“EDI” Open Standard Arrives Anyone remember EDI? It was the often discussed “standard” for transmitting appraisal reports electronically that was always in development and right around the corner (for about six years). Without much fanfare, an open standard for describing property and appraisals, using XML markup language, has recently been ratified by the Mortgage Bankers...…
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It Pays to be Considerate By Mike Casey Many of us realize that we must be professional with our clients. In addition to completing a quality inspection report, being a professional also means being considerate. It’s easy to forget that little things impress not only our clients but sellers too. And remember, every seller is...…
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Sending PDF Appraisals How to Hit a Home Run Every Time By David Biggers, CEO of a la mode I’m writing this article while at Cooperstown Dream Park, which hosts week-long baseball tournaments for 12-year old kids, just outside of Cooperstown, New York, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s a unique experience...…
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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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Why PDF?
Adobe Acrobat is becoming a dominant standard for transmitting appraisals over the Internet because it is a stand-alone product that can be used with any appraisal software package. While many clients might prefer that we use a particular software package, most will accept PDF files as an alternative. Many appraisers also have clients other…
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Editor’s Note: According to long-time appraiser Barry Lebow, attending open houses is a great way for appraisers and inspectors to add clients, attract new business and become better professionals. Benefits of an Open House By Barry Lebow With the market slowing down, appraisers are looking for ways to drum up business. I have found first...…
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Editors Note: Client complaints are a fact of life for home inspectors. But complaints do not have to turn into lawsuits. In fact, if handled properly, complaints are actually a golden opportunity. Here is the first in an ongoing series of risk management strategies from Alan Carson designed to help inspectors insulate themselves from liability....…
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Background
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) has been at the center of a tug of war for some time. On one side is the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) of the Appraisal Foundation, which wants ultimate control over USPAP course materials and providers. On the other side are the states, which like to make…
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A move is underfoot to change the appraisal regulatory system. The first shot across the bow was fired by the Georgia Board, which is calling for the elimination of the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC), among other things, and a shift from federal control to the states. Two respected appraisers, Frank Gregoire and George Hatch, take a…
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“If men were virtuous, there would be no need of government at all.” Thomas Jefferson 2006: Cleaning Up the Lending Mess By Stewart Heller The following is a summary of notes taken from the official audio recording of the sworn testimony of a chief appraiser of a major mortgage lender. The chief appraiser appeared before...…
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