John Morris
Morris Appraisal Group
11 Years of Affiliate Membership
John Morris, Written Statements
Please expand on your previous leadership experience.
I started my own residential real estate appraisal business in 2015 after a long career with Bearoff & Company Appraisal that began in 1997. Running my own small business has been a huge learning experience! I have discovered that leadership and success in business-and life-is based on integrity, clear communication, empathy and humility. These are the leadership qualities that I hope to bring to the Tri-County Suburban Board of Realtors.
What role do you hope to play on the Board?
The addition of an experienced residential appraiser will bring a voice and viewpoint of a crucial part of the real estate industry to the Board. There is often tension and misunderstanding between Realtors and PA State-Certified Appraisers. My goal as a director will be to bridge that gap with education about the appraisal process and active listening and learning about the brokerage side of the business.
What Association benefits and/or offerings have provided you the most value in your business?
Association benefits that have provided the most value to my business include membership as a business affiliate which has provided me with access to the local Multiple Listing Service. Having access to the local MLS is crucial in completing accurate appraisals and market research! Affiliate membership also has provided me with an electronic lockbox app for property inspections. Other events that have been beneficial to my business include networking and social events.
What industry trends do you feel will affect our association in the upcoming years?
In my opinion, the biggest trend impacting our association is the lack of affordable housing in the suburban ring counties of Philadelphia. According to Redfin, the median sale price of a home in Chester County is now $623,000 in Chester County and $514,000 in Montgomery County. The lack of affordable housing in suburban Philadelphia is pricing young buyers out of the market. We need to come together and put our heads together. There are no easy answers to housing affordability, but perhaps as a joint effort, we can make some progress.
What do you think should be the priority issues being addressed by the Association today?
As noted in the previous section, housing affordability is a priority issue that must be addressed by the Association today. Another issue that must be addressed are the major changes by FNMA to the residential appraisal process. UAD 3.6 is a major data standard and forms redesign that will replace legacy residential mortgage forms with a single, dynamic digital structure. Mandatory use of UAD 3.6 goes into effect on November 2, 2026.
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors?
I have had the chance to develop many rewarding long-term professional relationships and valued personal friendships with the Realtor community over my 30-year career. I am interested in in being considered as a director nominee so I can reach an even larger number of Realtors with useful information and knowledge about the appraisal industry. In turn, I also hope to learn more about other facets of the real estate industry that I have less knowledge of. I always try to bring enthusiasm and a high level of energy to everything I do!