Editor’s Note: The following Q&A about how to report a crooked floor in the face of pressure (from a crooked lender), demonstrates what a powerful tool a good Scope of Work can be in deflecting pressure, limiting liability and producing more professional reports. Scope of Work Q&A: Deflecting Pressure, Reducing Liability by David Braun, MAI,…
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Editor’s Note: Appraisers can combine their expertise with technology to compete and beat AVMs, according to appraiser and Zaio Chief Executive Officer Thomas Inserra, SRA. Read his thoughts below. Out-Competing AVMs by Thomas Inserra, SRA Appraisers don’t have to accept the continued loss of business to AVMs. They can compete for the business and win…
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Good News for Appraisers by David Brauner, Editor Just as the seasons turn, so do markets and perceptions. There seems to be good news for (ethical) appraisers this season. Many I spoke with at the recent Appraisal Today show in San Francisco say fear of fraud is driving lenders away from number hitters and toward…
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Anthony Perkins, a seven-year appraiser who runs a nine-person appraisal shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, has been a Medallion “partner” for several years. Perkins decided to diversify because life as an appraiser is getting harder and because of what he sees as the enormous potential of the indoor air quality (IAQ) industry. Today, he has…
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“Comp” Checks: Turning Requests into Orders “Please check the comps first and call me immediately if the value is not there.” Sound familiar? Or the mortgage broker who calls from parts unknown asking: “Do you check comps first? I don’t want my borrower to pay for an appraisal they can’t use.” Just as lender pressure...…
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Fitch, Fannie and Fraud: Conference Roundup WRE hit the road to bring you the latest from several important industry gatherings (see insert). With many practitioners working from home offices, these conferences help us all stay connected and up to speed. The issues that emerged this year are familiar but include some new twists: AVMs, fraud,...…
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Fighting Back By Sam E. Blackburn Client pressure, especially from mortgage brokers, continues to be a serious problem for appraisers. Lender pressure will continue to be a problem until Congress enacts predatory lending legislation to prohibit unethical conduct. As long as lenders and brokers control who receives appraisal assignments and can act with little fear...…
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