Newz: AQB Changing Requirements OK?, Completion Certificates, Solidfi AMC vs. Appraiser
August 21, 2026
What’s in This Newsletter (In Order, Scroll Down)
LIA AD: Completion Certificate Assignment
- Second AQB Exposure Draft Proposals Could Be Game-Changing, By Bryan Reynolds
- How the Shotgun Home Went From Affordable Southern Staple to an Endangered Design Gem
- When Solidifi Tried to Silence Samnick
- MY AD: Beyond Forms, Toward Wisdom: The Case for a Broader Education in Real Estate Appraisal, By Tim Andersen, MAI
- Appraisal Software Tools to Consider in 2026
- My UAD 3.6 Tips of the Week – FHA/VA, Tablets
- MBA AD STATS: Mortgage applications decreased 0.4 percent from one week earlier
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Second AQB Exposure Draft Proposals Could Be Game-Changing
By Bryan Reynolds
Comments are due by August 30, 2026. To Post Your Comments, Click Here
The AQB is proposing changes to the appraiser qualification requirements that would significantly change some of the barriers to entry. Here are some highlights. Excerpts: n June 22, 2026, the Appraisal Foundation’s Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) released their “Second Exposure Draft of Proposed Changes to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria.” (Read it here.)
That’s a mouthful. Let me translate: The AQB is proposing some big sweeping changes to the minimum requirements for becoming a real property appraiser. I’m not taking a position on these proposals, but there’s no question that several of them could remove or reduce long-standing barriers to entry for aspiring appraisers.
As AQB chair Jerry Yurek explained: “The proposals do not lower the bar the appraiser credential signifies. They do, however, streamline the path to entry into the profession by eliminating requirements that do not contribute to an applicant’s readiness.”What the Exposure Draft Would Change:
1. Eliminate the College Degree Requirement for Certified Residential and Certified General
2. Remove the Minimum Calendar-Time Requirements for Experience
3. Add a Demonstration Appraisal Report Pathway for Licensed Residential
4. Recognize Experience Already Earned When Moving to a Higher Classification
Make Your Voice Heard
The AQB exposure process is the profession’s opportunity to support, oppose, or recommend revisions to the proposals. Comments are due by August 30, 2026. Whether you are an appraiser, trainee, educator, regulator, lender, or user of appraisal services, review the draft carefully and provide specific, constructive feedback to the AQB.
These proposals could be game-changing. The profession should help determine exactly how the game changes.
To read more in the article Click Here
For more information from the AQB, Click Here
My comments: This article is very positive about the reason for the changes and mostly was what the ASB said. Many thanks to Bryan Reynolds for writing up what is proposed.
No college degree for certified general is not a good idea.
I learned how to write long “papers”, open to ideas about new things in college. Of course business classes are good. I never had business classes until I got my MBA 10 years after I started appraising. I became a much better appraiser. Maybe some business classes could be required. Especially financial.
Commercial appraisers need very good math and financial expertise.
The big problem, exposed after licensing, was the experience requirement. People sent out mass mailings to find a mentor. They had no way to determine if they were ethical, knew how to appraise, and more. Of course, fee appraisers have had no teacher training. I still hear stories about trainees who found out their mentor was teaching them the wrong things.
Before licensing, most trainees started at lenders, who had supervisors to train them. I was trained at an assessor’s office with the same set up.I am a musician and learned to play many instruments over the years. I learned to take lessons when I first started playing. Why? So I did not have to un-learn the wrong way to play better. The same applies to appraiser trainees.
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A FINAL PLEA — TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO COMMENT BY DOUG SMITH
The AQB has extended the comment deadline on its proposed changes to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria from July 27 to August 30. With appraisers also trying to prepare for the enormous change represented by UAD 3.6, that extra time is welcome.
