Chapter 458

458.06 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 39 ss. 3417t to 3419d, 3419i; 1991 a. 78; 1997 a. 225.

458.06 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. SPS 85, Wis. adm. code.

458.08 458.08 Licensure.

458.08(2) (2) Application. An application for licensure under this section shall be submitted to the department on a form provided by the department. No initial certificate of licensure may be issued under this section unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

458.08(2)(a) (a) The applicant is at least 18 years old.

458.08(2)(b) (b) The applicant pays the fee specified in s. 440.05 (1), except as provided in subs. (3m) and (4).

458.08(2)(c) (c) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322 and 111.335, the applicant submits evidence satisfactory to the department that he or she does not have an arrest or conviction record.

458.08(2)(d) (d) The applicant attends the educational course and passes the examination described in s. 458.06 (2) (d).

458.08(3) (3) Appraiser licensure. The department shall grant and issue a certificate of licensure as an appraiser to any individual who does all of the following:

458.08(3)(a) (a) Satisfies the conditions in sub. (2).

458.08(3)(c) (c) Submits evidence satisfactory to the department that he or she has successfully completed the educational and experience requirements specified in the rules promulgated under s. 458.085 (1) and (2).

458.08(3)(d) (d) Passes an examination conducted by the department under s. 458.10 to determine fitness to perform an appraisal of real estate described in the rules promulgated under s. 458.03 (1) (e).

458.08(3)(e) (e) Satisfies any other requirements that the department determines, by rule, are necessary to ensure that he or she is qualified to perform an appraisal of real estate described in the rules promulgated under s. 458.03 (1) (e) in a federally related transaction.

458.08(3m) (3m) Licensure of certified appraisers. The department shall grant and issue a certificate of licensure as an appraiser to each certified appraiser at the same time that the department issues the certificate of certification to the certified appraiser under s. 458.06 (3) or (4). A certified appraiser may not be charged a fee for licensure under this subsection. The department may issue an appraiser license under this subsection that is separate from a residential appraiser certificate or general appraiser certificate, or may issue one certificate of licensure and certification.

458.08(4) (4) Reciprocal licensure. Upon application and payment of the fee specified in s. 440.05 (2), the department shall grant and issue a certificate of licensure as an appraiser to any applicant to whom any of the following applies:

458.08(4)(a) (a) The applicant holds a current appraiser certificate in another state or territory of the United States and the department determines that the requirements for obtaining the certificate in the other state or territory are substantially equivalent to the requirements under sub. (3).

458.08(4)(b) (b) The applicant meets the requirements established in a reciprocal agreement under s. 458.12 between the department and the regulatory authority in the state or territory where the applicant holds the certificate.

458.08(5) (5) Transitional licensure.

458.08(5)(a) (a) Upon application and payment of the fee specified in s. 440.05 (1), the department shall grant and issue a transitional certificate of licensure as an appraiser to any individual who satisfies all of the requirements for licensure in sub. (3) (a), (d) and (e), but who satisfies only the experience or only the educational requirements in sub. (3) (c). Except as provided in par. (b), a transitional certificate granted under this paragraph is valid for 2 years from the date on which the transitional certificate is issued or until January 1, 1996, whichever occurs first, and may not be renewed.

458.08(5)(b) (b) If the department grants and issues a transitional certificate of licensure under par. (a) to an individual who holds a certificate of licensure that was granted and issued under s. 458.08 (3) (b) 2. or (c) 2., 1991 stats., the transitional certificate is valid for 2 years less the period during which the individual held the certificate of licensure under s. 458.08 (3) (b) 2. or (c) 2., 1991 stats., or until January 1, 1996, whichever occurs first.

458.08 History History: 1991 a. 39, 78; 1993 a. 3.

458.08 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. SPS 85, Wis. adm. code.

458.085 458.085 Appraiser educational, experience and continuing education requirements; rules. The department shall promulgate rules establishing all of the following:

458.085(1) (1) Educational requirements for general and residential appraiser certification and for appraiser licensure under this subchapter.

458.085(2) (2) Experience requirements for general and residential appraiser certification and for appraiser licensure under this subchapter.

458.085(3) (3) Continuing education requirements for renewal of certificates issued under this subchapter.

458.085 History History: 1991 a. 39, 78; 1997 a. 225; 2017 a. 113.

458.085 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. SPS 85, Wis. adm. code.

458.09 458.09 Applicability of assessor experience and continuing education.

458.09(1) (1) In this section, “assessor” means an individual who assesses or has assessed the value of real estate for property tax purposes for a town, village, city or county or the department of revenue.

458.09(2) (2) If an applicant for a certificate under s. 458.06 (3) or (4) or 458.08 (3) or (5) (a) or for renewal of that certificate under s. 458.11 is an assessor, all of the following apply:

458.09(2)(a) (a) The period of experience required for general appraiser certification under the rules promulgated under s. 458.085 (2) shall be reduced by the period that the applicant has been employed as an assessor of commercial real estate or of both commercial real estate and residential real estate and that the department determines is substantially equivalent to experience as a general appraiser.

