Premium Content

Appraisers Talk, FHA Listens

Appraisers are finally being heard. As a result of grass roots complaints by appraisers about diminishing appraisal quality in industry blogs, publications, the general media, and in a formal appeal by a coalition of appraisal organizations, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced several important policy changes intended to increase accountability and due diligence in the appraisal… Read More

Mapping for Success with Google

Editor’s Note: Matt Krodel shares a simple and cost free trick to increase business by landing your website in the “Maps” area of Google’s search results. Mapping for Success with Google by Matt Krodel, Product Manager at a la mode Whether we’re talking to real estate appraisers, real estate agents, loan originators or home inspectors,...… Read More

Appraiser: I’m No Home Inspector

Appraiser Tony Bamert, Bamert & Associates, Champaign, IL, feels he’s been asked to assume some new and unwanted responsibilities on recent appraisal orders and wonders if his are isolated concerns or issues other appraisers are grappling with as well. “Traditionally, with any conventional appraisal, I’m not asked to touch the mechanical systems in a home in… Read More

Growing Appraisal Business – Your Way

Editor’s Note: Appraiser Lore DeAstra shows you how to change, grow and succeed. Growing Appraisal Business – Your Way By Lore DeAstra, MBA, SRA, CDEI, CTM Over the past several years, the volume of requests in many appraisal offices has dramatically decreased. While the current economic and regulatory climates have contributed to this phenomenon, another...… Read More

Chinese Drywall: Understanding and Uncovering the Issue

Historically, the relocation industry has been challenged by such environmental issues as UFFI (urea formaldehyde foam insulation), asbestos, radon gas, synthetic stucco, and black mold. Currently, the industry is challenged economically by an oversupply of homes, decreasing home prices, a credit crisis, an unstable stock market, record foreclosures, and a global recession. What is next?… Read More