Appraiser Independence

Appraising Disaster: When the Levee Breaks Part II

Appraising Disasters: When the Levee Breaks Part II: Real Work Begins By David Phillips, SRA As the date for the inspections drew closer, we enlisted the help of the Village Clerk.  She was an invaluable partner in the process because she had addresses and phone numbers for most residents.  After the flood, many residents went...… Read More

The Apprentice: Trainees Gone Wild

The Apprentice: Trainees Gone Wild? Just like the popular television show staring Donald Trump and a band of would-be executives, the reality of training appraisal apprentices these days involves more drama than you might expect. Recent legislation in Florida, a decree by The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) and horror stories of appraisal “sweat shops” churning out...… Read More

Report from Valuation 2008

Fraud, AVMs and Fannie’s New Forms Report from Valuation 2003 While you were busy appraising, Valuation 2003 took place in Orlando, Fla. with many of the industry’s movers and shakers exhibiting, speaking and networking. Working RE Magazine was there too. Mark Simpson, Director of Property Valuation Standards & Practices, Single-Family Credit Administration, for Fannie Mae...… Read More

Appraising Disasters: When the Levee Breaks

Editor’s Note: With the spate of hurricanes, floods and fires, disaster work is on the minds of many. Here is a first person account by one appraiser who spearheaded the valuation of an entire town that was swept away in a flood. Appraising Disasters: When the Levee Breaks By David Phillips, SRA Before August of...… Read More

Why You Should Care About Appraiser Qualifications

Why You Should Care about Appraiser Qualifications Significant Changes Proposed By George Hatch The proposed revisions to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria include significant increases in minimum education requirements and appraiser trainee supervision requirements. Some of these revisions will have long-term implications on appraisal businesses if enacted.  For this reason, even established appraisers should...… Read More