Real Estate Appraiser Training – Education

How to Increase Residential Appraisal Income

I decided to make the switch from appraising commercial properties back to residential properties in early 2008. To many this is appraisal suicide. However, the reason is simple- my wife became a state-registered trainee a few years ago, is serious about becoming Certified and needed my mentoring. Since her knowledge of commercial appraising is limited,… Read More

Thinking Outside the Check Box

Editor’s Note: Appraiser Bryan Reynolds shows you one way to stand out from the pack in the minds of your clients: by sharpening your professional skills and thinking outside the checkbox. Thinking Outside the Check Box by Bryan S. Reynolds, AQB Certified USPAP Instructor Appraisers have had blinders on for way too long. It is time...… Read More

Chinese Drywall: Understanding and Uncovering the Issue

Historically, the relocation industry has been challenged by such environmental issues as UFFI (urea formaldehyde foam insulation), asbestos, radon gas, synthetic stucco, and black mold. Currently, the industry is challenged economically by an oversupply of homes, decreasing home prices, a credit crisis, an unstable stock market, record foreclosures, and a global recession. What is next?… Read More

Reconsidering Foreclosures

When sales activity has diminished, as is the case in today’s market, appraisers have a much smaller pool of comparable transactions available to them. Such times require that appraisers give greater scrutiny to transactions that have traditionally been discarded. Here’s why and how appraisers are reconsidering foreclosures, short sales and listings in an upside down market. Foreclosures A… Read More

What’s in Your Workfile?

Your workfile is just as important as your appraisal report. Just ask any lender, appraisal management company, client, or worse, your state’s investigator. The workfile is the backbone of your report. It supports everything in your appraisal report. Your workfile for an appraisal of a single family residence or a condominium unit should contain a minimum… Read More

Non-Permitted Buildings

A common issue in residential appraising is construction which has not been issued an appropriate building permit by the jurisdictional authority. Here’s how to handle this sometimes difficult situation. Examples of this issue include: additions and detached guesthouses; and garages that have been modified for use as a living area. One needs only to peruse online… Read More