The Appraiser Coach Podcast

When you find volume has slipped and you are in need of a business boost, there are four areas you should look at.  Here are the four steps to increasing appraisal volume or revenue.

Here is a little mind trick the Dustin uses at the gym that can also be used in business when you don't want to do something.

The Val Expo is one of the biggest gatherings of appraisers and valuation professionals in the nation.  This year, they will be meeting again in Las Vegas on Oct 2-4.  Jim Morrison joins us to tell about some exciting new technologies you will see at the Expo.  You will not want to miss this event.  Use coupon code: COACH for 20% off your ticket!

Dustin is currently moving some employees into different "seats on the bus," and it triggered a question; are appraisers statisticians or analysts?  

You have heard Dustin refer to A clients, B clients, and Y clients, but what are they?  What makes an A client, and how does it differ from a B client?  Where are the C clients, and what exactly is a Y client?

Dustin had a recent experience at the In and Out Drive Tru, and there are four lessons he learned from it.  Listen in on some things that might help you be a better appraisal business owner.  

Mike Brunson ([email protected]) joins us to help explain what an Evaluation is.  Mike is very knowlegable and you might be surprised at some of the things he says.  

Another, on-site, videosode for you today.  Dustin is on site at a Veteran's Administration loan inspection.  He tells you about the "90% rule."  Is there such a thing?

Can and does your personal bias play into an appraisal?  Whether we like it or not, it can, but we should watch out for and avoid it.  Tim Andersen is here to teach us more about personal interests and the appraisal process.  

Being mobile is more than just having the tools you need to inspect properties.  What about having a fully mobile office?  Dustin shows you how to have all of your tools wherever you are with a docking station.  

There are a lot of appraisers who hate their jobs.  There is no other way to describe it.  Today, Dustin outlines four steps (though they are not easy) to take to start enjoying what you do again.  

What are the pros and cons of virtual offices?  How about a brick and mortar?  Which one is right for you?  Dustin explores this topic today.  Please add to his pros and cons list below.  

Customary and Reasonable fees?  What are they in your state?  Isaac Peck from WorkingRE is here to give us some real numbers.  

We hear a lot of complaining about AMCs.  Frankly, much of it is probably justified.  Let's explore some of those complaints.  But, are there some good things about AMCs as well?

Jason Self is a happy appraiser in the great state of North Carolina.  You will be hard pressed to find a more happy, upbeat member of our community.  

Probably the easiest, fastest hack to start being more efficient and effective as a real estate appraiser is the dual monitor computer set up.  Oh, it will also help you to get on that path to a paperless appraisal office as well.  

Coming in January of 2018 is a new AO.  Advisory Opinion #37 is all about computer assisted tools for appraisers.  What do you need to know about CATs?  Jared Priesler from Datamaster is here to tell us all about it.  Oh, and here is the link to the blog post he wrote on it: http://www.datamasterusa.com/advisory-opinion-37

You need to be doing staff meetings (even if you only have one employee).  This trick will improve the way you do staff meetings as a real estate appraiser business owner.  

By now, you have heard about the lawsuit between the Federal Trade Commission and the Louisiana Real Estate Appraisers Board. Legal documents can be a bit confusing. Tim Andersen joins Dustin again to help explain what is going on, describe some of the possible outcomes, explain why this is important to real estate appraisers nationwide, and encourage us to get involved.  If you want the 5,000 foot view of what's happening, this is the podcast for you!

We have all dealt with "that agent."  What do you do when you have to deal with difficult real estate agents or brokers?  What about reminding them that you are also a "Realtor?"

Dustin is often asked about online marketing, mostly for non-lender work.  He did a show a few years ago with Michael Hobbs on this issue that is worth another listen.  If you are wanting to do anything with online and/or social media, this episode is for you.  

Dustin has never been shy about his hatred for taking comp photos.  Some think they are a great idea.  It is one thing to think comp photos are good for your personal appraisal business, but do you have to advocate that the rest of us be required to do it too?

It has been predicted for years, AVMs to replace appraisers.  So far, no dice, but has the appraiser's time finally come?  Isaac Peck, Editor of WorkingRE Magazine joins us to discuss.

The Appraiser Coach recently made a trip across the pond.  Between bangers and mash and crumpets and tea, he learned a few things about himself and his appraisal business.  Some good.  Some not so much.  

Tim Andersen is back. Today, we tackle the second half of 16 Unacceptable Appraisal Practices according to Fannie Mae. What are they and how can we avoid them? The full list can be found in the Fannie Mae Selling Guide: https://www.fanniemae.com/content/guide/sel022316.pdf

Appraisers are working too hard.  There is a smarter way to work.  Stop working weekends and start setting up your business to run like an actual business.  

