The Appraiser Coach Podcast

It happens to all of us. We find a good employee and then try to fit them into every need we have.

He has been known for many years as the "go to guy" for ANSI. Today, Hamp Thomas joins Dustin Harris to talk ANSI and what you need to know to get ready for the April 1 start date.

There is nothing wrong with being a great appraiser. There is nothing wrong or right with being a great business owner, but they are not the same thing.

Recently, Dustin watched a local YouTube video put out by some well-meaning agents in the area. Some myths were spoken and today, Dustin corrects the record.

There is not a one size fits all solution to running your appraisal business. Remember that everyone's business is their business.

Tim Andersen is back with another Dear USPAP edition where he and Dustin tackle how do you have a floor plan if it is a desktop and the exciting topic of trainee logs.

This comment was recently heard on social media. Dustin addresses this and give options for the coming world of desktop and hybrid appraisals.

Isaac Peck of WorkingRE has written an amazing article titled First Discrimination Lawsuit; What it Means for Appraiers and he is here to discuss the facts (and some opinions) of the case.

He has used HeyTell, Voxer, and WhatsApp, but what is he using now? It beats the others, but what is it? He shares his secret today.

Courtney Hoffman joins us again from St. Louis to talk about his work with a company for the past 6 years who does appraisal work for him. What does that look like exactly?

Dustin had an experience recently outside the appraisal world that reminded him a lot of what he is teaching inside the appraisal world. Seems these principles and practices of success are the same anywhere you find them.

There is only going to be an increase in desktop appraisals. Where do you stand? For those refusing to do them, Dustin has some points to consider.

Quick minisode today where Dustin shares a phrase that should burn in your ears. It is time to get an assistant.

As you know, Dustin has been investing in vacation rentals lately. Many lessons have been learned along the way. Today, Dustin shares some lessons learned that can be applied to your appraisal business.

We all do it. We make decisions based on emotion and justify them with logic. Dustin tells a story illustrating this point and why it matters to what we do.

Big announcement was made last week when John Liss, Founder and CEO of True Footage, Inc. was on the program. Dustin sold his business and is now an employee of True Footage. Today, he dives headfirst into the whys and answers some of the questions that have been asked of him regarding this merger.

It is not fun to be the boss and have to tell your employees bad news. However, most bad news can be reframed and looked at in a different light.

Introducing an appraisal company you may be new to. The name is True Footage, Inc. The CEO, John Liss is in studio today and Dustin has a major announcement to make.

We often consider the cost of things a little too much. What about investment value? Dustin gives several examples of how cost can be turned into value.

As of April 1, you will be required to measure to ANSI Standards for Fannie Mae. They also announced a "change" and are allowing MLS photos. Our resident USPAP expert, Mr. Tim Andersen joins us to talk how that affects appraisers.

Seems like our clients are always in a hurry to get things done. Dustin talks about a practice he uses to leave room for rush orders and lots of money.

As of April 1, you will be required to use ANSI standards in your sketching. What does that mean exactly and how do you get ready?

Many of us are nearing the time of making some major changes in our day to day. What does that look like for you? Dustin reminds us that, despite our plans to work forever, there will come a time when that is not possible.

To pick up the phone or not pick up the phone; that is the question. Do you reach out to the agents when the appraised value is not supportive of the contract? Some pros and cons today as we tackle that question

There are some great reasons to work from a brick and mortar office, but what about working from home? Are there more or less benefits from a home office?

What can you do as a boss to get more production from your team? It might be easier than you thought.

Do you ever feel pushed around by your clients? Do not make the mistake that other appraisers might make of allowing the client to dictate your work. It is the appraiser who is in charge of and determines the scope of work.

Whenever the topic of trainees comes up, the answer seems to be, "But I don't want to train my competition." What if you could do it in a way that reduces the chances of your trainees becoming your competitors?

You know how Dustin feels about Comp photos, but is there a new argument for their demise? Hybrids may shed new light on an old question.

The GSEs are changing the way appraisals are done. Specifically, we are seeing more desktops, bifurcated, and hybrid appraisals. Also, California just made it a whole lot easier to complain about an appraisal. Tim Andersen, The Appraiser's Advocate, joins us to discuss.

Ever noticed how much more you get done in the early mornings, on the weekends, or on a holiday? There is a reason for that, and it may be something you might consider planning for.

It is tempting, during this high volume season, to ignore the phones and email. Sometimes we are so busy doing actual appraisal work to want to worry about customer service, but Dustin shares why that may not be the best approach.

What is a Procedure manual. Why would a single person office want a procedure manual? How do you set one up and is it worth it?

They can be a pain in the backside, but are they necessary? Can we get rid of AMCs? Do we want to? Is there a purpose for them? Dustin dispels a few myths today.

It is inevitable; if you have employees, you have to have some difficult conversations. Who has that responsibility in your office?

There is a lot of talk about new tech coming out for appraisers. Dustin has used a few of them and has some opinions.

Either light blue with short sleeves or darker blue with long sleeves, but, unless you see him on the weekends or days off, Dustin always looks the same. There is a reason he is so boring.

Dustin is big on Virtual Assistants. He has 7 of them currently. But how do you find and keep them?

Dustin is big on Virtual Assistants. He has 7 of them currently. But how do you find and keep them?

The question comes up frequently; what is professional dress for an appraiser? Are shorts okay? Flip Flops? Tank Tops? Can your clients tell you how to dress? Dustin gets into it today.

In the remote work environment we live in, how do you make sure your employees are being honest with their work hours? Dustin gives to solutions today.

What are you doing with your time, appraisers? Why do you do what you do? How do you get back what you may have lost during this busy time?

Having a positive work environment is difficult when you are all in the same room, but how do you do it when you are all working remotely? Here are a few ideas.

Email can be so overwhelming. Here is a little trick you can use to not lose anything important, but also still get your sanity back.

Can you take a payment at the door for a lending appraisal? Also, what if a lender gives you comps before you do the appraisal? Is that stuff allowed? Tim Andersen, The Appraiser's Advocate, joins us again for another Dear USPAP instructor episode.

Many of us are overwhelmed by our inbox. Too many messages to ever get through. What if you could go to sleep each night with Inbox Zero? Dustin does and he shares with you an idea or two today on how to get there.

One of the three legs of business success is that of Technology. But, what does that mean? How do you use tech to save you time?

What do you do when you are just overwhelmed with too much to do? Dustin tells a story from his past that may help you put things into perspective.

Hal Humphreys joins us again for an interesting discussion centered around an activity we probably do on nearly every residential assignment; sketching. But, is it necessary? Is it an asset or a liability to the appraiser? Are there alternatives?

We sometimes get weird assignments. What do you do when your assignment does not fit the mold? Well, it may come down to a Highest and Best Use study.