2nd Quarter President’s Message

2nd Quarter President’s Message
April 15th, 2014
Message from:
Richard deVerdier,2014 ICAP President

Members of ICAP:

In 2014 ICAP has remained committed to promoting the appraisal profession and its image to the general public and to the users of appraisal services. ICAP has been, and continues to work closely with its sponsoring organizations developing legislative goals; and while Illinois General Assembly is enjoying an 18 day Spring break, it’s a good time to provide our membership with an update.

Legislation

Earlier this year ICAP’s Legislative Chairman, Jim Blaydes testified before the Business & Occupational Licenses Committee regarding HB5709. ICAP is opposing HB5709 as it would allow municipally employees to perform waiver valuations without a state certification on those properties where the compensation for the proposed take is less than $10,000. ICAP has agreed to the same exemption IDOT currently has, 45 hours of education, 2 years of experience, and the waiver must be co-signed by the Professional Engineer; however, the 2 year requirement for experience was objected to. ICAP is working on language increasing the education if the experience is lowered 1 year.

ICAP has withdrawn its opposition to SB1841, thus allowing an Illinois licensee to petition the Illinois State Appraisal Board (after 7 years) to have a continuing education discipline removed from the IDFPR’s website. ICAP’s directors feel that after 7 years State Appraisal Board members should be able to use their discretion with the removal of a non-practicing offense from the IDFPR’s website.

ICAP is currently proposing revisions to HB5931 which would clearly define Brokers Price Opinions (BPOs) & Competitive Market Analysis (CMAs). ICAP has been conducting meetings with the realtors. Although both groups are in agreement that these products need to be defined, no specific language has been agreed upon. ICAP believes defining these products would protect the public’s trust and reduce consumer confusion. This bill came out of committee on March 25^th with the understanding that ICAP will continue to work on the definitions for BPOs/CMAs and their use.

ICAP took action to oppose SB3499. This bill states that in counties with less than 3,000,000 residents, a taxpayer may choose to be represented before the Board of Review by a tax representative, including a person who is a licensed IL real estate agent; possesses a Certified IL Assessing Officer certificate from IL Property Assessment Institute; possesses a Certified Assessment Evaluator designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers, or has obtained a Certification as a Member of the Appraisal Institute, is a Senior Real Estate Analyst, or a Senior Real Property Appraiser. ICAP is opposing the bill due to concerns with terminology and definitions. ICAP is working to clarify these items within the bill.

In addition, ICAP is drafting language, intended for the Administrative Rules, defining how appraisal firms that have been required to register as an appraisal management company based on ownership can act as an appraisal firm. ICAP is planning to summit the language to the Illinois State Appraisal Board with a recommendation that it be summited to the IDFPR for inclusion into the Administrative Rules.

Seminars

Thanks to Rick Hiton & Elizabeth Kern the agendas for ICAP’s seminars have been finalized and again will provide the most up-to-date issues in the appraisal industry. For the first time ever, both the Springfield and Lisle Seminars will feature an Exhibitor Showcase. ICAP’s 2014 Seminar Schedule is as follows:

Springfield- July 14^th, 2014
Godfrey August 15, 2014
Lisle- August 18^th, 2014

Attending a combination of either the Springfield and/or Lisle seminar and the Godfrey seminar qualifies for 14 hours of CE. To register for ICAP’s 2014 Seminars, visit our website http://www.icapweb.com.

National Appraisal Coalition

ICAP’s National Appraiser Coalition (NAC) Chairman Brian Masterson has continued ICAP’s focus on revitalizing the National Appraisal Coalition. ICAP is currently working on a new NAC website intended to be a communication, networking, and educational tool for real estate appraisal coalitions across the country. In addition, ICAP is organizing a National Appraisal Coalition meeting to coincide with the October 18-21, 2014, Washington, DC Association of Appraiser Regulator Officials (AARO) Conference.

Supervisor/Trainee Course

ICAP’s plans for 2014 include hosting two Supervisor/Trainee courses which will satisfy the mandatory AQB Supervisor/Trainee course requirement. The program will review the responsibilities of a supervisor and trainee as required by USPAP, the AQB, and Illinois State Appraisal Law. In order to satisfy the locational demands of our membership, ICAP is planning to host the Supervisor/Trainee courses throughout Illinois and will keep you informed as the dates and location become available.

Communication

ICAP optimized its web site providing for easier navigation across a wide range of mobile devices and has enhanced it with “sliders” highlighting, organizing and compressing our most relevant information.

With the recent Executive Order by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn creating a Division of Real Estate ICAP has taking pro-active steps to keep the lines of communication open as the new Director of Real Estate is appointed. ICAP will continue to increase its communication, and will remain dedicated to protecting the public’s trust in our industry.

ICAP’s Success

ICAP’s success is due to our membership, and our dedicated team of Directors and staff who consistently execute our plans creating value for our membership. If you are not already a member, I encourage you to visit our website www.ICAPWEB.org and sign up today. I look forward to the remainder of 2014 and thank you for your continued support.