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 level

• The role of members in shaping policies and decisions

• Simple ways to get involved through volunteering and chapter activities

• The networking and professional benefits of active participation

• How the 45-day notice period ensures members have a real voice in policy changes

As 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 [email protected].

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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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

🎙️ 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 [email protected].
🎧 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

🔊 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)