In anticipation of a new appointment, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board Chair Sara Oates opened the Board’s November 15 meeting with some parting words before the expiration of her term:
“Part of the reason why I do feel like it’s time for me to go because I think that with new leadership there is new energy, there are new, fresh eyes on things, and I think, for an oversight board, that’s important thing.”
Chair Oates’ fellow Board members also took a moment to reflect on her service.
“Thank you, Chair, for your leadership and for the opportunity to serve the public and being able to openly speak in these meetings.”
Lisa Sprinkle
“I appreciate your leadership. You’ve really become a role model on how we as a Board can function and I appreciate your leadership and thank you for your service.”
R. Chance Bolton
“You’ve always listened to us, and you were so articulate in leading us and the energy and intelligence that you brought. Many, many times, I would have to say, ‘Well I didn’t think of that,’ or ‘I didn’t catch that.’ Thank you.”
Martha Gayle Reid Lynch
“The level of detail, the importance of drilling down and looking at the detail has been really, really critical and I think it's added a lot of value to the Board. You've done well. Thank you so much, we appreciate you.”
Stephanie Robinson
And TALCB Executive Director Chelsea Buchholtz’s remarks also recognized two other board members whose terms expire on January 31, 2025.
“What an honor it’s been to work with you and Stephanie Robinson and Lisa Sprinkle. You make a difference in this work. I know you do it for no pay. It means the world to me and our staff to work with people who are encouraging and who support the work that we do. We have felt supported by you. I’m grateful for each of you and thank you for your service to the state of Texas.”
A thanks was also given by the Chair to TALCB staff who hosted a webinar in October called The Dollars and Sense of Becoming an Appraiser Supervisor. It was attended by not only Texans, also appraisers and aspiring appraisers from other parts of the country.
Adopted Rules
Several amendments were adopted to better reflect current TALCB procedures and simplify and clarify where needed. Most of those changes are related to the Board’s Quadrennial Rule Review—required by state law for agencies to determine whether the reasons for adopting their rules still exist.
Review all of the newly adopted rules on the TALCB Rules and Laws page.
Complaint Processing
The changes adopted to the Board’s complaint processing clarify when, if needed, the subject of a complaint would be notified during a preliminary investigative review process. There are also corrections to references within this rule.
Proposed Rules
Part of what the Board is proposing includes removing the sanctions guidelines from Section 159.204, Complaint Processing to its own rule, 159.203, for clarity.
Language in the Complaint Processing rule could also be changed and added to for consistency and to make it clear that online payment of administrative penalties is subject to a transaction fee.
Trainee License Reinstatement
There are proposed amendments geared towards trainees with expired licenses. The amendments would make requirements within the License Reinstatement rule clear, to help reduce barriers to entry into the industry by providing a mechanism that allows trainees to reinstate their license more efficiently.
Comment Now
The above proposed changes are open for public comment now through January 5, 2025. They will be considered for adoption in February.
Creating an AMC Working Group
TALCB staff will create a working group that will include representatives from the entire appraisal management process (AMC): AMC, residential appraiser, consumer, mortgage broker, and lender. This group will advise staff on AMC-related matters and relevant industry practice.
Meeting Materials
TALCB’s November 15 meeting recording and materials are here.