First, before the hate mail starts rolling in, let me assure you that I understand the requirements surrounding comparable photos, and I do take them as an appraiser. I am … Read More
Complimenting Liability
There is a natural tendency for me to want to compliment a home before I leave simply because I want to be polite. However, I have often wondered whether complimenting … Read More
Customer Service Detective Work
As appraisers, we are also, first and foremost, business owners. And as business owners, it is our responsibility to know if our services are well received. Feedback is crucial in … Read More
Are Reports “Intellectual Property”
Recently one of my Mastermind students asked about Intellectual Property. He told me that he’d had an associate leave his firm to go solo. Later, he was reading one of … Read More
Empowering Your Employees
I have noticed a common theme that occurs when I am out of the main office; for the most part, they are able to figure things out on their own … Read More
Different Is Not Necessarily Wrong
Is It Wrong to Do Things Differently When Appraising? Do you realize there are still appraisers out there who do what they do the same way they did in it the … Read More
Is This Appraisal Thing Actually a Profession?
Is real estate appraisal an industry or a profession? Which term describes us? Which term should describe us, as well as what we do? It is clear we provide our … Read More
Improve Appraisal Reports in 10 Steps
Dave Towne, an appraiser out of Washington State, contacted me about ways for appraisers to improve their reports. Since Dave does a lot of review work and sees a lot … Read More
Who Can Complain About Appraisals
Time to get on my soapbox and complain about a complaint filed against me (not a charge, but merely a complaint). I did an appraisal of a multi-family property … Read More
Be a Forward-Thinking Business Owner
As I teach my business model to individuals across the country, I somewhat frequently encounter appraisers who are offended by my methods for whatever reason. Those who hear me talk … Read More