Welcome to Massachusetts Rhode Island & Maine Chapter of the Appraisal Institute!

Welcome to the Massachusetts Rhode Island and Maine Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. Since its founding in 1935, the Chapter has been home to some of the profession’s leading practitioners and educators. The Chapter has over 400 valuation professionals who are committed to a higher level of competence and a rigorous code of ethics. Our mission is to be a leader in appraiser education and to foster an atmosphere of professional pride and camaraderie.

Looking for information about the new ANSI Standards? The Appraisal Institute has a NEW online, self-paced 4 hour program Measure It Right! – Using the ANSI-Z765-2021 Standard for Residential Properties. APPROVED IN MA, ME, NH and RI.

Sep

Fri

2026

Jay Zeiger Service Day 2026 @ Save A Dog

Sep 11 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Join the Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Maine Chapter for our annual Jay Zeiger Day of Service at Save A Dog in Sudbury, MA, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will spend the morning helping with outdoor cleanup and other projects that keep the shelter looking its best for the dogs in its care. It’s a great way to give back, get your hands dirty, and spend time with fellow chapter members.

Volunteers should dress for the elements but include long pants, closed toe shoes and socks. Sometimes puppies get rambunctious and can grab a shirt edge or shoelace.

Volunteers will get a chance to play with the dogs in the shelter too.

We’ll wrap up the morning with pizza and good company!

About Save the Dog

Save A Dog is a humane society whose primary focus is rescuing and rehoming abandoned dogs. We began in 1999 as an all-breed, all-volunteer dog rescue group and ran out of our founder’s home for nine years. Finally we have a lovely facility and kennel which we are renting to own in Sudbury, Mass. Save A Dog is a privately funded 501(c)3 organization. Our Tax ID number is 04-3476937.

Categories: Upcoming Meetings and Events

Sep

Tue

2026

Hospitality & Leisure Valuation: What Every Appraiser Should Know @ Hilton Garden Inn

Sep 15 all-day

REGISTER FOR THE LIVESTREAM CLASSROOM HERE

REGISTER FOR THE IN-PERSON CLASSROOM IN WARWICK, RI HERE

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Location: Hilton Garden Inn, One Thurber Road, Warwick, RI and Livestream

Check-in /Login Access: 8:30 am

Classroom Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join us, via your laptop or in person, to explore how appraising marinas, golf courses, and resort hotels might expand your valuation expertise and potentially create new business opportunities. This program explores the unique challenges of specialty leisure and hospitality properties, including going concern allocation, travel industry trends, and appraisal review issues.

Our experienced panel includes an appraiser, investment broker, and lender as they share practical insights and real-world perspectives to help you build competency and confidently enter this specialized area of valuation.

Presenters include:

Jeff Dugas, Senior Managing Director, Leisure Appraisal
Jim Barry, Executive Vice President, Newmark
James Rizzo, Chief Commercial Banking Officer, Rockland Trust
James O’Connell, Principal, Hospitality Real Estate Counselor

Continuing Education Credit: This program is approved by the Appraisal Institute. Applications have been sent to the states of MA, NH, RI and ME. Reach out to the Chapter office about receiving CT CE credit. No credit will be provided in other states.

Categories: Education Upcoming Meetings and Events

Sep

Wed

2026

Practical Application of Fundamental Analysis – Joint program with the CT and Metro New Jersey Chapter @ Via Livestream Classroom

Sep 16 all-day

This program is being hosted jointly between the Connecticut Chapter, Massachusetts Rhode Island Maine Chapter and Metro New Jersey Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

Enrolled students will receive an email with a link to join the LIVESTREAM class.

Credit Hours: 7 hours

This course is delivered via a live, interactive virtual classroom using Zoom. Participants must have a system with a webcam and microphone. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure their equipment meets these requirements in order to participate and receive continuing education credit.

Participation and Attendance Requirements

• Participants must remain visible on Zoom with their webcam on and their full face visible for the duration of the class.

• The instructor must be able to see and interact with all participants, and participants must be able to interact with the instructor at all times.

• Attendance will be monitored throughout the session using webcams, polling, and direct interaction. A 100% attendance policy applies.

• Instructors and administrators will periodically direct questions to participants, who are expected to respond promptly.

Identification and Access

• A valid photo ID (driver’s license/passport) must be uploaded into your AI account.

Learning Environment

• Participants must attend from a quiet, distraction-free location that allows for full attention and engagement throughout the class and reliable internet connection.

