The Appraiser Coach Podcast

Dustin had two experiences lately that taught the value of customer service.

Dana Schau joins us again to share her experience, as a woman, getting into the appraisal profession. She also shares more about her move from Michigan to North Dakota and what a rural appraiser deals with.

Part of understanding the loss side of the profit and loss statement is understanding what you can and cannot live without.

If you have not yet heard of Chat GPT, stay tuned. If you have heard of it and used it a little, but are curious as to how Artificial Intelligence is changing the valuation world, this episode is for you. Dustin takes you through actual examples of how Chat GPT can be used in your appraisal business.

In slow times, it is important to look at our business losses and decide what can stay, what needs to go, and what needs to be adjusted. Dustin helps you dig into your P&L and know what and where to make changes.

Ernie Ramos of Advanced Appraisal Associates, INC in Chicago joins Dustin to talk about diversification. Ernie has set up a successful appraisal business doing a variety of products and it has been good to him in the downturn.

Dustin's favorite part of the P&L is the profit side. That is where production takes place, but it is not just about understanding what the Profit is; it is also about understanding the details of such analysis.

Tim Andersen is back. In part of the Dear USPAP Instructor series, Tim answers the question about neighborhood definitions and even delves into mineral rights.

Normalcy Bias; it keeps us from moving when the fire alarm goes off and it keeps us from building our business when things are slow.

It is Women's History Month. Today, Dustin interviews two, veteran appraisers who happen to be female. What has their experience been in a world dominated by men?

Many appraisers are feeling it; the market has slowed down. However, a successful business owner never slows down. What to do when the market is slow is today's topic.

In 2022, interest rates went up considerably. That has caused a slowdown in the mortgage industry (and in return, the appraisal profession). Many appraisers are now scrambling and trying to figure out how they pay their bills during this difficult time. Dustin has some real-world, practical ideas on how to not only survive - but thrive - in the slower work environment.

It is not only possible to make money while you are on vacation, it is probable when you follow the principles of success.

You have heard the axiom "dig your well before you are thirsty," but is it too late? Nope. We are in a low volume appraisal era, but it is not too late to dig your well while you are thirsty.

There is a lot of doom and gloom in the appraisal industry currently. One of the exercises that Dustin does in a time like this is to employ a tactic used by pilots. Listen as Dustin makes the analogy so you can use the same philosophy in your current situation.

We cannot help what is going on in the appraisal market right now, but we can help how we react to it. Dustin shares a timeless recipe for being a positive person.

It is a phrase Dustin used to use quite a bit, but it kinda went by the wayside. Well, it is making a comeback which also brings some criticism. Listen in while Dustin explains why the catchphrase and what it actually means.

There are some AMCs and lenders calling for 48 hour appraisals. How dare they. Is there a way to actually create such a report without cutting the quality? Dustin shows how.

Every year, Dustin takes time away to build his vision story for the year. He just got done with his and has some things to share.

The mortgage appraisal market has turned. Many appraisers are running scared. Dustin is coaching a lot of them and shares three things you should be doing to build your volume back up again.

We hear about karma (what you put into the universe is rewarded). Dustin does not necessarily believe in it 100%, but there are some good business principles to be found in the overarching idea.

Let's talk supply and demand. Let's talk about the value of your time. Is the lower volume causing you to consider lowering your fees?

As interest rates have risen, and appraisal work has slowed down, understanding the principles of marketing are becoming more and more important. In this episode, Dustin shares the only question you should be asking right now if you want to see your appraisal orders increase.

Rather than worrying about volume, focus on your expertise and make this market season a time to shine as the local expert. Diana Jacob joins Dustin to put it all in perspective.

Years ago, the podcast was on YouTube, but it was not sustainable at the time. Well, times have changed and we are back on the monolith of video again. Join us for this launch episode as The Appraiser Coach and Dustin Harris go back to YouTube.

Tim Andersen, The Appraiser's Advocate joins us to talk through what is is and how to overcome it.

It is the small things that matter. Usually changes happens incrementally, not all at once.

Jim Morrison of Allterra Group and Appraisal Buzz joins Dustin to reminisce a bit on 2022, but most importantly, look forward to big changes in 2023.

Dustin recently went into an eye appointment, but there was no follow up. He had to make the appointment on his own. Is there a lesson to be learned here?

FHA loan appraisals are different than Conventional loan appraisals. Appraisers doing an observation for HUD must report whether or not the improvements meet the 4000.1 Handbook, and that includes the "Three S's" of health and safety. What are the Three S's and what are some examples?

It happened in Iowa, and appraiser was where he should not have been. What lessons can we all take away from this idiot?

We are joined today by Bryan Reynolds of Appraiser eLearning to talk education for appraisers. We talk in person classes, online, CE and general education.

We all know what it is for, but Dustin shares another use for (and a challenge with) airplane mode on your phone.

Friend of the program, Craig Morley joins Dustin to talk GSEs and modernization. What is happening in the world of valuation and what can we expect in the future?

We only know what we know, but it is time to learn what we don't know and begin to apply it.

It has been a crazy year for appraisers. Let's do a year in review by highlighting the most listened to episodes of this year (with a little surprise at the end for Mark Skapinetz).

The years of 2020 and 2021 did not take much skill to be able to run a successful business. What will it take to be successful in 2023 and beyond?

Our friend from OREP Insurance (orep.org), Isaac Peck joins us again to talk about appraiser liability. Specifically, many appraisers were sued after the market crashed in 2008. What lessons were learned, and what should we be doing to protect ourselves now?

When you do what everyone else is doing, you get what everyone else is getting. Appraisers are still focused on lender/AMC work. Is it time to start running the other direction?

Most markets are experiencing declining markets. What is an appraiser's responsibility in this significantly changing market? Greg Stephens joins Dustin to discuss.

For those appraisers who think their opportunities for success have diminished lately, please listen to this episode. The opportunities for success within the valuation world and outside it have only multiplied.

Sometimes asking the question, "What if?" can be the most powerful question you could ask.

Tim Ferriss gives the 10% Coffee Challenge to help people get out of their comfort zone. How can that change the success of your appraisal business?

Some states and some license levels require a college (or equivalent) education. Is that really necessary? How does Dustin feel about his own college experience?

Many of us have slowed down. There is really no excuse for not working on your business and it is the very thing that will keep you busy

Tim Andersen, The Appraiser's Advocate, joins us to talk about the three approaches to value. Are we required to consider all three? What is the Departure Rule? Also, let's talk PAREA. How will that change our industry?

What do you do when the market slows down a bit? Well, you can spend time marketing (and you should), but you should also take some time to fix your systems.

Many appraisers are looking for non-lender work, but where do you go to get it? Dustin uses an analogy to help you target the right audiences.

Being self-employed, it can be easy to forget about your boundaries and end up spending way too much of your life at work. Dustin shares an analogy or two and why we should all protect our personal time.

Tim Andersen, The Appraiser's Advocate, joins Dustin to talk about what he sees (and doesn't see) in appraiser's workfiles that may need improvement. How do you "beef up" your workfile? They also hit on the increase in Fannie Mae letters that are going out to appraisers and state boards.