IndyMac – What Goes Around Comes Around By David Brauner, WRE Editor Not to kick a fella when he’s down, but following the collapse of IndyMac Bank last week, we received an email from a “blacklisted” appraiser that got us thinking. This appraiser, who wishes to remain anonymous, is one of several who told us…
Read More
Editor’s Note: Appraising in a real estate collapse poses its problems. Seasoned appraiser Matt Cook, provides some guidance. Using Distressed Sales By Matt Cook If you’re having trouble appraising in a market where distressed properties dominate, you’re not alone. Recently, an appraiser stated in a post that the market for a particular residential assignment included…
Read More
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
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
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
Editor’s Note: In Part One, Bob Bell, MAI (retired) explains how appraisers can convert residential form reporting assignments to higher-paying consulting assignments with just a little know how. “Many of our appraisals should be labeled appraisal consulting reports, since they give a market value and solve problem questions in the Highest and Best Use section...…
Read More
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…
Read More
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...…
Read More
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...…
Read More
