed some of the challenges to acquiring information on vineyards in order to appraise them. He defined ABA and talked about its role in the valuation. Cadigan also discussed some major changes that may affect the valuation of vineyards, including a decline in wine consumption among millennials and the effect of climate change on production. At the end of the episode, Vailas and Boizot ranked the wines they tasted. Appraiser-centric -- in line with all the Appraisal Institute’s communications -- the new Face Value podcast is targeting audiences across the wider real estate industry. Member input and podcast ideas are welcome and encouraged, please send them to facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
The Appraisal Institute releases the second episode of season three of its “Face Value” podcast, hosted by Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS. The episode focuses on Yellowbook Appraising, with insights from guests Tim Hansen, Director at the US Department of the Interior’s Appraisal and Valuation Services Office, and Michael Brady, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS. They discuss the nuances of Yellowbook guidelines, debunking myths, and exploring the differences between Yellowbook and USPAP. Member suggestions for future episodes are welcome at facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.
Face Value, the Appraisal Institute's podcast has relaunched for season 3. Catch up with hosts Warren Boizot and Tonia Vailas, hear about their ideas for new episodes, and send along your own to facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org!