The Appraiser Coach Podcast

For all the talk Dustin gives about the importance of technology and going paperless, learn why he just cannot give up his Post-it Notes (and maybe you hold the key to helping him break this nasty habit).  

What is the difference between a regular assumption and an extraordinary assumption?  Did you know Fannie Mae does not allow EAs?  Bob Keith takes us through the world of what can and cannot be assumed without marking that little box at the bottom of page 2.  

Of all the things the Appraiser Coach teaches, the Law of Delegation is the most critical, yet also the most challenging for appraisers to embrace.  Off-Shouldering (allowing others to do stuff for you so you can do other stuff) is the biggest key to business growth.  

What is it like to be both an appraiser and a FEMA disaster inspector?  Ever been hit on by a swinger?  Welcome to Johanna's world.  

Why does Dustin post his actual tax returns on the website?  Sometimes there is a bit of confusion as to what they mean.  Dustin tries to clear all of that up today.  

TRID has been in place since Oct 3, 2015.  How is it playing out in the appraisal world?  Woody is here to explain what is going on.  

For several years, Dustin has not set New Year's Resolutions precisely because they statistically do not work.  Here is a better way.  

You probably hate the MC Addendum, but do you dislike it as much as Dave?  Listen in as we discuss the common mistakes appraisers are making with the MC Addendum.  Our discussions centers around this WorkingRE article: http://www.workingre.com/incorrect-reporting-of-sales-listing-data-in-appraisal-reports/ If you want to join Dave's email group, just drop him note at [email protected]

Merry Christmas to all.  Remember to take some time to be with your families and loved ones during this season.  

Jacob began appraising with his Father in Law many years ago and together they have a booming business in Northern California.  Wait till you hear about the most disturbing thing that has ever happened to him as an appraiser.  

"Back in my day...."  How many of you remember the days of 35 mm cameras and no MLS?  Take a walk back in time with an appraiser.  

It is a common problem among appraisers; burnout.  We all get depressed and down in the dumps sometimes.  Ann is here to help us cheer up a bit with some great advice on how to look at your business and remain hopeful.  

What if an appraiser spends an entire career building up a successful appraisal business only to get disabled and be unable to fill the role of the inspector?  Does the ADA allow such an appraiser to hire another person to inspect vicariously?  

Ernie Durbin in about as expert in valuation as anyone.  Today, he talks to us about Alternative Valuation Products (desktops and other such work products).  These are becoming more and more prominent.  Should more appraisers be considering these types of services?  Here are the articles Ernie mentions:   https://appraisalfoundation.sharefile.com/share#/view/sf61dc8e04054957a   Stephanie Coleman's article is attached.  

One of the mistakes many appraisers make is bidding an appraisal based on the job as a unit rather than the time and effort that might go into it.  Strangely, we are one of the few professions that look at our work that way.  Instead, we should judge what we do based on a per hour basis.  But, how do you properly bid a job to know you are well compensated before you even begin.  There is a proven trick we can utilize.  

It's another Appraiser Story episode.  Today, we talk with Pam Herre from Colorado.  

I get asked frequently how a one-person appraisal office takes it up a notch and brings on employees.  It is a process with a lot on the line.  Listen in as Dustin gives a few helpful tips on how to do it right.  For more, in-depth information on how to hire right, consider the Go Create Some Value Workshop:  https://theappraisercoach.com/workshop/  

Another appraiser stories with a pharmacist turned appraiser.  This guy has been doing this a long time.  Take a listen to some great wisdom from an experienced appraiser.  

Is a full email inbox driving you crazy?  Dustin shares a few tips and trick on how to clear it out and get your piece of mind back again.  

Can you be successful without a college degree?  Brianne tells us a little bit about how she made it work and shares some unique things about appraising in a very rural market.  

Human beings (including appraisers) are constantly living between two extremes.  Our shortcomings often come when we try to 'close the gap' prematurely.  Sometimes, life between the extremes is where the growth takes place.  

Another in our Appraiser Stories series.  Dave Morris is an appraiser and surfer-dude from San Diego.  Listen as he tells about the time he was inspecting a house and the cops showed up.  

I was recently asked by a fellow-appraiser if I actually did the things I suggest to others.  It is a great question.  The HONEST answer is in this episode.  

Sometimes we put the cart before the horse when it comes to hiring.  Are you hiring to further your business model or to accomodate a certain individual.  Dustin gives an analogy to show when we should hire and when we should hold off.  

Do you inspect the outside first or the inside?  There are pros and cons to both.  

Just in time for Halloween, Jason tells of the spookiest appraisal inspection I think I have ever heard of.  Buckle in.  Turn down the lights, and enjoy Jason's Romantic Halloween Adventure!

Your job as an appraiser and/or a business owner is not to make other's problems go away.  However, a little empathy and validation can go a long way to make things better when we are faced with challenges.  

