Op-Ed: Why An Appraiser Union Would Never Work

The argument comes up all the time. Appraisers are getting squeezed from all sides—lenders, AMCs, regulators, and now even AI and automation. Meanwhile, other industries, from Hollywood writers to UPS drivers, have secured massive wins through collective bargaining. So, wouldn’t it make sense for appraisers to do the same? 

I get it. I really do. I’m as frustrated as anyone by the way appraisers are treated. We’ve been scapegoated, slandered, and kicked to the curb by AMCs and lenders who see us as an inconvenient “speedbump” rather than a vital part of the lending process. And let’s not even get started on how the modernization movement is designed to push us aside in favor of speed and efficiency—accuracy be damned. 

So, yeah, the idea of a strong, organized force fighting for us is appealing. But here’s the thing: I’m not a fan of force or compulsion. And I think one of the reasons the appraisal business is the way it is—for better or worse—is because it attracts fiercely independent thinkers who want to be their own boss. There are plenty of jobs out there for groupthink and collective bargaining, but this profession has always been about autonomy. Would a union really serve us, or would it force us into a structure that goes against the very reason many of us became appraisers in the first place?

The NAR Problem: A Case Study in Forced Membership 

Before we jump into the union debate, let’s talk about something most of us already deal with: forced membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR). 

A lot of appraisers are required to join NAR just to access the MLS, even though the organization is fundamentally geared toward real estate agents, not appraisers. And what have we gotten for our dues? Not much. 

When appraisers were dragged through the mud in the wake of the PAVE Task Force’s bias report, NAR was largely silent. When appraisal modernization started replacing boots-on-the-ground appraisers with desktops and hybrids, NAR was more than happy to go along. They advocate for their primary members—agents and brokers—not appraisers. 

To be fair, they’ve had a few moments where they threw us a bone. During the HVCC fallout in 2008, NAR at least recognized the damage AMCs were doing to independent appraisers. And recently, they’ve made some noise about protecting appraisers from excessive bias allegations.

But let’s be honest—if we weren’t already tied to NAR through forced membership, how many of us would voluntarily send them our money? 

And that brings me to my biggest concern about unionizing: would this really be different, or would it just be another bloated bureaucracy that demands dues and gives us little in return? 

Why Appraisers Resist Unions 

I’ve been in this business long enough to know that appraisers don’t fit into the traditional union model. Here’s why: 

• We’re independent by nature. Most of us chose this profession because we wanted to run our own business, set our own hours, and be our own boss. 
• We’re not employees. Unions typically thrive in industries where workers are employees with standardized pay and benefits. Most appraisers are independent contractors, and forcing us into a one-size-fits-all structure just doesn’t work. 
• We’ve already seen how forced membership fails. Again, look at NAR. If they can’t properly advocate for us despite collecting millions in dues, why should we expect a union to do any better? 

The very thing that makes unionization appealing—the idea of fighting back against powerful institutions—is also what makes it difficult. Appraisers aren’t naturally inclined to group together under a single banner. 

But Could It Work? 

Let’s play devil’s advocate for a second. The UPS drivers’ strike showed what can happen when a workforce bands together. They won higher wages, better conditions, and protections against automation—things appraisers could certainly use. Mortgage bankers and GSEs already have powerful lobbying arms fighting against us. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a force pushing back? 

Maybe. But would a union actually stop modernization from eliminating full appraisals? Would it protect us from AMC abuses? Would it ensure fair fees? Or would it just become another organization collecting dues and making political statements while we continue to fend for ourselves? 

Are There Better Solutions? 

Instead of a union, maybe the answer is stronger advocacy through the organizations we already have—but with real appraiser-focused leadership, not just figureheads who cave to regulators and lenders. Maybe we need a voluntary lobbying fund that gives appraisers a real voice without mandatory dues. Maybe the best way to fight back is through strategic business

decisions, like refusing to work with AMCs that abuse appraisers or undercutting modernization efforts by emphasizing the value of our profession. 

What I do know is that forced participation isn’t the answer—we’ve seen that play out with NAR, and I don’t think any of us want to go down that road again. 

So, what do you think? Would you support a union for appraisers? Or is there a better way to fight back while keeping our independence intact?

The views expressed in this piece don’t necessarily reflect the views of Appraisal Buzz. Publication does not constitute endorsement.