Readers Respond Fannie/Freddie/Cuomo Agreement The proposed changes to the appraisal process are well intentioned but are the equivalent of “throwing out the baby with the bath water.” While the process does need some reforming, this change appears to be an overreaction. Effectively, it will put me out of business. I have spent over 20 years developing my…
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From the Publisher Older, Wiser and Greener In February of this year WRE became the first publication in this industry to post an interactive digital edition of the print magazine online for free- readers can zoom in/out, flip pages, click links to advertisers and more! The print magazine is posted in its entirety in the…
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Editor’s Note: Yes, E&O prices have dropped; now here are a few tips on getting the most for your money. Inspectors E&O Insurance Prices Drop, Time to Learn How to Shop by David Brauner, Senior Broker OREP By now you have probably seen firsthand that prices for most home inspector errors and omissions insurance (E&O)…
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Editor’s Note: Setting fees can be agonizing for some small-business professionals. Here, a handful of seasoned inspectors discuss how their fees are set and how they figure the true “cost of doing business.” Inspectors: How to Establish Fees by David Brauner, Editor WRE According to a recent online discussion, most of the inspectors who do…
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Industry News Appraiser off the Hook The suit against appraiser Pamela Crowley for alleged misstatements on her site, MortgageFraudWatchList.org, was dropped by eAppraiseIT in March 2008. The suit was voluntarily dismissed by eAppraiseIT, which means they can open it again at any time. According to the newspaper Florida Today (February 28), in a court filing…
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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...…
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Editor’s Note: While coping with too much business is not a problem for many appraisers at this point in the business cycle, these valuable tips will help you work harder and smarter. $300,000 a Year Appraising Revisited (again) Joe Paris, IFA, GRI I read the Readers Response to the $300,000 a year appraiser in the…
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Editor’s Note: Who would have guessed that the Cost Approach would stir such emotions among appraisers nationwide? WRE received a sizable and emotional response to Cost Approach: Why Sidestepping it Can be Costly (WRE Online, Vol. 9). Significant Change to Cost Handbook by Marcos Campos, MAI, SRA A small change was made on page two...…
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Making AMCs Work for You by David Brauner, Editor Here’s a story about one appraiser who makes working for AMCs work for him. Many appraisers choose not to work for Appraiser Management Companies (AMCs) because, they complain, the top priority of AMCs is getting appraisals fast and cheap– with quality a distant second. This story...…
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Defensive Appraising in a Declining Market By John Lifflander, ASA As market conditions continue to decline, appraising has become more difficult and potentially perilous. Consequently, it has never been more imperative for appraisers to prepare reports in a way that will hold up to meticulous scrutiny. Properties that are selling or being refinanced now may...…
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