Real Estate and Appraisal boards describe fee changes, separations and staffing needs
January 21, 2024 | Appropriations, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Mississippi
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Committee members discussed changes to licensing fees and agency structure with representatives of the Real Estate Commission and the newly separated Appraisal Board.
A committee member recounted a drafting error in a bill that would have repealed the Commission's ability to charge application fees; Mr. Frater said he identified the problem and the bill was referred to Appropriations so the mistaken repealer can be fixed. "We've got a bill to correct that," a committee member said.
Representatives from the Real Estate Commission described a multi-million dollar surplus that has declined after fee reductions. The commission said it cut fees on many items and retained a $100 application and renewal fee (renewal typically $50 per year or $100 every two years). The commission's representative said the agency had been the least expensive state for many licensees and emphasized free continuing education (CE) offerings across the state: internal contractors and staff deliver CE to an estimated 1,200'1,500 licensees per year.
The commission asked for two positions during the hearing: one investigator (the commission said it had two for many years but lost one to retirement and has struggled to recruit for the posted salary) and one administrative specialist who would oversee team leads. The presenter said investigator recruitment had failed multiple times at a posted salary in the low-to-mid $40,000s and proposed adjusting to about $45,000 to attract applicants.
Appraisal board representatives said they separated from the Real Estate Commission in 2023 and had absorbed home inspector and appraisal responsibilities with limited near-term budget impact. Appraisal training initiatives (PREA, EMPAT) were cited as alternative pathways to increase the number of appraisers from recent lows; the board estimated roughly 950 appraisers remain in the state and said the programs are beginning to produce new entrants.
On accessibility and facilities, a committee member noted ADA deficiencies in a leased office building; commission staff said they had raised the issue with the property manager and would send formal notice. Committee members also asked about vehicle replacement, and presenters explained insurance and DFA approvals related to a vehicle totaled in an ice storm.
The committee did not adopt formal action during this segment; members thanked presenters and encouraged follow-up on drafting corrections and staffing solutions.
A committee member recounted a drafting error in a bill that would have repealed the Commission's ability to charge application fees; Mr. Frater said he identified the problem and the bill was referred to Appropriations so the mistaken repealer can be fixed. "We've got a bill to correct that," a committee member said.
Representatives from the Real Estate Commission described a multi-million dollar surplus that has declined after fee reductions. The commission said it cut fees on many items and retained a $100 application and renewal fee (renewal typically $50 per year or $100 every two years). The commission's representative said the agency had been the least expensive state for many licensees and emphasized free continuing education (CE) offerings across the state: internal contractors and staff deliver CE to an estimated 1,200'1,500 licensees per year.
The commission asked for two positions during the hearing: one investigator (the commission said it had two for many years but lost one to retirement and has struggled to recruit for the posted salary) and one administrative specialist who would oversee team leads. The presenter said investigator recruitment had failed multiple times at a posted salary in the low-to-mid $40,000s and proposed adjusting to about $45,000 to attract applicants.
Appraisal board representatives said they separated from the Real Estate Commission in 2023 and had absorbed home inspector and appraisal responsibilities with limited near-term budget impact. Appraisal training initiatives (PREA, EMPAT) were cited as alternative pathways to increase the number of appraisers from recent lows; the board estimated roughly 950 appraisers remain in the state and said the programs are beginning to produce new entrants.
On accessibility and facilities, a committee member noted ADA deficiencies in a leased office building; commission staff said they had raised the issue with the property manager and would send formal notice. Committee members also asked about vehicle replacement, and presenters explained insurance and DFA approvals related to a vehicle totaled in an ice storm.
The committee did not adopt formal action during this segment; members thanked presenters and encouraged follow-up on drafting corrections and staffing solutions.
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