Sincerity vs. Competency By Diana Jacobs Question: “Can you believe in your heart that you did the right thing and still be wrong?” The answer is yes. Why? Because USPAP instructs us that “ethics” are about intent while “competency” is about judgment and execution. When developing a “scope of work” decision, professional appraisers are not...…
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Appraisers & Gramm-Leach-Bliley By Pat Butler Most appraisers have heard of Gramm-Leach-Bliley (Privacy Act) but few understand their obligations under the Act. Appraisers have disclosure obligations under Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GBL) when they are hired directly by a consumer to conduct an appraisal. Compliance means disclosing to the client whether any of their nonpublic personal information will...…
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Editor’s Note: Some appraisers are being paid full fees for their appraisal work, even though the orders are coming from AMCs. Here’s how it works. First published in Working RE print, Volume 31. Fee Solution – Cost-Plus AMC Model? by Isaac Peck, Associate Editor Some appraisers are being paid full fees for their appraisal work,...…
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My first commandment for appraisers is: Know the truth and let the truth set you free. In this context, it means that you are in control of both the appraisal development and reporting. Therefore, let no person coerce, threaten or influence your objectivity, impartiality, or independence.
After that, and based on my 10 years’ experience as…
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Editor's Note: The following is intended for your clients because, as most seasoned inspectors will tell you, setting reasonable expectations about a home inspection report is more than half the battle in avoiding liability problems.
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Fritz Kelly, inspecting for 12 years in Arizona, has a problem common to inspectors: “I declined to go into an attic the other day. The access was in the master bedroom closet, full of clothes, etc. When I attempted to open the scuttle cover, it was obvious there were about 15 inches of blown in…
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The new normal for too many appraisers these days is being banished to a “do not use” list by a lender, without any opportunity for rebuttal or even knowing why. Now here’s a new twist: at least one large lender is giving appraisers the chance to rebut a questionable review- the problem is that doing…
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The real estate business is evolving and starting to become Internet-centric. Ten years ago most clients didn't touch the Internet before buying, today over 80 percent do. Today's real estate professionals not only have to have a website, they need a website that ranks well on the search engines. If you’re still spending money on…
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Editor’s Note: You’d be amazed all you don’t know regarding your rights as an appraiser. The following was gleaned from the webinar series: How to Limit Liability, Maintain Independence, and Fight Influence by Richard Hagar, SRA. How Well Do You Know Your Rights? By David Brauner, Editor Here are some questions for you- the answers...…
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Editor’s Note: Author Phil Spool, ASA, represents appraisers, E&O insurance companies and lenders as an expert witness for the prosecution as well as for the defense. In this story, he shares the reason why appraisers get sued. Why Appraisers Get Sued by Philip G Spool, ASA Lawsuits can be divided between those you cannot control...…
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