i remember those days mike.  probable less that 40,000 appraisers at that time before certification.

i will be more than happy to bring out the ax to continue culling this appraiser herd. in those golden days you had to wait for an appraiser to die to get that opportunity.

I read a few days ago that we are now down to around 73,000 appraisers nationally. Appraisers keep leaving but I fail to see corresponding widespread increases in fees yet. Maybe we need to cull ourselves down to 50,000?

As for any impending ‘shortage’, I’m supposed to care all of a sudden? All any shortage will do as far as I’m concerned is to undo some of the mess regulators have themselves caused and then refused to clean up.

Personally I WANT a shortage. The bigger, the better. I remember 1986 when we routinely advised lender clients it would be three weeks before we could even schedule appointments; and another one to three weeks after that before they could expect their reports. Prevailing rates back then were $250 to $275 but many agents and lenders would offer inducements of up to double that for getting theirs done on week end “days off”. I was too naïve to capitalize on the offers back then. Thought it was immoral. Now? Working for less than $500 a day (x 2 to 4 days a week) is immoral.

The powers that be have decided that four year degreed individuals will make the best new crop of appraisers. OK. So be it. Of course those same powers fail to recognize that these uber intelligent are also smart enough to study the history of appraisal fees and business killing micro management which will continue to discourage many from entering the profession.

Mr. Brennan and Mr. Harding both did well for us when they held leadership positions in our (CA) OREA and I think their hearts are in the right place while respectfully disagreeing with their specific current shortage solutions. Maybe if they focused a bit more on how many states are driving appraisers out of the business by creatively reinterpreting USPAP (Oregon, California and how many others?) and then coercing settlement stipulations from those that cannot afford $20,000 to $30,000 to defend themselves?