Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in Working RE’s Online edition. You can catch up on back editions here: WRE Online When Bad things Happen to Good Appraisers by David Brauner, Editor As E&O providers, OREP sees a lot of claims information. Here is the story of one appraiser who may be like some of…
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While the villain in last issue’s story “Identity Theft-Appraiser Style” happens to be a trainee, employee dishonesty is not the only reason appraisers refuse to take on trainees. Veteran appraisers wanting to give back to the profession by mentoring also report that the system is getting in their way.
By now, issues that discourage mentors are…
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Next Big Thing: Appraising Small Businesses By Lloyd R. Manning Not that many years ago Xerox and others were harshly criticized for not entering the small copier business. Headlines read: “The millions no one wanted.” It was only after the Japanese inundated the small copier market that American companies woke up to realize they overlooked...…
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Survey Results: Relocation Appraisals Trending Up by Tina Lung, Vice President of Operations and Technology Worldwide ERC® According to a recent study and market trends reported by appraisers nationwide, now is a good time to move into relocation appraising. Appraisers coast to coast are reporting increased demand for relocation appraisals, which they attribute to higher...…
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Comp Checks: Shifting Liability to Appraisers By Steven R. Smith, MSREA, MAI, SRA In case you are not aware, a loan can be funded under desktop underwriting guidelines with as little as a list of sales. So why all the comp check requests by mortgage brokers if in many cases they already have all they...…
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Fraud or Incompetence: You Make the Call by David Brauner, Editor Fraud or incompetence? According to Larry Disney, Executive Director, Kentucky Real Estate Appraisers Board, that is a question that regulators across the nation are grappling with as they sort through the growing number of complaints against appraisers. The answers are not always clear cut....…
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Taking Care of (Your) Business by David Brauner, Editor Two files sitting on my desk and several other stories this issue speak to why the success or failure of your business in today’s world depends on knowing who you work for and who you work with, as much anything else. One file concerns an appraiser...…
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Employee or Contractor? You (Don’t) Make the Call – IRS Does Editor’s Note: Several appraisers in California recently reported that the Employment Development Department (tax collectors) in their area is targeting appraisal offices looking for independent contractors where, in their judgment, “employees” should be. And theirs is the only opinion that counts. The consequences are…
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The presence of mold is a contentious issue for building owners, builders, insurance companies, real estate agents and others. Mold addendums to sales contracts are now offered by many real estate boards for use by their members in sales transactions. As a professional appraiser or inspector you need to understand mold and all its…
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Editor’s note: Expert knowledge of your local market is key to expanding your practice into consulting and review assignments. Many banks and national appraisal firms employ “sub-contracted” independent appraisers for administrative reviews. According to the author, knowing your local market will helps you understand potential factors affecting future sales prices, instead of relying entirely on historic sales. Understanding...…
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