Editor’s Note: This fascinating interaction between an appraiser and builder sheds light on the role of both in a declining market. How Builders Think (in a Down Market) By Thomas J. Inserra, MAI, SRA I had a very interesting conversation with a builder recently on the issue of cost versus value. The Executive Vice President…
Read More
2
With over 1,000 appraisers participating, the results of this new survey shed some light on the state of appraiser independence in the last quarter of 2013.
Read More
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…
Read More
Editor’s Note: In this story, appraiser John Lifflander explains the roles played by the Feds, brokers/lenders and yes, appraisers, in getting us into the lending “meltdown.” The story is reprinted with permission from Fair and Equitable magazine, published by IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers). Rise and Fall of Real Estate Values by John Lifflander,…
Read More
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…
Read More
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)…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
Editor’s Note: This story, one of several recent instances of lone appraisers fighting back in court, is further proof that the tide is turning for appraisers: consider the spate of legislative reform now under consideration to support appraiser independence- as reported in the current WRE, and the stunning Fannie/Cuomo agreement, which while flawed, is a...…
Read More
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...…
Read More