But August 30 is now only days away.One proposal deserves particular attention: eliminating the college degree requirement for Certified General appraisers.Whatever your position, this is a major change in the qualifications for entry into our profession. The AQB needs to hear from the people who actually practice appraisal.You do not need to write an essay. Even a short comment stating whether you support or oppose eliminating the college degree requirement — and briefly why — puts an appraiser’s voice into the record.Take a few minutes. Make your voice heard.Deadline: August 30, 2026Send your comment by email to: AQBComments@appraisalfoundation.org
Copy the address, paste it into your email, write a few sentences, and hit Send.Many thanks to Doug Smith for his comments!!
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How the Shotgun Home Went From Affordable Southern Staple to an Endangered Design Gem
Excerpts: their narrow footprints and vibrant facades, shotgun homes stand as one of the most distinctive architectural styles in the American South. Originally designed to maximize efficiency and natural airflow, these compact structures pack a remarkable amount of character into a surprisingly small layout.
Beyond their eye-catching exteriors lies a design philosophy borne out of pure resourcefulness and clever spatial engineering.
Long before modern air conditioning or open-concept trends, these homes were built to solve real-world living challenges in humid, urban environments.
Over the centuries, the shotgun home has undergone a dramatic transformation in its perception. What once began as an accessible option for working families has evolved into a celebrated piece of architectural history.
When was the first shotgun home designed?
Shotgun houses are deeply rooted in West African and Haitian culture. The architectural style was brought to the United States in the early 1800s mostly by Haitian immigrants fleeing the Haitian Revolution.
The design first emerged in New Orleans following the city’s large influx of immigrants from Haiti in 1809. Because of their small and affordable build, shotgun homes traditionally housed poorer populations.
Shotgun houses spread throughout the American South as an affordable way for working-class families and industrial laborers to own a home. But throughout the 1960s and 1970s, many shotgun homes were demolished to make way for federally funded “urban renewal” and highway construction due to the poverty stigma associated with the design.
The exact origins of the moniker “shotgun” house are a bit of a mystery. However, it is commonly said that one could fire a shotgun through the front door and the bullet would pass all the way through the back door unscathed because of its narrow, hallway-less design.
To read more Click Here
My comments: I have been hearing about shotgun houses for many years. I saw classic shotgun houses a few times in New Orleans. Fascinating history I knew nothing about! I also saw sometimes homes built with floor plans similar to shotgun homes.
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When Solidifi Tried to Silence Samnick
Excerpts: David Samnick has spent years warning that the AMC model would eventually expose its own contradictions. He is a Georgia appraiser, a long time critic of AMC practices, and the author of Mein Comp: The Last Appraiser, a book that traces how independence in the profession was eroded year after year by expanding corporate control.
Samnick walked away from mortgage work two years ago, stopped accepting AMC assignments entirely, and now works only for private clients.
He has never completed an assignment for Clear Capital. Yet despite having no active relationship with Solidifi and no reliance on their panel, he still received a compliance letter demanding that he explain why he criticized Clear Capital on social media.
The moment you read it, you realize it belongs in a category all its own.
Solidifi informed him that he was being placed on hold and insisted he had violated confidentiality by referencing an appraisal order in his post. They warned that he could be removed from their panel if his explanation did not satisfy their compliance committee or if he failed to respond within thirty days.
This came from an AMC he has not worked with in roughly two years. It reads less like a professional inquiry and more like an attempt to muzzle an appraiser who dared to speak plainly about the way AMCs treat independent professionals.
Solidifi objected to his criticism of Clear Capital while simultaneously proving the very point he was making about AMC overreach, creating a situation so contradictory that it practically explains itself.
The Appraisal Regulation Compliance Council (ARCC) has documented cases where Clear Capital kept 69% of the total fee and Solidifi kept 60%. These findings were not speculation. They were documented violations showing how deeply the fee siphoning problem runs and how little of the consumer’s payment actually reaches the person responsible for the accuracy of the report.
The appraiser carries the license, the liability, the insurance, the continuing education, and the responsibility for the valuation. The AMC carries the administrative paperwork. Yet the AMC often earns more from the appraisal than the person who actually performs it.
