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…
Read More
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…
Read More
Editor’s Note: A desktop appraisal product introduced last month is the subject of concern among many Working RE readers and OREP.org members. Below is guidance issued by the North Carolina Appraisal Board. AMC-Desktop Product: USPAP Compliant? By David Brauner, Editor A new desktop product from a large, national appraisal management company (AMC) is drawing questions...…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
With over 1,000 appraisers participating, the results of this new survey shed some light on the state of appraiser independence in the last quarter of 2013.
Read More
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,…
Read More
Editor’s Note: This story, one of several recent instances of lone appraisers fighting back in court, is further proof that the tide is turning for appraisers: consider the spate of legislative reform now under consideration to support appraiser independence- as reported in the current WRE, and the stunning Fannie/Cuomo agreement, which while flawed, is a...…
Read More
Editor’s Note: You’ll find Part Two of this story at WorkingRE.com (Premium Content). From Appraising to Consulting By Robert K. Bell, Jr., MAI (retired) Many appraisers can convert residential form reporting assignments to consulting assignments with some know how. Many of our appraisals should be labeled appraisal consulting reports, since they give a market value...…
Read More