Ending Collection Headaches Accept Payment by Check- by Fax! The best way to deal with collections is to avoid them. The best way to do that is to collect your money up front whenever possible. Easier said than done, right? Not any more. New “check writing” software makes collecting up front as easy and quick…
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How to Date a House By Alan Carson As home inspectors, we have some tricks for figuring out the age of a house. In newer subdivisions we pick up dates from manhole covers, sidewalks and curbs. This will give you an idea of when the subdivision was built. This obviously doesn’t work in older neighborhoods....…
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Investigating Forensic Inspecting According to inspector Joey Caballero, the best thing about “forensic inspecting” is the challenge. “It’s not like a typical report. These cases make you concentrate more and work harder. They make you a better inspector.” Caballero, inspecting 12 years, has handled 15-20 cases over the years where he’s been called in to…
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Indoor Air Quality Solutions: Doing Good by Doing Good By Dan Molleker What will you be doing in the next 10 years? Have you thought about the business you are in today? Can you be sure that what you worked so hard to build is going to be around to support you and your family?…
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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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Enhanced Appraisers Data/Seamless Delivery The Future is Now Flash Gordon, move over. Reality (and technology) have finally caught up with the visionary dreams of many appraisers: a high octane blend of public records and enhanced appraisers data that can be sorted, downloaded and integrated seamlessly into appraisal forms with just a few mouse clicks. The...…
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Editor’s Note: Many appraisers and inspectors see red when their insurance company settles a claim they feel is frivolous. Here’s the story of one inspector who had his day in court – and won. Having Your Day in Court: And Winning! By Todd F. Stevens A few months ago I defended a home inspector in...…
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Truth about Coming In Low By Larry Cole In my market, if an appraiser comes in below the contract price he/she has 10 times the work to defend the low value. When this happens, the appraiser is assaulted by the lender, agents and the seller. (Seldom do I hear from the buyer.) If I’m low...…
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Editor’s Note: With the spate of hurricanes, floods and fires, disaster work is on the minds of many. Here is a first person account by one appraiser who spearheaded the valuation of an entire town that was swept away in a flood. Appraising Disasters: When the Levee Breaks By David Phillips, SRA Before August of...…
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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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