To read more Click Here
My comments: Read the letter sent to Samnick. Bizarre!! I interviewed Samnick and did a review of his Most Excellent Book – Mein Comp. Unfortunately, the name of the book was confused sometimes with Hitler’s book of the same name when trying to purchase his book.
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Beyond Forms, Toward Wisdom: The Case for a Broader Education in Real Estate Appraisal
In the April, 2026 issue of Appraisal Today
By Tim Andersen, MAI
Excerpts: Abstract This essay argues that the practice of real estate appraisal requires more than technical proficiency and regulatory compliance. To achieve excellence and credibility, appraisers benefit from a broader intellectual foundation that includes philosophy, economics, business law, composition, logic, and rhetoric.
Philosophy strengthens ethical reasoning and critical thinking; economics clarifies market dynamics; business law situates valuation within legal frameworks; composition, logic, and rhetoric enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of appraisal reports. While some practitioners may resist calls for university-level education, fearing exclusion or unnecessary barriers, the essay reframes this vision as an invitation rather than a requirement.
A cross-disciplinary approach enriches the profession, elevates credibility in the eyes of clients and courts and encourages appraisers to stretch beyond minimum standards. Ultimately, the essay contends that the profession’s future depends on cultivating wisdom-thinking like philosophers, reasoning like economists, and writing like rhetoricians. This broader education moves appraisal beyond forms and toward wisdom.
Introduction
For many years, I have argued, sometimes quietly, but sometimes more loudly, that to be a truly effective real estate appraiser requires more than technical skill with a measuring tape or a deep familiarity with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).Those are essential, of course.
But excellence in appraisal goes deeper. It requires a grounding in disciplines that might, at first glance, seem far removed from the daily tasks of inspecting properties or completing forms. I am speaking here about philosophy, economics, business law, composition, logic, and rhetoric.
The pillars of a university-level education that prepare a person not just to do appraisal, but to be an appraiser in the fullest, most professional sense.
I still believe this with all my heart. And although some of my colleagueshave ridiculed me personally or dismissed the idea, I remain convinced that the profession of real estate appraisal will rise or fall based on how seriously it embraces a richer intellectual foundation.
This essay is not a defense against criticism, but rather an invitation-to imagine what our profession could become if appraisers stretched beyond the minimum requirements and aspired to something more enduring: wisdom.
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Appraisal Software Tools to Consider in 2026
Excerpts: As appraisers prepare for UAD 3.6 and the redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR), technology decisions are receiving renewed attention. While software has always played an important role in appraisal reporting, the industry’s move toward a more data-driven framework is prompting many professionals to reevaluate the tools they use every day.
The right appraisal software can help improve efficiency, streamline workflows, reduce repetitive data entry, and support consistency across reports. Whether you’re exploring new platforms or simply curious about the options available, this guide highlights several appraisal software tools worth considering as the profession continues to evolve.
What to Look for in Appraisal Software. Not all appraisal software platforms take the same approach.
As you evaluate your options, consider factors such as:
• UAD 3.6 and URAR readiness
• Workflow automation and efficiency features• Integration with MLS, sketching, inspection, and data tools
• Cloud access and mobile capabilities• Report creation and data management functionality
• Training resources and customer support
• The best solution for one appraiser may not be the best solution for another. Your ideal platform will depend on your workflow, business needs, assignment types, and personal preferences.
Top Appraisal Software Tools
The software tools included below represent a selection of popular options used by appraisers. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement, and appraisers should evaluate solutions based on their individual business needs.
Appraisal Analysis and Reporting Tools, such as Datamaster and Solomon Adjustment
UAD 3.6 Appraisal Software Lists with features on different software.
Workflow and Business Management Solutions Anow and Appraisal Inbox
To read more Click Here
My comments: Useful in deciding what you want. FYI, some software tools are integrated with UAD 3.6 software vendors.
