A proposed bill aimed at expanding the role of appraisers in North Dakota is gaining traction in the Senate Industry and Business Committee. The legislation seeks to allow appraisers to conduct property estimations, a task currently limited to realtors and brokers, particularly for certain federally regulated loans that do not require a full appraisal.

Representative Ruby, who introduced the bill, highlighted the ongoing shortage of appraisers in the state, which has led to delays in property evaluations. He shared a personal experience where a lack of available appraisers nearly stalled a project, emphasizing the need for flexibility in the appraisal process. "This bill would help apprentices and appraisers take on estimations, ensuring projects stay on schedule," Ruby stated.

The bill aims to address the apprenticeship model in the appraisal field, which has historically deterred experienced appraisers from mentoring newcomers due to competition concerns. By allowing apprentices to perform estimations under the supervision of licensed appraisers, the legislation hopes to streamline the process and increase the number of qualified appraisers in North Dakota.

While the bill has not faced significant opposition, some concerns were raised regarding the qualifications of appraisers and the potential for civil engineering firms to step into the appraisal space. However, Ruby clarified that appraisals would still need to be conducted by licensed appraisers, ensuring that the integrity of the appraisal process remains intact.

As the committee continues to discuss the bill, its potential to alleviate the appraisal backlog and enhance the efficiency of property evaluations in North Dakota is becoming increasingly clear. The next steps will involve further scrutiny and potential amendments as the legislative process unfolds.