First, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the honor as serving as the Houston Chapter President for 2008. This past year has had it challenges and opportunities. Hurricane Ike and the economy have dominated events for the second half of the year. Hopefully, we all came out a little stronger from the experiences of the past year and have a new found appreciation for the simple things in life like electricity, gasoline and ice. Hurricane Ike was an event we will all remember for a while.

The Houston Chapter has lost a special member. Pete Haginas, MAI past away unexpectedly on December 11, 2008 due to complications related to Myasthenia Gravis. Pete was a real estate appraiser and President of Haginas & Chapman and Appraisal Management Services.

The following is a letter David Brooks, SRA, Chapter President received from one of the members, William T. Evans, SRA that raised several issues that he believes should be addressed concerning residential appraisals. While these issues are directed to residential appraisal, David is sure that similar problems have come up in commercial appraisals this year. Hurricane Ike delayed David's response until this newsletter, but this problem seems to just be getting worse, not better, so it is something we all need to think about. Mr. Evans' letter is well written and with his permission, it has been included as follows...

The Houston Chapter of the Appraisal Institute will be hosting a BBQ Dinner & Dance on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at the Houston Farm and Ranch Club to introduce new officers. Be sure to bring your family and friends and invite other appraisers and associates in your office. There will be plenty of kids activities, live music, food, and beverages. The event will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. with dinner served from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and the installation from 7:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The cost is $10 per person with kids able to attend and eat for free.