By Scott W. DiBiasio

Director of Government Affairs, Appraisal Institute

For more than 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of advocating on behalf of real estate appraisers—meeting with lawmakers, testifying in statehouses, and working closely with regulators to ensure that appraisers’ voices are heard and valued. While I’m not an appraiser myself, I’ve come to greatly admire the professionalism, expertise, and public trust that appraisers bring to the real estate finance system. At the Appraisal Institute, it’s our mission to make sure those qualities are recognized—and protected—through smart public policy.

The Appraisal Institute is proud to be the only appraisal organization with full-time advocacy staff in Washington, D.C., and the only one with a dedicated state government affairs program. Our advocacy efforts are grounded in listening to our members, responding to their concerns, and advancing policies that support their ability to deliver high-quality, independent valuations.

We’ve worked hard to deliver real results, especially for residential appraisers who are on the front lines of an evolving real estate landscape. We’ve led the charge on issues that matter most to our members: fair compensation, transparent practices, strong oversight, and respect for the appraiser’s professional judgment.

At both the state and federal levels, we’ve championed the need for fee transparency, ensuring that consumers know where their money goes and that appraisers are not unfairly blamed for fees retained by third parties. We’ve consistently supported policies that uphold the requirement for customary and reasonable fees—because quality valuations deserve fair compensation.

We’ve also been a national leader in strengthening oversight of Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs). Appraisers are subject to rigorous standards, state licensure, and disciplinary review—yet AMCs often operate under lighter regulatory structures. We’ve worked to level that playing field by helping craft and support legislation that holds AMCs to higher standards of accountability and fairness.

Importantly, our work goes beyond protecting appraisers: it benefits homebuyers, lenders, and taxpayers by helping maintain a valuation system rooted in independence and integrity. By standing up for professional standards, we help ensure that the valuation process remains a safeguard for sound lending and consumer protection.

In recent years, we’ve responded to new challenges with proactive solutions. As technologies like automated valuation models, hybrid appraisals, and property data collection tools have entered the market, we’ve emphasized that innovation must be paired with responsibility. We’ve advocated that appraisers remain at the center of valuation, even in evolving models, and that any delegation of data collection must come with training, standards, and clear accountability.

We’ve also helped educate lawmakers and regulators about the critical distinction between valuation tools and the professional judgment of a trained appraiser. Thanks to these efforts, the Appraisal Institute is now frequently called upon to provide expertise in shaping the future of valuation policy, from housing finance reform to modernization initiatives.

Our advocacy is strengthened by our partnerships. We collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders including consumer groups, veterans’ organizations, and government agencies—to develop policies that reflect a shared commitment to fairness, transparency, and professionalism in the real estate process.

We’re not just present in Washington, D.C., and our state capitals, we’re leading. From drafting model legislation to influencing federal guidance, the Appraisal Institute continues to be at the forefront of public policy conversations that affect appraisers and the consumers they serve.

We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we are not resting. We are continuing to advocate, educate, and lead. Our profession is vital, and our mission is clear: to promote and protect the role of appraisers in a real estate system that values quality, independence, and public trust. That’s what we’re fighting for every day.