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My UAD 3.6 Tips of the Week
FHA and VA Status FHA has announced its move toward UAD 3.6. VA has remained noticeably silent. Per Doug Smith, who keeps us updated with FHA and VA.I am hearing a lot of rumors about VA but no one knows for sure.
Tablets for Inspection Apps – Which tablet to buy. Or can you use a phone. Ask the Software vendors. Everyone is different. I purchased a high end Ipad. It was more than I needed, but I wanted to be able to test any app I wanted. I have used Ipads since the first one was available. Also my current Ipad had a bad battery and could not hold a charge….
UAD 3.6 is changing fast. Every month in Appraisal Today monthly newsletter I have an long article: UAD 3.6 Update with the latest news and tips. To subscribe, To order, Click Here
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HOW TO USE THE NUMBERS BELOW. Appraisals are ordered after the loan application. These numbers tell you the future for the next few weeks. For more information on how they are compiled, Click Here.
Note: I publish a graph of this data every month in my paid monthly newsletter, Appraisal Today. For more information or get a FREE sample go to www.appraisaltoday.com/order Or call 510-865-8041, MTW, 7 AM to noon, Pacific time.
My comments: Rates are going up and down. We are all waiting for rates to drop lower in 2027.
Mortgage applications decreased 0.4 percent from one week earlier
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 19, 2026) — Mortgage applications decreased 0.4 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending August 14, 2026.The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index decreased 1 percent compared with the previous week. The Refinance Index increased 2 percent from the previous week and was 18 percent lower than the same week one year ago. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index decreased 2 percent from one week earlier. The unadjusted Purchase Index decreased 3 percent compared with the previous week and was 3 percent lower than the same week one year ago.
“Mortgage rates and applications changed little last week, with just a slight increase in refinances for conventional and VA loans, while FHA refinances were lower,” said Joel Kan, CMB, MBA’s VP and Deputy Chief Economist. “Borrowers with larger loan sizes remain less likely to refinance with rates at these higher levels. The average loan size on refinances continues to shrink, dipping to $282,200 last week, the lowest level since June 2025.”Added Kan, “Purchase applications decreased and were also lower than last year’s pace. In addition to the economic uncertainty, affordability difficulties have reemerged as a reason for homebuyers to delay purchase decisions given the impact of higher mortgage rates on monthly mortgage payments.”
The refinance share of mortgage activity increased to 41.9 percent of total applications from 40.7 percent the previous week. The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity decreased to 7.7 percent of total applications.
The FHA share of total applications decreased to 17.1 percent from 17.3 percent the week prior. The VA share of total applications increased to 12.6 percent from 12.3 percent the week prior. The USDA share of total applications remained unchanged at 0.5 percent from the week prior.The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($832,750 or less) remained unchanged at 6.77 percent, with points decreasing to 0.65 from 0.67 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent loan-to-value ratio (LTV) loans. The effective rate remained unchanged from last week.The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with jumbo loan balances (greater than $832,750) increased to 6.71 percent from 6.68 percent, with points decreasing to 0.48 from 0.51 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages backed by the FHA increased to 6.45 percent from 6.43 percent, with points increasing to 0.82 from 0.77 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans. The effective rate increased from last week.The average contract interest rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 6.08 percent from 6.10 percent, with points decreasing to 0.82 from 0.94 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans. The effective rate decreased from last week.The average contract interest rate for 5/1 ARMs decreased to 5.94 percent from 5.99 percent, with points increasing to 0.87 from 0.83 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans. The effective rate decreased from last week.
The survey covers U.S. closed-end residential mortgage applications originated through retail and consumer direct channels. The survey has been conducted weekly since 1990. Respondents include mortgage bankers, commercial banks, thrifts, and credit unions. Base period and value for all indexes is March 16, 1990=100.
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Ann O’Rourke, MAI, SRA, MBA
Appraiser and Publisher Appraisal Today
1826 Clement Ave. Suite 203 Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 510-865-8041
Email: ann@appraisaltoday.com
Online: www.appraisaltoday.com
