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: 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
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
Editor’s Note: Coast to coast appraisers are thinking: “I told you so.” Many predicted that unchecked lender pressure and other shenanigans during the refi-boom, sooner or later, would have its consequences. Some said it would be another Savings and Loan-type crisis, with taxpayers footing the bill- again. What we are in the midst of may…
Read More
Editor’s Note: WRE received many questions and comments in response to last issue’s Making $300,000 a Year Appraising. We sent them to the appraiser profiled in the story for his response. Making $300,000 a Year: Clarified By John Ugrotzi, Jr. First, yes, $300,000 is gross. I wish it were net. When I was in Colorado…
Read More
Teaching Your Clients Well At a recent industry show in Las Vegas (Valuation 2007), one speaker suggested that appraisers facing pressure may try “educating” their lender-clients about the rules, just in case they don’t know. You may be surprised by what is set in stone. One document that can be used for this purpose is…
Read More
Who Owns the Data? By David Brauner, Editor Here’s a riddle: what do the following have in common: copyrighting appraisals, the Intended User/Intended Use provision in USPAP, Item 21 on the Fannie Mae form, data mining and the FNC lawsuit, automated appraisals (AMVs), and perhaps, the future of appraising? Apparently, they have everything in common....…
Read More
