Industry leader urges professionals to invest in education, ethics, and independent thinking

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2026 / Jon DiPietra, Executive Vice President and cofounder of H&T Appraisal, is raising awareness around the growing need for stronger professional standards, continuous education, and ethical independence in the real estate valuation industry. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience appraising some of the nation's most complex assets, DiPietra is advocating for a renewed focus on learning, judgment, and integrity as market conditions grow more volatile.

"Real estate valuation sits at the center of lending, investment, and risk," DiPietra said. "When valuation quality slips, the impact spreads far beyond one report."

Why Valuation Quality Matters More Than Ever

Commercial real estate markets have faced sharp changes in recent years. According to industry research, U.S. commercial property values declined by more than 20% in some sectors between 2022 and 2024. Office values in major cities fell even further, driven by higher interest rates and changing work patterns.

At the same time, appraisal volume has increased in complexity. Lenders, investors, and regulators rely on valuations to make decisions involving billions of dollars each year. A single flawed assumption can distort pricing, risk models, and capital allocation.

"Markets change fast," DiPietra said. "Valuation professionals have to change faster."

The Role of Education and Independent Judgment

DiPietra believes ongoing education is one of the most effective ways to protect valuation quality. While licensing requirements exist, many professionals stop learning once minimum standards are met.

"Learning can't end with a credential," he said. "If you stop studying markets, you fall behind them."

Industry data supports this view. Studies from professional associations show that appraisers who complete advanced designations and continuing education produce more consistent and defensible results, especially during market stress.

DiPietra credits his own growth to constant learning. "I'm always reading," he said. "I'm always taking additional education. Curiosity is a professional skill."

Ethics as a Daily Practice

Beyond technical skills, DiPietra is also speaking out about the importance of ethical independence. He has spent much of his career working with high-profile assets where pressure can be intense.

"There is no room for shortcuts," he said. "You have to be willing to stand behind your conclusions."

He points to historical lessons as well. Weak valuation standards were widely cited as a contributing factor during the 2008 financial crisis, when inflated assumptions and poor oversight amplified losses across the financial system.

"Valuation isn't just math," DiPietra said. "It's judgment, responsibility, and accountability."

Leadership Through Example

After leading a 40-person appraisal team producing more than 5,000 reports a year, DiPietra now helps build a national practice at H&T Appraisal. He sees leadership as setting expectations, not just hitting targets.

"Problem solving, a will to please, and inquisitiveness matter," he said. "But ethics matter more."

His personal values also shape his perspective. "Personal success leads to professional success," DiPietra said. "Being grounded helps you make better decisions."

What Individuals Can Do Today

DiPietra's message is not aimed only at firms or regulators. He believes individual professionals can take meaningful steps on their own:

• Commit to learning beyond minimum requirements

• Question assumptions, especially during volatile markets

• Protect independence by documenting and defending conclusions

• Study market history to avoid repeating past mistakes

"You don't need permission to improve your craft," he said. "You just need discipline."

As the real estate industry navigates uncertainty, DiPietra hopes more professionals will view valuation as a long-term responsibility, not a transactional task.

"This work supports families, businesses, and communities," he said. "If we take it seriously, the whole system benefits."

Professionals across real estate and finance are encouraged to invest time each month in market study, ethics training, and independent analysis. Raising standards starts with individual choices-one report, one decision, one commitment to learning at a time.

For more information, visit HTAppraisal.com.

Media Contact
Jon DiPietra
info@jondipietra.com

SOURCE: Jon DiPietra