458.09(2)(b) (b) The period of experience required for residential appraiser certification or appraiser licensure under the rules promulgated under s. 458.085 (2) shall be reduced by the period that the applicant has been employed as an assessor of residential real estate or commercial real estate and that the department determines is substantially equivalent to experience as a residential appraiser.

458.09(3) (3) The number of hours of attendance at and completion of continuing education programs or courses of study required under the rules promulgated under s. 458.085 (3) shall be reduced by one hour for each hour of attendance at and completion of, within the 2 years immediately preceding the date on which the renewal application is submitted, continuing education programs or courses of study that the applicant has attended and completed in order to continue to qualify for employment as an assessor and that the department determines is substantially equivalent to attendance at and completion of continuing education programs or courses of study for certified general appraisers, certified residential appraisers or licensed appraisers, as appropriate.

458.09 History History: 1991 a. 39 s. 3419d; 1991 a. 78; 1993 a. 3; 1997 a. 225.

458.095 458.095 Temporary use of titles; appraisers certified or licensed in other states. A certificate under this subchapter is not required for an appraiser who holds a current appraiser certificate in another state if all of the following apply:

458.095(1) (1) The appraisal is performed in a federally related transaction.

458.095(2) (2) The appraiser’s practice in this state is of a temporary nature, as determined by the department by rule.

458.095(3) (3) The appraiser is registered with the department.

458.095(4) (4) The appraiser meets all other requirements established in rules promulgated by the department for the regulation of temporary appraiser practice.

458.095 History History: 1991 a. 78; 2017 a. 113.

458.10 458.10 Examination.

458.10(1) (1) The department shall conduct examinations for general appraiser certification, residential appraiser certification and appraiser licensure at least semiannually at times and places determined by the department. The department shall provide public notice of each examination at least 60 days before the date of the examination.

458.10(2) (2) Examinations shall consist of written tests that are consistent with and equivalent to the uniform state certification examination issued or endorsed by the appraisal qualifications board of the appraisal foundation.

458.10(3) (3) The department shall promulgate rules specifying the requirements for certification or licensure that an applicant must satisfy before he or she is eligible for examination.

458.10(4) (4) An applicant shall submit an application for examination to the department on a form provided by the department and pay the fee specified in s. 440.05 (1) at least 30 days before the date of examination.

458.10 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 39.

458.10 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. SPS 85, Wis. adm. code.

458.105 458.105 Certificate number. The department shall assign a certificate number to each individual who is certified or licensed under this subchapter and shall place the number upon each certificate prior to its issuance.

458.105 History History: 1991 a. 39 s. 3418e; 2017 a. 113.

458.11 458.11 Expiration and renewal. Renewal applications shall be submitted to the department on a form provided by the department on or before the applicable renewal date specified under s. 440.08 (2) (a) and shall include the applicable renewal fee determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a). Renewal of an appraiser certificate automatically renews the individual’s appraiser license without payment of the renewal fee for the appraiser license or completion of any additional continuing education requirements that would otherwise be required for renewal of the appraiser license. Renewal applications shall be accompanied by proof of completion of the continuing education requirements in s. 458.13. Notwithstanding s. 458.06 (3) (b) 2. and (4) (b) 2., 1989 stats., and s. 458.08 (3) (b) 2. and (c) 2., 1991 stats., the department may not renew a certificate that was granted under s. 458.06 (3) or (4) before May 29, 1993, unless the holder of the certificate submits evidence satisfactory to the department that he or she has successfully completed the applicable educational requirements specified in rules promulgated under s. 458.085 (1) and the department may not renew a certificate that was granted under s. 458.08 (3) before May 29, 1993, unless the holder of the certificate submits evidence satisfactory to the department that he or she has successfully completed the applicable education and experience requirements specified in rules promulgated under s. 458.085 (1) and (2).

458.11 History History: 1991 a. 39 s. 3419b; 1991 a. 78; 1993 a. 3; 1997 a. 225; 2007 a. 20.

458.11 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. SPS 87, Wis. adm. code.

458.12 458.12 Reciprocal agreements. The department may enter into reciprocal agreements with officials of other states or territories of the United States for certifying and licensing appraisers and issue certificates to applicants who hold certificates in those states or territories according to the terms of the reciprocal agreements.

458.12 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 39.

458.13 458.13 Continuing education requirements. At the time of renewal of a certificate issued under this subchapter, each applicant shall submit proof that, within the 2 years immediately preceding the date on which the renewal application is submitted, he or she has satisfied the continuing education requirements specified in the rules promulgated under s. 458.085 (3).

458.13 History History: 1991 a. 39 s. 3419c; 1991 a. 78; 1997 a. 225; 2017 a. 113.

458.16 458.16 Use of certificate number and title.

458.16(1) (1) Each certified appraiser shall place his or her title, as described in s. 458.055, and certificate number on each appraisal report and each written appraisal agreement used by the certified appraiser in conducting appraisal activities. The title and certificate number shall be placed in a manner specified by the department in the rules promulgated under s. 458.03 (1) (f). The title “Wisconsin certified residential appraiser” or “WI certified residential appraiser” may be used only on an appraisal report or written appraisal agreement pertaining to commercial real estate having a transaction value of not more than $250,000 or to residential real estate.

