TRENTON, NJ – A bill introduced in Trenton aims to eliminate discriminatory practices within property appraisals by mandating anti-bias training for real estate appraisers.
The proposed legislation prohibits appraisers from considering demographic factors such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, familial status, or national origin in their appraisal analyses. This extends to the characteristics of both current and prospective property owners and occupants, as well as those of neighboring properties.
Furthermore, the bill requires that real estate appraisers complete a fair housing and appraisal bias education course. This course, offered by the Appraisal Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation, must be taken as part of the appraisers’ continuing education obligations to remain certified.
The initiative reflects an effort to ensure fairness and equity in the housing market, aligning with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.