(MENAFN Editorial) WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) of The Appraisal Foundation (Foundation) adopted revisions to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (Criteria). These changes will provide additional methods for entry into the real property appraisal profession in the United States. The Criteria will become effective on May 1, 2018.

Today's changes were the result of a nearly three-year process of deliberations, which included the issuance of a discussion draft, concept paper, and four exposure drafts. The proposed changes were publicly vetted at a formal hearing, focus group session, and at several public board meetings. The proposed changes generated over 1,300 comment letters.

Today's changes include a number of options for entry into the residential appraisal profession. Additionally, the number of experience hours and timeframe for obtaining that experience have been modified.

In the coming months, the AQB will further develop a concept that was outlined in previous exposure drafts: Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA). PAREA will provide an alternative method for appraisers to gain experience towards obtaining a real property appraiser credential by performing USPAP-compliant appraisals on real properties as well as virtual properties via emerging classroom technology.

Mark Lewis, Chair of the Appraiser Qualifications Board, said of today's action, "The importance of qualified appraisers performing solid valuations on residential and non-residential real property cannot be understated." He continued, saying, "The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria is a living document that needs to fully reflect ongoing changes in the marketplace. These changes were adopted with the ultimate goal of protecting the public trust."

The Foundation will provide guidance to state appraiser regulatory agencies and candidates on the new Criteria changes. Individual state agencies may implement the Criteria on or after May 1, 2018, but not before. Additionally, state agencies may choose not to implement some or all of the Criteria changes.Stay tuned to The Appraisal Foundation's website at for more information on these exciting new changes.

About The Appraisal Foundation
The Appraisal Foundation is the nation's foremost authority on the valuation profession. The organization sets the Congressionally-authorized standards and qualifications for real estate appraisers, and provides voluntary guidance on recognized valuation methods and techniques for all valuation professionals. This work advances the profession by ensuring appraisals are independent, consistent, and objective. More information on The Appraisal Foundation is available at .

Contact: Paula Douglas Seidel, , 202.624.3048

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SOURCE The Appraisal Foundation

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