458.16(2) (2) Each licensed appraiser shall place his or her title, as described in s. 458.055, and certificate number on each appraisal report and each written appraisal agreement used by the licensed appraiser in conducting appraisal activities. The title and certificate number shall be placed in a manner specified by the department in the rules promulgated under s. 458.03 (1) (f). The title “Wisconsin licensed appraiser” or “WI licensed appraiser” may be used only on an appraisal report or written appraisal agreement pertaining to real estate described in the rules promulgated under s. 458.03 (1) (e).

458.16 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 39, 78; 1993 a. 3.

458.16 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also s. SPS 86.03, Wis. adm. code.

458.18 458.18 Maintenance of records.

458.18(1) (1) Unless a longer period of retention is required under sub. (2), a certified appraiser or licensed appraiser shall retain for at least 5 years the originals or true copies of each contract for the employment of the appraiser’s professional services, each appraisal report prepared by the appraiser and all other records that, in the opinion of the appraiser, are material to each appraisal report prepared by the appraiser. The period of retention required under this subsection begins on the date on which the appraiser submits the appraisal report to the person for whom the appraisal report is prepared.

458.18(2) (2) A certified appraiser or licensed appraiser shall retain the records described in sub. (1) for at least 2 years after the termination of any litigation related to the transaction for which the appraisal report was prepared.

458.18(3) (3) A certified appraiser or licensed appraiser shall, upon reasonable notice, make the records described in sub. (1) available for inspection and copying by the department or the board.

458.18 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 39, 78.

458.19 458.19 Requirements for appraisal reports. An appraiser shall include all of the following in each appraisal report prepared by the appraiser:

458.19(1) (1) If the appraiser has not conducted an on-site inspection of the real estate for which the appraisal report is prepared, a statement that the appraiser has not done so.

458.19(2) (2) If any buildings or dwelling units are located on the real estate for which the appraisal report is prepared and the appraiser has not conducted an on-site inspection of both the exterior and the interior of each building or dwelling unit, a statement that the appraiser has not done so.

458.19(3) (3) If the appraisal report pertains to residential real estate, the appraiser’s opinion of the highest and best use of the real estate.

458.19 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 78.

458.20 458.20 Contingent fees. No certified appraiser or licensed appraiser may accept a fee for conducting an appraisal that is contingent upon the appraiser reporting a predetermined estimate, analysis, opinion or conclusion or contingent upon the consequences resulting from the appraisal services.

458.20 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 39.

458.21 458.21 Appraisals in federally related transactions; annual registry fee required. Each certified appraiser or licensed appraiser who performs or desires to perform an appraisal in a federally related transaction shall pay to the department the annual registry fee required by the appraisal subcommittee or its successor agency.

458.21 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 39; 2017 a. 113.

458.22 458.22 Use of title restricted to individual. No firm, partnership, corporation, or other group of individuals may use the title “Wisconsin certified appraisers,” “Wisconsin certified general appraisers,” “Wisconsin certified residential appraisers,” “Wisconsin licensed appraisers,” or any similar title in connection with the name or signature of the firm, partnership, corporation, or group of individuals.

458.22 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 3; 2021 a. 238 s. 45.

458.22 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also s. SPS 86.03, Wis. adm. code.

458.24 458.24 Code of professional conduct. The department may promulgate rules establishing standards for appraisal practice. In promulgating rules under this section, the department shall consider including as part or all of the standards part or all of the “Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice” established by the appraisal standards board of the appraisal foundation. The department shall periodically review the “Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice” and, if appropriate, revise the rules promulgated under this section to reflect revisions to the “Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.”

458.24 History History: 1989 a. 340; 1991 a. 39, 78; 2021 a. 238 s. 45.

458.24 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. SPS 86, Wis. adm. code.

458.26 458.26 Disciplinary proceedings and actions.

458.26(1) (1) The department shall, upon motion of the board or upon its own determination, conduct investigations in regard to the action of any appraiser.

458.26(2) (2) The department shall present the findings of any investigation of an appraiser or an applicant for a certificate under this subchapter to the board for its consideration. The department shall, upon motion of the board, and may, upon its own determination, commence disciplinary proceedings on any matter under investigation concerning a certified appraiser, licensed appraiser or applicant.

458.26(3) (3) Disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted by the board according to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1). The department may deny any certificate under this subchapter, and the board may limit, suspend or revoke any certificate under this subchapter or reprimand or impose additional continuing education requirements on the holder of a certificate under this subchapter, if the department or board finds that the applicant for or holder of the certificate has done any of the following:

458.26(3)(a) (a) Made a material misstatement in an application for the certificate or renewal of the certificate, or in any other information furnished to the board or department.

458.26(3)(b) (b) Engaged in unprofessional or unethical conduct in violation of rules promulgated under s. 458.24.

458.26(3)(c) (c) Engaged in conduct while practicing as an appraiser which evidences a lack of knowledge or ability to apply professional principles or skills.