Appraisal Groups Statement on Email Sent to Dr. Elizabeth Korver-Glenn

On February 22, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) shared the text of an email sent to Dr. Elizabeth Korver-Glenn, a leading researcher on the topic of bias and discrimination in housing valuation. We, the undersigned professional appraisal organizations, condemn the thoughts, language, and tone of this email in the strongest possible terms.

There is no place in our society for the kind of race-based vitriol expressed in this email, but these views are especially troubling coming from an appraiser. Appraisers are duty bound to remain objective and unbiased in all aspects of their work and holding these views in any manner is antithetical to the very concept of appraisal practice.

We wish to reiterate our commitment to working on the issues of bias and discrimination in a constructive manner, with respect for all views and participants in the conversation. We have and continue to support passage of HR 2553, the Real Estate Valuation Fairness and Improvement Act, and see it as a durable path forward to addressing broad-based issues in the housing finance system. Lastly, we remain steadfast in our rejection of the kinds of bias and discrimination expressed in this email, as reflected both in our Code of Ethics and our members’ adherence to all aspects of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

Sincerely,
American Society of Appraisers
American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
Appraisal Institute
International Association of Assessing Officers
MBREA|The Association for Valuation Professionals™
National Society of Real Estate Appraisers