If you have not heard the name, you certainly have heard about the technology.  Exos is the new system Servicelink is using to manage appraisal orders.  There have been a lot of myths surrounding this new technology and Danny Wiley, from Exos and Servicelink, is here to answer our questions.  Even if you do not work for Servicelink, you will want to listen to this episode because Exos is open to other clients that you may work for.  

Should you be on Facebook?  As a fellow appraiser, Dustin says "Yes," and here are several reason why. 

Tim Andersen is back.  Today, we tackle the first half of 16 Unacceptable Appraisal Practices according to Fannie Mae.  What are they and how can we avoid them?  The full list can be found in the Fannie Mae Selling Guide: https://www.fanniemae.com/content/guide/sel022316.pdf

It is just nice to say, "Well, you have a lovely home," right?  Does that type of compliment verge on putting yourself, as an unbiased appraiser, in a position that could come back to haunt you?

They say attitude is everything, so why do some appraisers seem to have such bad ones?  Dustin explores the challenges facing today's valuation professionals and how choice plays a part in success.  

Running a business is hard, but sometimes the most obvious things are overlooked by us.  Those small things can make all the difference in our success.  

Mark is a colorful guy and it is always a pleasure to have him on.  Today, he sounds off on AMCs, fees, and some of the other problems he sees with the appraisal profession.  �

Here is an app that works in the background.  You never have to remember to hit your triptometer again.  www.mileiq.com

Murray Berg, long time appraiser and member of the Appraiser Coach's Dream Team Mastermind joins us to tell his story. Guess which famous clown's house he appraised?  

We spend time in the private domains of individuals.  Sometimes, we see or experience embarrassing things.  What do you do in those situations?  Comment below and let us know what you have seen and what you have done.  

Tim is back to teach us a little something about Highest and Best Use.  It may be the most important step in the appraisal process.  What is it, how do you do it, and what happens if you do it wrong?

A few weeks ago, Dustin described his opinion of the perfect appraiser vehicle.  Today, we take a break from the hard hitting stuff to talk about how to organize a vehicle to be as efficient as possible in the appraisal field.  Please share your ideas below.  

We are all, hopefully, on the watch for identity fraud, but are our appraisal reports considered 'intellectual property?'  Should we be copyrighting our reports?

There is a proposal to raise the deminimus requirements for appraisals in the commercial world from $250,000 to $400,000.  The AI is against it.  Full Story Here: http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/appraisal-institute-urges-caution-on-appraisal-thresholds/

The AQB is out with its 3rd exposure draft.  It is looking more and more like the four year college degree is going to go away, but what is going to replace it?  Can an appraiser really get certified without a mentor?  We have Isaac Peck from WorkingRE here to talk about it.  His article on the subject can be found here: http://www.workingre.com/aqb-digs-in-college-degree-experience-requirements-to-change/ To let your voice be heard, send your thoughts to: Email: [email protected] or mail to: Appraiser Qualifications Board, The Appraisal Foundation, 1155 15th Street, NW, Suite 1111, Washington, DC 20005 before May 12.  

Have one-off tasks that need to get done, but you do not want to hire someone full or part time to do it?  Introducing a great service Dustin uses called Fiverr.com.  

Every once in a while, Dustin slows down to catch up on listener mail.  Today is that day.  If you have any questions or comments for Dustin, please email him at [email protected]

A few weeks ago, Dustin tacked the question of whether or not an unintended user should be able to file a state board complaint.  Today, he picks up on whether or not a borrower should be able to sue an appraiser.  The answer may surprise and delight you.

Jake Hamilton, Veteran and Licensed appraiser joins us to talk about his story.  Wait till you hear about appraising the wrong house... twice! 

You understand the Law of Delegation.  If you want to work smarter, you find others to help you, but how does it work in reality?  Sometimes the boots-on-the-ground application can be difficult.  Listen as Dustin shares a few principles to consider as you apply delegation within your office.  

Tim is back with us to help us understand what a misleading appraisal report may or may not be.  You might be surprised.  

What is the best vehicle for appraisal inspections?  Dustin explores three principles to consider using a recent purchase he made as a springboard.  Even if you are not currently in need of a new vehicle, this episode is worth a listen.  It  might change your mind.  

He claims to have "kissed the Blarney Stone" twice.  Originally from Ireland, but mostly raised in Boston and Maine, Joe now makes his home in South Carolina.  You will enjoy hearing about how he built a business of 10 appraisers and is now back down to just himself.  

Do you have the same problem Dustin encounters; being relied upon too much around the office?  Don't you just wish your employees would do more things on their own?  Perhaps this little acronym might help; WWYD