Once again, it is that time of the year to ask appraisers what their ideal gift from Santa Claus is. In just two days, everyone will discover what has been placed both underneath the holiday tree, and inside the stocking.

Appraisers and organizations were kind enough to reveal what they’re hoping for this year.

“The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) hopes that 2022 will bring reports from the PAVE Task Force and ASC Review that contain impartial recommendations which the foundation can put into action,” TAF President David Bunton told Valuation Review. “We also hope to continue to foster good working relationships and cultivate a place for collaboration for a diverse group of stakeholders.”

National Association of Appraisers’ Teresa Walker just had one item to request from that jolly man in the red suit, which is universal state approval of the model PAREA (Practical Application of Real Estate Appraisal).

“Every year, I wish for the same thing from Santa,” Dustin Harris (“The Appraiser Coach”) said. “Every year, sadly, it becomes more painfully obvious that either Santa doesn't exist, or he hates me. If I could get one thing for Christmas this year, it would be that all appraisal clients trust the appraiser again. It used to be that the appraiser was hired for his or her expertise, wisdom, knowledge, and abilities to make the right valuation decisions.

“Anymore, the client wants to direct the appraiser, rather than the appraiser being able to make decisions that best fit the scope of work,” Harris added. “It’s the appraiser who should decide if original comp photos are necessary to the assignment, if the signing appraiser is needed at the inspection, if the cost approach should be included in the report, etc. I long for Christmases past when these decisions were made by the valuation professional and not by arbitrary regulations.”

This year’s gift wish for the staff at Class Valuation is for everyone to embrace technology and innovation in appraising to modernize the industry.

“As we go into 2022 where the desktop appraisal will be implemented into GSE policy, a reminder that a complete visual inspection of the property is not required by USPAP but has been an assignment condition for as long as most of us can remember,” the team at Class Valuation told us. “Technology, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Over the years the appraisal industry has seen technology launch it forward. From typewriters to personal computers and mobile devices; tape measures to laser devices; film to digital cameras; calculators to Excel to online applications that do much of the calculation and data entry for you—all of these to improve efficiencies and accuracy in our profession.”

Class Valuation reminds all appraisers that 3D data-rich property scans can replace 2D flat digital images collected by an appraiser, not to replace appraisers, but to make them stronger.

“For the holidays this year, I’d like to see a more diverse group of individuals than ever learn about the valuation profession, and ultimately choose a career in appraisal,” Appraisal Institute President Rodman Schley said. “This profession has been such an incredible gift to my family and me and I very much want others to experience that as well. In this season of gratitude, I’m thankful to Chase, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Urban League for our ongoing collaboration with the Appraiser Diversity Initiative.”

Accurate Group Chief Appraiser Tony Pistilli said if he could have one present this holiday season, it would be a gift box delivered to every appraiser across our great nation filled with the following “presents:

• Ten new clients.
• One new trainee.
• Doses of USPAP Advisory Opinion #2.
• Revision-free appraisals for one week.
• Rain-free days for one week.
• Free background checks.
• One hybrid/desktop assignment a day.
• And following the above-mentioned present, three days off a week.
• “Mind openers” for new technology and processes.
• And last, but not least, he said, (“drum roll please”) a lidar measuring device.

“But most of all, I wish every appraiser health and happiness this holiday season and the most prosperous New Year in 2022,” Pistilli said.