• Disruptive students will be removed from the class (no ce/no refunds/no credits will be issued)

Categories: Education

Sep

Thu

2026

Q3 Chapter Business Meeting and Networking @ Maine Beer Company

Sep 17 @ 4:00 pm

Join the Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Maine Chapter of the Appraisal Institute for the Q3 Chapter Business Meeting and Networking Event at Maine Beer Company in Freeport, Maine. This gathering is a great opportunity to connect with fellow real estate valuation professionals in a relaxed setting, hear chapter updates, and expand your professional network. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the industry, you’ll have the chance to swap stories, share insights on today’s appraisal landscape, meet new real estate valuation professionals, and build relationships with colleagues from across the region. Enjoy great conversation, local craft beer, and an evening of networking that strengthens both your connections and your career.

Categories: Upcoming Meetings and Events

Sep

Wed

2026

General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach @ Hyatt Place

Sep 23 – Sep 26 all-day

Location: Hyatt Place, 50 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA
Tuition: $460 AI Price; $510 Regular Price
Instructor: Edward V. Bowler, MAI, SRA
Credit Hours: 30 hours (Be sure check with with your state licensing board for approval)

Check-in: : 8:00 am on September 23, 2025

Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Categories: Education

Analyzing Defects, Damages, and Deficiencies in the New URAR @ Via Livestream Classroom

Sep 23 @ 8:00 am – 11:30 am

Enrolled students will receive an email with a link to join the LIVESTREAM class.

Credit Hours: 3 hours

Analyzing Defects, Damages, and Deficiencies in the New URAR is fast-paced, and class time will not be spent waiting for students who did not download materials prior to class. The electronic files may be obtained by logging on to the Appraisal Institute website at https://ai.appraisalinstitute.org/eweb (click on the three horizontal lines to the left of the AI logo and selecting “My AI Account” from the drop-down menu).

Requirements:

Important Preclass Download Assignment: For the best learning experience, it is imperative that you download the materials prior to class and come prepared to take notes. You can either print the handbook or bring a laptop with materials saved where they are ready to be accessed.

Categories: Education

Analyzing Defects, Damages, and Deficiencies in the New URAR – In Person @ Sheraton Nashua

Sep 23 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

Check-in: 8:00 am
Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Driving Directions: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mhtsi-sheraton-nashua

Credit Hours: 3 hours

Requirements:

Categories: Education

Analyzing and Reporting the Income Approach in the New URAR @ Via Livestream Classroom

Sep 23 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Enrolled students will receive an email with a link to join the LIVESTREAM class.

Instructor I Sean A. Sargeant, MAI, SRA

Credit Hours: 4 hours

The new Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) includes an income approach section that may present specific “problem” areas in the reporting of 2-to-4-unit properties. Specifically, the practitioner may be confused given the different manner in which property characteristics and market area characteristics are defined, described, and analyzed.

Analyzing and Reporting the Income Approach in the New URAR is a four-hour program. Using practical case studies, this program will allow residential appraisers to enhance their proficiency with the income approach as reported in the new URAR, whether they have plentiful market data, very little market data, or confusing market data. Appraisers who are not well versed in completing a thorough and credible income approach will find this program to be most helpful. The program will also be a good refresher for the experienced appraiser and the reviewer of residential reports.

Categories: Education

Analyzing and Reporting the Income Approach in the New URAR – In Person @ Sheraton Nashua

Sep 23 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Location: Sheraton Nashua | 11 Tara Boulevard | Nashua, NH

Check-In: 12:00 – 12:30 pm

Classroom Hours: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Instructor I Sean A. Sargeant, MAI, SRA

Credit Hours: 4 hours

Categories: Education

Sep

Wed

2026

2026-27 7-Hour National USPAP® Continuing Education Course @ Via Livestream Classroom

Sep 30 all-day

Instructor: Jonathan H. Avery, MAI, SRA

Enrolled students will receive an email with a link to join the LIVESTREAM class.

Credit Hours: 7 hours

CE Credit: One hundred percent (100%) attendance is required for all Appraisal Institute education programs. Credit and a course completion certificate can only be issued by attending 100% of the course. Please plan accordingly and be on time as late arrival or leaving early could jeopardize your receiving a certificate of attendance.

Course materials: This course has three required materials that MUST be purchased from the Appraisal Foundation. No materials will be provided by the Appraisal Institute.

1).2026-27 7-Hour National USPAP Continuing Education Course Student Manual – Print or Digital $35.00.

2).2026 Guidance and Reference Manual (GRM) – Print or Digital $75.00

3) 2024 USPAP Publication: This book contains the updated standard. Print or Digital $35.00.

The 2024 USPAP publication is the most recent available. If you already have access to it, you do not need to purchase it for this cycle. The instructor is mandated to make sure all students have a copy of the current version of USPAP in order to receive credit for the class.

