The Appraiser Coach Podcast

What does an appraiser in the training process have to say about the appraisal profession.  Join us as Dustin interviews Mike Taylor from Austin, TX.  

I try to see the glass half-full most of the time.  That is not always easy.  Recently, I had an experience with my neighbor that reminded me that we, as appraisers, still have it pretty darn good.  

What do you do when you pull up to the comp and there are people in the front yard?  Do you take the picture?  Are you required to do so?  What does FHA say about it?

Issac Peck, Editor of Working RE Magazine, joins us to discuss his recent article:   The Decline of Appraisers   This is a short, informative article that really nails down the problem facing the future population of appraisers and (more importantly) what we can do about it.  In the article, Issac gives a call to action.  Here is the contact information you will need to participate:   Appraisers are encouraged to submit their (concise and considered) comments to the AQB before the March 31, 2016 deadline: Email: [email protected] or mail to: Appraiser Qualifications Board, The Appraisal Foundation, 1155 15th Street, NW, Suite 1111, Washington, DC 20005.

As appraisers, we often defer to other professionals (home inspectors, mold experts, engineers, etc) to pass off questionable items.  When it comes time to do the final, do we reinspect?  Can we trust the other professional's opinion?  

Meet Ken; a new appraiser following in his father's footsteps, but not really.  Ken is a forward-thinking appraiser you will not want to miss.  

A question was recently posed by Joan Trice regarding who is responsible for making sure the appraiser is paid Customary and Reasonable fees.  Is it the client?  Is it the appraiser themselves?  Let's explore it.  

Dave Towne ([email protected]) is back to let us know about a little known provision in TRID which REQUIRES an estimate of value from the borrower before the appraisal process takes place.  This could lead to some interesting situations.  

What is the proper way to go about hiring employees and contractors to help in an appraisal office?  Can you hire a Tier III person out of the box?  It is important to not only get the right people on the bus (and the wrong people off the bus), but to put them in the right seats.  

Can you believe the Appraiser Coach Podcast has been a thing for a year now?  To celebrate, the tables are turned and Dustin is interviewed for a change.  Find out more about what makes Dustin Harris tick and hear some funny stories you have never heard before.  Special thanks to Matt Frentheway for being our guest host for this episode.  

It comes up once in a while among appraisers; which vehicle is the best one for an appraiser?  Since we spend a lot of time in our cars, it is an important consideration.  Also in this episode; to lease or to buy?

Seems like many of our willing appraisers are coming out of Florida.  Brian has only been a business owner 3 days when this was recorded and he is on fire!

We spend a lot of time doing nothing.  What are you doing to improve your life, relationships, and business as you travel down the road?  Here are a few ideas.  Podcasts mentioned on this episode are as follows: This American LifeStuff You Should KnowFreakonomicsLoreCriminalCrackedYou are Not So SmartRadio WestSexy Marriage RadioRadio LabSerial What are your favorites?

There has been a lot of talk in the national media lately about guns.  Today, we have two appraisers on the program who both choose to carry a firearm on appraisal inspections for personal protection.  Mike and Lisa join us to discuss why they choose to protect themselves by carrying a concealed weapon.  

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/