Editor’s Note: This is a side by side comparison of the Scope of Practice documents of several home inspector associations: AII, ASHI, NACHI, NAHI. Author Michael O’Handley offers several caveats: the comparison was completed in 2006, with the associations making minor changes since. Also, the comparison is based on O’Handley’s interpretation of the documents, which…
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Alternately, you can envision this hard time as an opportunity to position yourself with a slightly modified appraisal practice in the near future.
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Proving Appraisal Adjustments By Beverly A Bayer, SRA – Mvappraiser@yahoo.com When I began appraising, I asked my mentor what adjustments to use- he said, “Figure it out for yourself.” So I did. Here’s what I learned. When my mentor left the office, I studied his appraisals and began using his adjustments. Many years later, I…
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Events Leading to the Use of the Cost Segregation Study by Guy P. Reese, MAI and Kevin Cavasos, CMI Component depreciation in various forms was permitted by IRS for measuring depreciation until the establishment of the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) by the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Under MACRS, assets are grouped into…
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Editor’s Note: Kenneth W. Brown, SRA wants you to work the system- in a good way. Appraisers- Working the System By David Brauner, Editor Kenneth W. Brown, SRA wants you to work the system- in a good way. Here’s what he means. Brown, appraising since 1991, is sending and posting the following message (below) to…
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IndyMac – What Goes Around Comes Around By David Brauner, WRE Editor Not to kick a fella when he’s down, but following the collapse of IndyMac Bank last week, we received an email from a “blacklisted” appraiser that got us thinking. This appraiser, who wishes to remain anonymous, is one of several who told us…
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Editor’s Note: Appraising in a real estate collapse poses its problems. Seasoned appraiser Matt Cook, provides some guidance. Using Distressed Sales By Matt Cook If you’re having trouble appraising in a market where distressed properties dominate, you’re not alone. Recently, an appraiser stated in a post that the market for a particular residential assignment included…
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Editor’s Note: This fascinating interaction between an appraiser and builder sheds light on the role of both in a declining market. How Builders Think (in a Down Market) By Thomas J. Inserra, MAI, SRA I had a very interesting conversation with a builder recently on the issue of cost versus value. The Executive Vice President…
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Editor’s Note: In this story, appraiser John Lifflander explains the roles played by the Feds, brokers/lenders and yes, appraisers, in getting us into the lending “meltdown.” The story is reprinted with permission from Fair and Equitable magazine, published by IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers). Rise and Fall of Real Estate Values by John Lifflander,…
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New Qualifications/USPAP Explained by David Brauner, Editor If you’ve been busy making a living, perhaps you missed or forgot that important changes to appraiser qualifications and to the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice (USPAP) took effect January 1, 2008. Here is a brief overview of the changes with rational provided by John S. Brenan, Director…
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