on collaboration, AI
   Assessment innovation and collaboration with a focus on artificial intelligence will be the subject of the International Research Symposium, Dec. 4-5, at the Kimpton DeWitt hotel in Amsterdam.
   Registration for the event, hosted by IAAO and the International Property Tax Institute (IPTI), is now open. The IRS plans to showcase the latest research and developments that have tangible impacts on property tax appraisal accuracy and efficiency.
   Speakers will be from around the world, representing Canada, the Netherlands, Poland, Serbia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
   Full details on programs are in the schedule. The registration fee for IAAO or IPTI members is €480 and €590 for nonmembers. A special hotel single rate of €204 plus tax per night, including breakfast, is available at the Kimpton DeWitt. More information, registration, and hotel reservations can be found here.
 
November webinar to look at comparing sold

and unsold properties
   The Netherlands Council for Real Estate Assessment calculates several key figures to analyze differences between sold and unsold properties. In the IAAO November webinar, “Comparing Sold and Unsold Properties: The Ultimate Test for Assessed Values,” attendees will see how they use these indicators in evaluation of the newly estimated values.
   The webinar, set for noon Central Wednesday, Nov. 6, will be presented by Luc Hermans and Marco Kuijper and is eligible for 1.5 CEU hours. The cost is $55 for IAAO members and $77 for nonmembers. Register here.

 

 

IAAO offering CAE Case Study Review workshop
   IAAO will offer Workshop 850 CAE Case Study Review workshop in November. This workshop provides a topical review and case study for the valuation of commercial property.
   This is not an introductory workshop. Participants are to have had at least the basic appraisal courses and experience in appraising commercial property. The workshop is about 25% lecture and 75% problem solving.
   There are seven sections: General Appraisal, Land Valuation, Cost Approach, Depreciation, Sales Comparison Approach, Gross Rent Multiplier and Ratio Studies, and Statistics.

   The online workshop starts 9 a.m. Central on Nov. 5. The cost is $349 for members and $499 for nonmembers. More Information and registration here.

 

Promote the value of membership in your office; renewals start in November
   As a valued member, you know firsthand how IAAO can elevate your professional skills and enhance your career.
   Renewal for your 2025 membership will begin in mid-November. New members can join now and be members until the end of 2025.
   This special offer is available for a limited time, so now is the perfect moment to expand the benefits of IAAO to your team. If you or your colleagues have any questions about the membership process or benefits, please contact membership@iaao.org. We’re here to help with any questions and to ensure a smooth onboarding experience.

Esri Canada webinar on Oct. 23 will address changes

in the assessment industry
   Join Esri Canada, an IAAO Strategic Partner at 1 p.m. Eastern Oct. 23 for a webinar called “Anticipating the Biggest Changes in the Future of the Property Assessment Industry.”
   With technological advancements and evolving stakeholder expectations, the assessment industry is transforming. Attend this webinar for insights on how you can anticipate and embrace these significant changes to prepare yourself for the future.
   Join Michael Lomax, director, assessment, at Esri Canada at 1 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, Oct. 23 for the free webinar. Register here.

 

Farragut webinar on Oct. 30 on revolutionizing mass appraisal with AI
   Join Farragut, an IAAO Strategic Partner, at noon central on Oct. 30 for an engaging webinar, "Navigating the Unknown to Responsibly Revolutionize Mass Appraisal," where they will explore how to use AI in mass appraisal without falling into common pitfalls.
   Learn about the historical evolution of appraisal methods, the key drivers shaping the industry today — including technology, workforce, taxpayer expectations, and standards — and the importance of proactive data stewardship.
   Discover how to responsibly shape the future of mass appraisal, enhance productivity, and ensure fairness and transparency through collaboration and strategic innovation. Shail Jain and Ian Lamont of Farragut will lead the discussion. Register here

 

 

 

Hillsborough County property appraiser creates hurricane damage assessment hotline
   Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez has established a Damage Assessment Hotline and online reporting application for property owners who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene.
   “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact of this historic event,” Henriquez said. “My office wants to make it as easy as possible for property owners to report damage in order to evaluate eligibility for potential tax relief under existing state law and future evaluation adjustments for 2025.” Read more

 

to residents: 'We just have excess cash'
   Platte County taxpayers will get a break from property tax assessments for the next two years. Platte County is in the Kansas City metro area.
   The county commission recently voted to reduce the county’s property tax levy from .06 to .01 — one cent for every $100 of assessed value — after homeowners faced rising property values.
   Scott Fricker, the county’s presiding commissioner, said they were able to reduce the levy thanks to an excess of sales tax funds in the last few years. Read more
 

Zillow adds climate risk scores to property listings
   When Leslie Watson and her husband were searching for their first house in the San Francisco Bay Area, they had a few priorities. They wanted an enclosed backyard for a dog and a spare room for playing video games. Also on the wish list: low climate risk.
   “The main thing that I was the most concerned about was the flooding, because there are a lot of creeks that run through the area,” Watson said. Read more

Why mobile homes are gaining traction

in America’s housing market
   The landscape of U.S. real estate is shifting, with manufactured homes emerging as a compelling option for many Americans. This trend reflects changing attitudes towards housing and a response to economic pressures.

   In an era of skyrocketing housing costs, mobile homes offer a beacon of affordability. The average price of a manufactured home in the U.S. hovers around $100,000, compared to $428,700 for a traditional single-family home. Read more
 

Disney’s court win could cost Orange County schools millions
   A court ruling in Disney’s favor could force Orange County Public Schools to refund millions — and potentially tens of millions — in property taxes to the entertainment giant.
   The decision followed an eight-year legal battle over claims the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office improperly calculated the taxable value of the Yacht & Beach Club, a 1,200-room Disney-owned resort and convention hotel near the Epcot theme park. But it could have implications far beyond the taxes paid on that single hotel.
   The property appraiser’s assessment of the Yacht and Beach Club Resort for tax years 2015 and 2016 was “unconstitutional and invalid,” the judge said in a 43-page decision. Read more