Chelsea T. Buchholtz

The meeting commenced with the pledging of allegiance to the flag and the state flag. Key discussions included addressing excused board member absences, noting one member was expecting a child and another was potentially delayed. The board also heard opening remarks from the chair following a productive workshop. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed presentation by Pearson View regarding appraiser examinations, content outlines, testing center locations (including the addition of Alpine), and the examinee experience, including score reporting and fees. Staff reports included year-end data (as the fiscal year ended in August) and updates on regulatory matters, such as the upcoming ASC audit in September 2026 and the mandatory implementation of a new valuation bias and fair housing course starting in January 2026. Further updates covered the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) exposure draft regarding criteria changes, staff achievements in the state employee charitable campaign, and extensive details regarding the upcoming launch of the new Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal (REALM portal) on December 10th. The transition process includes a system downtime window from December 2nd to December 10th, during which license management tools will be inaccessible. License holders were advised to complete any necessary renewals before December 2nd.

The meeting included discussions on excusing absent board members, public comments regarding disciplinary actions against appraisers, and enforcement matters. The board addressed concerns about the display of disciplinary actions on the website and considered a motion for rehearing in a certification matter.

The meeting included discussions on various topics, such as the ratification of the official record from a previous board meeting, public comments on non-agenda items, and an executive session to receive advice of counsel concerning pending or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, and enforcement actions. Additionally, there was a discussion and possible action regarding modifications of board orders related to a specific complaint and a proposal for a decision from the State Office of Administrative Hearings concerning an application denial.

The meeting included discussions on the budget, noting that revenue collection and expenditures are on track. There was also a discussion on the source of complaints, with government-sponsored enterprises, particularly Fannie Mae, being the largest source, followed by consumer complaints. Updates were provided on the appraiser diversity initiative, including an upcoming workshop in Houston. The board also discussed the new edition of the qualifications criteria, which includes mandatory appraisal bias education. Operational updates included progress on the ramp project, the database replacement project, which is on time and expected to bring more efficiencies and self-service options.

The meeting included welcoming a new board member and recognizing an outgoing board member. The board moved to an executive session to receive advice from counsel. There was a discussion and possible action to approve a request for modification of an agreed order related to complaint number 13-35, specifically concerning educational requirements and an extension of time to complete them.