Editor’s Note: A recent online debate about AVMs highlights the many facets of this very important issue and underscores the wide divergence of opinion among appraisers about the place of AVMs in the lending process, and in the marketplace. The conversation was sparked by the story Copyright Appraiser Takes on AVMs. AVM Tango! Man or...…
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Editor’s Note: The message to appraisers in 2007 is that business is not only slowing down but it’s changing also, and that those who want to keep appraising in the years ahead will have to pay greater attention to managing their businesses today. Here’s what we hear from appraisers on how they are managing to...…
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Fraud, AVMs and Fannie’s New Forms Report from Valuation 2003 While you were busy appraising, Valuation 2003 took place in Orlando, Fla. with many of the industry’s movers and shakers exhibiting, speaking and networking. Working RE Magazine was there too. Mark Simpson, Director of Property Valuation Standards & Practices, Single-Family Credit Administration, for Fannie Mae...…
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Editor’s Note: One in an occasional series of shared stories designed to bring a fractured and diverse appraisal community together in the pages of Working RE Magazine. Appraiser Slice of Life: Full Fees, No Bull John Hoffert and Bruce McMahon have several things in common besides their love of appraising. They don’t slash fees to...…
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Three quarters of the way through the year, some appraisers are still unsure about how to deal with the change in reporting requirements that took effect January 1, 2003 (USPAP 2003). Some appraisers are going back three years on the subject and on the comparables; some on the subject only. What’s required? What’s prudent?
In…
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10 Step Business Tune Up By Doug Smith, IFAS Use this ten step program to reach your business and personal potential. It isn’t about finding new clients as much as is about fine-tuning your current business to maximize your potential and be all you can be. Do a reverse business plan. Knowing what you know...…
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Preparing for Success By C. W. Wilson, GAA/RAA The following quote is enough to make any appraiser reach for the sleeping pills. “The appraisal profession may be dying…Loss of present appraisal markets to other professionals and the demand for non-appraisal analysis which will be provided by firms outside the appraisal industry will limit the appraiser’s...…
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How to Light Interior Digital Photos Steve Jarrell The biggest problem in indoor photography is lighting. The built-in flash of the digital cameras simply isn’t powerful enough to provide adequate light to brighten an entire room. Most 35mm cameras overcome this limitation by having a hot shoe where you can attach a much more powerful...…
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Out of all the sport hero commentaries I have heard, the most beneficial one for me involves a remark by the great Wayne Gretsky. The story goes something like this: a reporter asked Gretsky what was the secret of his success on the ice. The reply was that he didn’t skate to where the puck…
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Editor’s Note: Here is a quick snapshot of the industry as per our visit to a la mode’s recent annual convention in Las Vegas. State of the Industry: Marketing, Technology, Fraud by David Brauner, Editor WRE Just returning from a la mode’s annual convention in Las Vegas, it was great catching up with old friends...…
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