For Immediate Release: May 9, 2012
Sen. Susan Paddack
New law improves real estate appraisal certification
State Sen. Susan Paddack said a new state law will
help speed up the process for upgrading certification for real
estate appraisers. Paddack’s legislation, Senate Bill 1493,
co-authored by Rep. Todd Thomsen, was signed into law by Gov.
Mary Fallin on Tuesday. The idea for the legislation came from
a constituent who was frustrated with the certification process.
“Current practice is to use volunteers to review applications,
but because it was strictly done on a voluntary basis there were
sometimes not enough or the application reviews might not be the
first priority for a volunteer who also is dealing with work and
family demands,” said Paddack, D-Ada. “SB 1493 allows
the Real Estate Appraiser Board to contract with qualified appraisers
to review the applications. Since the reviewers will be paid for
their time, we believe it will speed up the process. That’s
great news for the applicants because with a higher level of certification,
they will have greater earning potential.”
While the Board makes every effort to have the applications reviewed
within 90 days, there have been times when it took longer. Supporters
say SB 1493 will help expedite the process.
“Government should work efficiently for the people it serves.
A slow licensing process impedes an individual’s ability
to go out and earn an income. I believe that expediting this process
will help Oklahomans get on the job more quickly,” said
Thomsen, R-Ada.
The new law took effect when it was signed on Tuesday. The Oklahoma
Real Estate Appraiser Board will enact the new procedure for certification
upgrades.