Categories: Education

Oct

Wed

2026

Appraiser’s Guide to the New URAR – IN-PERSON CLASSROOM @ Greater Boston Association of Realtors

Oct 7 @ 8:15 am – 4:30 pm

YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR IN-PERSON DELIVERY OF THIS PROGRAM

Greater Boston Association of Realtors, 68 Main St, Reading, MA

Check-in starts 8:15 am

Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Instructor: Mark Smeltzer, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

Cost: $175 AI Price; $200 Regular Price (includes electronic materials and AM coffee)

Enrolled students will receive a link to join the class prior to the start date.

This course, developed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, offers an in-depth exploration of the new dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) applicable to all residential property types. Students will learn the requirements of the new URAR, which is designed to support more thorough appraisal analysis and reporting, ensuring they are well-equipped to adopt and implement these advancements in their professional practice. By the end of this course, students will gain a deep understanding of the dynamic URAR and expectations for completing the report.

Categories: Education

Appraiser’s Guide to the New URAR – LIVESTREAM CLASSROOM @ Via Livestream Classroom

Oct 7 @ 8:15 am – 4:30 pm

YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR LIVESTREAM DELIVERY OF THIS PROGRAM

Log-in/Classroom Access: 8:10 am

Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Instructor: Mark Smeltzer, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

Cost: $175 AI Price; $200 Regular Price (includes electronic materials and AM coffee)

Enrolled students will receive a link to join the class prior to the start date.

Participation Guidelines

Students must have webcam/iphone/ipad/smartphone capability to participate and receive continuing education credit. The platform will be interactive and live. The instructor must be able to physically see and interact with all students and students must be able see and interact with the instructor. Participants do not need a paid account from ZOOM to participate.

Only those students who provide the photo identification and “attend” the program in its entirety will receive a certificate of completion. Once registered, students will be emailed log-in/access information.

Categories: Education

Oct

Wed

2026

General Appraiser Site Valuation & Cost Approach @ Hyatt Place

Oct 14 – Oct 17 all-day

Categories: Education

Nov

Wed

2026

General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use @ Hyatt Place

Nov 18 – Nov 21 all-day

Location: Hyatt Place, 50 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA

Registration: 8:00 am on November 18, 2026

Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Registration Fee: $460 AI Price; $510 Regular Price

Categories: Education

September – November 2026 Sep – Nov 2026

Congratulations to our new designated members on achieving a prestigious designation that differentiates them in a highly competitive marketplace! Best wishes for continued success.

2023
Bryan S. Martin, SRA

2022
Francis Army, MAI
Chelsea Caprio Roy, SRA
Jesse J. Prato, MAI
Darwin B. Werthessen, Jr., MAI
Thomas J. Jensen, MAI, AI-GRS
Stacie Chandler, SRA, AI-RRS

LDAC Summary by Robert Maloney, MAI, 2021 Chapter Vice President

The Appraisal Institute Leadership Development and Advisory Council (LDAC) was held in Washington DC on May 18 – 20, 2022. I represented the MA/RI/ME Chapter along with Christina O’Connell, MAI of Maine and Susan Kelly, SRA of Rhode Island. The conference entailed three days of discussion regarding several issues facing the appraisal industry with participation from all AI Chapters around the country. A summary of the discussions will be published in an upcoming edition of Valuation Magazine but the four topics centered around Technology, AI Member Services, Diversity, and Recruitment.

We also connected with senators and state representatives in an effort to advance real estate appraisal licensing modernization that will create a licensing portal administered at the federal level that would create a much more efficient and streamlined process to maintain state licenses. A legislative bill (HR 5756) has been introduced in Congress and gained co-sponsorship. That’s the good news. The other news is that much of the Congressional attention on the appraisal industry is now focused on “appraisal bias”. The appraisal process has recently come under study and review by the Biden Administration’s Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity Task Force (“PAVE”). HR 5756 is now likely to serve as a foundation for reforms to address perceived appraisal bias in our industry.

The links below provide additional information.

For more events, click Education or Meetings and Events

We will continue to follow all State & Federal CDC COVID guidelines and suggested protocols, and will respond accordingly. Contact the chapter office with any questions.

Platinum Partners

BBG

Boston Appraisal and Consulting

CB Richard Ellis/ New England

Compstak

Cushman and Wakefield of Massachusetts, Inc.

Landvest, Inc.

Newmark

VALCRE

Interested in becoming a Chapter Partner?

2022 Chapter Partnership Information

LEARN ABOUT OUR PARTNERS HERE