Five Step Program for (Honest) Appraisers By Phil Boehm We live in interesting times. Large and small lending operations are doing battle for the remnants of the re-fi market. The Internet makes it easy for small, aggressive shops to compete with larger lenders on rates and fees. Borrowers are much smarter and much more likely...…
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Editor’s Note: In these competitive times, appraisers must grow and develop business continuously. But author and long-time appraiser Doug Smith cautions that the success of your firm depends on knowing which business to take on and which to turn down. Every bad debt starts with the granting of credit. Here are some guidelines for growing...…
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Editor’s Note: Last issue, in Appraiser Cleans House, Christie Bond uncovered a dirty little secret shared by many appraisers: they love working with AMCs! In response to a mailbag full of reader questions, Christie brings us this follow up: Making Money with AMCs. Making Money with AMCs By Christie Bond So you have heard the...…
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Appraising Disasters: When the Levee Breaks Part II: Real Work Begins By David Phillips, SRA As the date for the inspections drew closer, we enlisted the help of the Village Clerk. She was an invaluable partner in the process because she had addresses and phone numbers for most residents. After the flood, many residents went...…
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34 Secrets for a Successful Appraisal Practice By Thomas G. McDowell Here are a few things I have learned over the years. I shared them with my trainees when I was in private practice. 1. You have earned the right to join a group of professionals unique in industry with a long and distinct history....…
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Business Dos & Don’ts In an online chat room recently, a struggling new inspector asked advice from the seasoned pros: “What are the three best and worst things you did to get your business started?” Here’s how a few answered. Best Went to ASHI/CREIA chapter meetings. It’s a great way to meet other inspectors and…
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Risk Management Loss Prevention Checklist The following steps have proven effective at avoiding complaints and lowering the liability of home inspectors. Two points emerge: First, according to risk management experts, loss prevention is as much about communication as it is about understanding the systems of a building. They stress that expert knowledge is vital but…
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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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Expert Witness Testimony: Advice from the Bench State court Judge Caroline Baker has heard just about every type of civil case from contract disputes to medical malpractice. What impresses her most about the multitudes of expert witnesses that pass through her courtroom? Experts who make themselves available to testify at trial. The judge says live…
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Loss Prevention – Nine Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make By Douglas A. Glass, Esq. I’ve spent the last 17 years defending home inspectors in civil lawsuits. Along the way I’ve seen a number of mistakes that often cause inspectors to wind up in litigation. Here are a few suggestions for staying out of trouble. Defer to...…
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