Mike is a forward-thinking appraiser with some ideas about Customary and Reasonable.  Perhaps we need to retire the word "Customary" and just go with "Reasonable."  Further, he has written about how to determine Reasonable in a way that is... well... pretty reasonable.     http://appraisersblogs.com/appraisal/free-enterprise-an-appraisal-myth/   http://mfford.com/html/c___r_fees.htm  

What is the best ladder to use on FHA or VA appraisal attic inspections?  I think it might be this one:   http://www.amazon.com/Xtend-Climb-770P-Telescoping-12-5-Foot/dp/B000JIL0WU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1444776640&sr=8-2&keywords=xtend+and+climb+ladder

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a staff appraiser?  Rob Bodkin has been both a fee appraiser and a staff appraiser.  Find out why he likes the later more.  

When you leave for several days, what happens to your appraisal office?  Does it fall apart?  Do you lose revenue?  What if your office did not miss a beat when its key player was gone?  

How does an appraiser get into real estate with no background?  Furthermore, how do you grow up in Upstate New York and end up in S. Florida?  

Do you really need to spend more money to get a Disto or will a Bosch (or other brand) laser work?  I DO have an opinion on this one.   

Jeff Dickstein, Chief Compliance Officer at Protek, is here to further dive into TRID and what it means from an lender and AMC perspective.  This is a must listen to episode.  

Robert recently asked me how I carry my Disto laser and my tablet together.  Here is your answer, Robert:

Are you ready for October 3, 2015?  That is when TRID hits the financial markets and the way we charge for appraisals will change.  Isaac Peck from WorkingRE Magazine breaks it all down for us.    http://www.workingre.com/trid-whats-it-mean-for-appraisers/

Are you working constantly?  Do you have evenings and weekends free to spend with family and rejuvinate your soul?  Maybe it is time to think about divorce.  No, not from your spouse; from your work.  

How do you communicate with other appraisers?  Maybe a better question is; DO you communicate with other appraisers?  How about your clients?  Ann talks to us about why communicatin is key and how to go about doing it right.  

It may not be the most exciting topic in the whole world, but it is a question Dustin gets a lot; what kind of phone system should I be using.  

Are you as fed up with background checks as the rest of us?  Joan helps dispel some of the myths around background checks and helps us wade through the redtape.  

Why did you get into appraising?  Are you still in it for the same reason or has it lost its luster?  Time to reevaluate things.  This is a great career with a lot of freedom.  Find out why Dustin defines "wealth" as the ability to do what you want when you want.  Learn to love your job again.  

Many appraisers want to go mobile, but do not want to buy a tablet.  A majority of appraisers now own and use smartphones though.  Can a smartphone effectively be used for appraisal inspections or is the screen size just too small?  Find out in this episode.  

Mortgage work is always up and down.  We have had a pretty good run the past few years.  It is not a matter of IF however, it is a matter of WHEN that ride will take a downturn.  Are you ready?  What can you do now to prepare for what is inevitable?  Ann O'Rourke is back with some great tips.  In the second half, Dustin will share some valuable ideas as to how to build a "relationship" with AMCs.  

Geographical competency.  Does it exist?  What is it?  Are we going the wrong direction with it's implementation?  

The Appraisal Summit and Expo is coming up in Las Vegas in November.  Whether you have been before or not, listen while George Harrison explains what it is and why you should be there.  

Isaac Peck at WorkingRE broke a story this week concerning CoasterVMS and the State of Virginia.  As it turns out, Coaster is suing the Virginia State Board to force an acceptance of their AMC charter.  We explore it here.  

I get tons of questions from appraisers across the nation who listen to this podcast.  Today, I take some time to answer some of them.  

A quesiton I get often is whether to pull comps before the inspection or after.  It is a good question.  I think it depends.   Let's explore it.  

Ryan Lundquist is the top appraiser-expert on Social  Media in the country.  Listen is as he tells why he does it and gives hints on how you can do it as well.     Ryan Lundquist is a certified appraiser and focuses on residential appraisals in the Sacramento area. His clients include home owners, real estate agents, governmental agencies, attorneys, and lenders. Ryan runs the SacramentoAppraisal Blog, which is a top-ranking appraisal blog in the United States. He has written over 1000 articles to help illustrate what is happening in the market as well as offer insight into how appraisers think. Ryan has been quoted in local and national publications, and he is the Vice-Chair of the Housing Opportunity Committee with the Sacramento Association of Realtors, and is a board member of the Real Estate Appraisers Association of Sacramento. Ryan also won the Affiliate of the Year award in 2014 from the Sacramento Association of Realtors. In the epidsode, Ryan refers to this resource: Blog content idea sheet:  http://sacramentoappraisalblog.com/2014/07/03/tips-for-effective-blogging-for-business/

As appraisers, we spend a lot of time in self-imposed solitary confinement.  We really should consider getting out to classes and conferences to rub shoulders with other appraisers.