Monthly Archive: November 2015

Executive Summary in Appraisal Reports 11

Executive Summary in Appraisal Reports

Executive Summary Appraisers, I spent two days last week at the Appraisal Summit and Expo in Las Vegas – which was extremely well planned and presented – co-sponsored by the Columbia Institute and the National Association of Appraisers. Over those two days, in just about every topic presentation seminar, we appraisers were cajoled and implored to improve info we provide in reports to back up our stated value.  We were told that most reports reviewed by lenders are deficient in this aspect.  I admit that my reports need improvement in that kind of presentation – although over the years many...

Day Laborers Needed...Inquire at any AMC 6

Day Laborers Needed…Inquire at any AMC

Help Wanted – Day Laborers Needed …. Inquire at any AMC The Dodd Frank act requires the lender to be responsible for their agents. This means the lender is responsible for the actions of the AMC. Do the lenders know what their AMC’S are doing? Probably not. The Dodd Frank act also requires the most qualified appraiser be selected for each and every assignment. What vetting is done by the AMC’S to ensure the most qualified Appraiser is selected? Many AMC’S have the false mentality every appraiser is qualified and competent to appraise every piece of real estate. This simply...

MC Form and Incorrect Reporting of DATA 3

MC Form & Incorrect Reporting of DATA

Appraisers, Wednesday last week (11/18/15) WorkingRE published, via their e-Newsletter, an article I submitted to them as an ‘exclusive.’  I was in a jet to Las Vegas to attend the Appraisal Summit & Expo that day.  In case you did not see the article, I’m letting you know about it here. You can access the WorkingRE version of the article here. I want to thank those appraisers who left comments on the WorkingRE site, included below the article, and to those appraisers who wrote me directly. Getting feedback is critical, and appreciated. And kudos to Isaac Peck, Editor and David Brauner, Publisher,...

Valu+ Logo Powered by NDC 3

Valu+ Discounted for AppraisersBlogs Readers

NDC’s Appraiser Product is now Valu+ with exclusive 20% off for all Appraiser Blog Readers. Valu+ is a standalone valuation product under the NDC Brand. San Diego, CA: In the appraiser data market there has been one constant for many years, NDC. Until now NDC was both the name of the business and the research product supplying thousands of appraisers and real estate leaders with accurate public records data on over 130,000,000 parcels of land. NDC is evolving and growing rapidly and because of this growth we are excited to announce that the NDC research and valuation product will be known...

Valuing the Contribution of Solar Panels 39

Valuing the Contribution of Solar Panels

How to value the appraised property with solar panels Appraisers, Valuing the contribution of solar panels on homes has become one of the trickiest aspects of our work over the past decade. Attached is a very well written 45 page report that will help all appraisers better understand this issue, and perhaps lead you in the right direction when you encounter homes with solar panels. I strongly recommend that you print a copy for your library. Oh, and actually read it! The basis of the report is how to value the appraised property with solar panels, when no comps have...

VaCap Speaking out Regarding C&R Fees 8

VaCap Speaking out Regarding C&R Fees

CUSTOMARY AND REASONABLE FEES When Dodd Frank was passed a few years ago there was much discussion as to what it actually meant to lenders, appraisers, and AMCs. AMCs were quick and forceful in their definition. It was the fee they could coerce an appraiser into accepting. That was their definition. This has been a big impact on the well-being of an honorable profession. In June the Federal Final Rules were released, and they took effect in September of this year. These Final Rules clarified many questions regarding lending, appraising, and AMC involvement.   First, the Feds have made it very clear that lenders...

You Are Not Alone - American Guild of Appraisers - AGA - Imagecredit Flickr - David Pacey 20

You Are Not Alone – AGA

How many appraisers do you know that are enthusiastic about the future of our profession? How many appraisers believe that they are alone in the fight to save their profession? How many appraisers do you know that feel trapped in a “no win” situation with increasing liability and time commitment without being properly compensated or appreciated? My name is Jan Bellas. I am the National Membership Coordinator for the American Guild of Appraisers (AGA). Please give me a few minutes to tell you how the AGA can help you and other professional real estate appraisers. AGA is a national organization focused...

VA & UAD compliance 4

FHA Appraisal Report & Prior Sales

FHA appraisers, When the new 4000.1 Handbook and associated Data Delivery Guide were released not long ago, astute readers noticed that FHA showed that they wanted the Comparable’s prior transactions to be reported back in time THREE YEARS, not just 1 year as per the form. Well, guess what? That apparently was an error, because the REVISED Data Delivery Guide, Effective Nov. 5, 2015, has that corrected back to ONE YEAR, which ‘sort of’ corresponds with the info on the GSE forms. Eagle eye readers will note there may still be an error with this! The form says …the year prior to...

New Editor at Working RE Magazine 2

New Editor at Working RE Magazine

Nov. 6, 2015 – San Diego, Calif. – Working RE Magazine for real estate appraisers announces that Isaac Peck is taking over as Editor from the publication’s founder, David Brauner. Brauner will remain as the magazine’s Publisher. Brauner said, To say Isaac does a great job is an understatement. He has managed to absorb in short order everything it took me 20 years to learn, and on occasion, even teaches me a thing or two along the way. I’m thrilled to have new energy and a new perspective.” Peck holds a master’s degree in Accounting from San Diego State University,...

Adjustment Values, Frequency & Dollar Amount 18

Adjustment Values, Frequency & Dollar Amount

Ever wondered what other appraisers are doing with adjustment values? Appraisers, Have you ever wondered what other appraisers are doing with adjustments in their reports? CoreLogic has done research over the past 3 years, using 1.3 MILLION+ reports, and has produced the graph attached here.  You may want to print this for reference. This graph shows the percentage of time a certain feature is adjusted, and the average dollar amount of the adjustment for each of those. It’s rather interesting. The highest amount of adjustment, approximately $14,000, is for the Quality Rating. Not really surprising as to the amount, but the percentage...

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