The good news for appraisers is that while you weather the current economy you can position yourself to be a highly qualified and credentialed “green” appraiser without significant capital or time expenditures. The result is a competitive advantage, compliance with USPAP’s Competency Rule and new sources of work.
Many of you remember the excesses that characterized…
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May, 2009 - This article, first published in 2007, seems more important today than ever. In my opinion, artificially low appraisal fees are the number one threat to the appraisal industry today. The HVCC has ushered in additional concerns about fees in our industry. Oddly, most of the blame for low fees lies with appraisers,…
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Editor’s Note: In this installment of Valuation Issues and Answers, John Lifflander, ASA discusses how to avoid problems in the new world of bailouts, tax credits and, as he points out, business as usual. Liability Landmines– Appraisers Beware By John Lifflander, ASA The current economic crisis was largely precipitated by loose credit and loose lending...…
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In order to continue in this profession with a decent income, residential appraisers have to begin looking for additional clients outside of the lending industry.
Non-lending clients are attorneys, accountants, agents, homeowners and insurance companies (for insurable value), among others. Attorneys need appraisals for marital assets for divorces; accountants need appraisals for estate purposes (retrospective market…
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Editor’s Note: Appraiser Bryan Reynolds shows you one way to stand out from the pack in the minds of your clients: by sharpening your professional skills and thinking outside the checkbox. Thinking Outside the Check Box by Bryan S. Reynolds, AQB Certified USPAP Instructor Appraisers have had blinders on for way too long. It is time...…
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Reaction to the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) and appraiser management companies (AMC) can be summarized as follows, according to the Appraiser Talkback Blog and Survey:
Appraiser selection by AMCs is mostly based on the lowest bid and not on quality or competency, and the fees, generally, are not adequate to keep many appraisers in…
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Insurance companies, adjusters and other real estate professionals need to be aware of the destruction that rodents can cause. Rodents, such as rats and mice, start fires by chewing on electrical wires that cause millions of dollars of structure damage each year.
It has been estimated that rodents cause up to 20% of undetermined fires in…
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Editor’s Note: Appraisers and Home Inspectors are catching the energy-auditing wave- diversifying and adding to their bottom lines. Shining Light on Energy Auditing by David Brauner, Editor As environmental concerns among Americans reach a tipping point- saving our planet, becoming energy independent, saving money on the soaring cost of energy- appraisers, inspectors and others are...…
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Editor’s Note: Bill Cobb is a wizard at using blogging, social media and other “new stuff” to increase business. Here, he generously shares his expertise. Using Blogs to Grow Your Business By Bill Cobb This may seem shocking to you but I don’t own an appraiser “website.” I don’t need one. I am not an...…
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This article is about common mistakes in appraisal reports, whether the appraisal is for a mortgage transaction or other intended use. Most mistakes are not violations of USPAP but errors caused by a lack of common sense, trying to satisfy a client or not following Fannie Mae guidelines.
After reviewing countless appraisal reports, I noticed a…
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