Comments on: Welcome to Life as an Appraiser in 2014

By: raymond

raymond — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 16:17:23 +0000

hmmm……interesting comments. whatever happen to the appraisal rule that the appraiser in preparing his/her appraisal, reflect the actions of the buyers/sellers in the applicable market. Seems to me, like the appraiser (doing mortgage work) have evolved more into reflecting and/or meeting the needs of the lender/amc. Plus, pretty amazing that anyone loves appraising so much that they would give up, their personal lives for appraising. It certainly can’t be for the $s.

By: Mike Allen

Mike Allen — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 15:46:20 +0000

For Jennifer Pearce, regarding time to complete. Jennifer, I used to be focused on that same issue but after much thought, I’ve kicked the habit. I normally get my reports done the same day or next day, after the inspection. When I accept the order and they ask for projected completion time, I look at my calendar and then add two days. When I get the inspection scheduled, THEN I re-enter the conclusion date. The lenders and AMCs that I work with never give me any problem. I base my work on a 48 hour turnaround, AFTER the inspection. None of my clients can argue with that turnaround time. And, they don’t . You control your calendar, manage it accordingly. It will be very rare that a client asks you to do it sooner and if so, give your reasons why your date is the most logical date.

By: John

John — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 22:36:05 +0000

Ok, How to become a preferred appraiser??? What am I doing wrong??? If a bank moves AMC’s and your not on that one, then you join. How do you go about getting Business from these lenders??? It seems there many connections that I am not making to obtain business. Please let me know what I am doing wrong.

Thanks

By: AppraiserMorons

AppraiserMorons — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 15:17:07 +0000

That’s really sad David that you have unknowingly become the workhorse for your clients. While they are home on the weekends or on vacation, they know you are working like a dog so they can become rich. This is what has happened to the modern day appraiser. More work for less money. Do yourselves a favor and get out of this business as soon as possible. I did it and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I have a life now.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 12:59:58 +0000

In reply to David Kennedy.

I feel bad for David. He will look back and wonder what the H happened! We set our own schedule and that is what has kept me in this job for decades. I will contend – if you have to work seven days a week you have the wrong job. I will kick it 5 days a week. Occasional Saturday morning. I love my family too much for anything else! We walk, camp, cook on the grill, chill in the pool with friends in the summer, read in the winter, have our kids and grandkids over for Sunday morning breakfast……you know – live.

By: David Kennedy

David Kennedy — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 20:42:41 +0000

My dad was a Realtor, then a developer, then an appraiser. He, my mother and entire family worked seven days per week. The office was always open and clients always knew they could call and we would always be there. Nothing is changed. I’m now way past “retirement” age, and the office is always open. My clients still know that we are always available. If you don’t want to work that hard, then find another occupation. I pay no attention to holidays, Sundays, or any other day of the week. Try it. You’ll live.

By: Jennifer Pearce

Jennifer Pearce — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 12:03:25 +0000

Is any other appraiser frustrated with the timeliness of appraisals that include weekends and holidays? Numerous companies now order completion in “hours”. I received an appraisal on Friday afternoon and they “allowed” me 96 hours to submit report. Monday is a holiday and I will not inspect property until next business day after order so I am already late with assignment before I even start. When did we go on call 24/7 ????

By: Bryan

Bryan — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 22:21:25 +0000

Great article! My only comment – going back 1, 2 or even 3 years looking for site sales in an established area will most likely not give you any validation. I do understand the point – make an effort to provide the best data available.

By: Retired Appraiser

Retired Appraiser — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 21:02:48 +0000

Loved your quote: “I want to meet the lucky appraiser these days who is getting all of the easy appraisals”. Nice article BTW.

My response: I would love to meet one residential appraiser that can justify the insanity of staying in this “profession”.

Hint: “Because I have a family to feed doesn’t cut it”. If you truly cared about your family you would have moved them 10,000 miles away from the world of appraising five years ago.