Real Estate Appraiser Tips » Appraiser Interviews

Congratulations To Sacramento Appraiser, Ryan Lundquist, And Team Rancho Cordova All America City Award

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:06:35 +0000

Congratulations To Sacramento Appraiser, Ryan Lundquist, And Team Rancho Cordova All America City Award!

Sacramento Appraiser, Ryan Lundquist, and the team from the City of Rancho Cordova California recently competed in Kansas City for the All America City Award! And, Rancho Cordova Won! From the multiple videos and photos I’ve viewed, it looks like they had a lot of fun both before and after the event. What Ryan helps teach us is that it is possible to run an appraisal business, have a family and give back to the communities we live in with community service!

Real Estate Appraiser Tips: Appraisal Challenges Straight from the Battlefield

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:02:04 +0000

http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ - Real Estate Appraiser Tips: Appraisal Challenges Straight from the Battlefield

The Keeping Current Matters Blog has a must read response from Appraiser, Chip Wagner. The article can be found here and here’s a snippet below:

“There are many challenges facing the real estate industry today, and one of the biggest is the abundance of foreclosures and short sales proliferating the marketplace in many areas of our country.

I am a third-generation, professional residential real estate appraiser with over 20 years of experience in the Chicago area, and I have never seen a marketplace like I have over the past 2-3 years.

The first issue is the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC), and the second issue is the marketplace itself. The HVCC has given the appraisal profession a major blow, and the most experienced of residential appraisers are leaving the industry. The intent and desire was to insulate appraisers from lender-pressure to direct values (push the numbers higher). The unintended result has allowed the additional layer of insulation (appraisal management companies) to seek appraisal services from appraisers willing to do the work for appraisal fees of 25% to 75% less than our fees before the HVCC was enacted in May 2009. In many cases, the quality appraisers have diversified away from the business, and this in turn is leading to less-experienced appraisers trying to survive in the most complex real estate market anyone has seen since our Great Depression. Geographic competency has become a major issue as out-of-area appraisers are going into areas they have never been to for the work.”

To Read the remainder of the article, visit: http://kcmblog.com/2010/06/09/appraisal-challenges-straight-from-the-battlefield/

About Chip Wagner:

ALVIN “CHIP” WAGNER, SRA, SCRP, RAC Member
A. L. Wagner Appraisal Group, Inc. ~ Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants
Specializing in Relocation, Litigation & Lending Appraisals Naperville ~ Plainfield ~ Chicago ~ Flossmoor
1807 S. Washington Street – Suite 110, Naperville, IL 60565
Telephone 630/416-6556 ~ Fax 630/416-6591

website: www.wagnerappraisal.com

blog: http://chipwags.blogspot.com/

CA Appraiser, Rick Solis, Podcast Interview About HVCC

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:36:41 +0000

http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ - Real Estate Appraiser Tips! CA Appraiser, Rick Solis, Podcast Interview About HVCC

Rick Solis, CA Appraiser, is interviewed about many topics including HVCC @ http://www.thenorrisgroup.com/blog/radio/176-tng-radio-rick-solis-5-29-10/

About Rick Solis

Rick is the senior appraiser at Ace Appraisals. Rick has been a full time real estate appraiser since 1989 and a HUD approved appraiser since 1993. He has extensive investor and appraisal experience in residential real estate in the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange County areas.

Rick does most of the appraisals for The Norris Group’s hard money divisions and also speaks at The Norris Group’s REO Boot Camp.

Ace Appraisals
Certified Residential Appraisers
500 W. Bonita Avenue, Suite #26
San Dimas, CA 91773
Phone: 909-394-0950
Fax: 909-394-1714

http://www.aceappraisals.com/

The Top Eight Real Estate Appraisal Blogs

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:53:59 +0000

http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ - Real Estate Appraiser Tips! The Eight Real Estate Appraisal Related Blogs I Read Consistently, Recommend!

I’m excited to present to you the eight free blogs I tend to visit the most in 2010. These are updated online publications, not newsletters like Ann O’Rourke’s awesome weekly emails.

Not Exactly A Ratings Game! I honestly did not want to get into a ratings game but then again, I want to try to point out those that are working the hardest to bring value to their readers. And, if you know me, you know that I’m not really into “news”. I don’t read the newspaper nor do I visit CNN because I don’t want that negative bombardment in my mind daily. There are several great Appraiser News blogs out there that serve appraisers in an outstanding fashion. But, news is not what Real Estate Appraiser Tips is just about – it’s just not me. I like video communication, marketing tips and tech tips, so I frequent those blogs more often. And, if you ask 10 other appraisers their favorite blogs, I’m sure you’d get a list entirely different. See comment below regarding the Appraiser Law Blog, which several appraisers have recommended to me.

There’s Professional Blog of Organizations…And Semi Pro Blogs Of Appraisers Making It Happen On A Daily Basis….And I like both. My Top 8 are blogs I personally visit most frequently and I really like to see and read what “local” appraisal blogs are doing more than national blogs focused on news. I like to read about appraisers in action and taking action versus news and issues. The news and issues will always be there….what I and we can learn about those appraisers making it happen online, connecting to their local audience, is exciting to me. There are brilliant appraisers now blogging and I learn from them each week. Some of them are so creative as compared to my less than creative self. They help me with ideas to blog about and so many times each month I find myself saying, “I never thought of blogging about that or this way!”.

And, none of the blogs on the list below are my own blogging clients, to avoid self promotion!

NOTE: ALL OF THESE BLOG WRITERS ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO OBTAIN THE MOST IMPORTANT CREDENTIAL NEEDED IN 2010 – TRUST AGENT IDENTITIES. SOME HAVE OWNED THIS REPUTATION FOR YEARS. The most important page on Tips and the most important message on my site is the 2010 Theme: Becoming Your Market’s Local Trust Agent! Click on each Blog Image to visit their sites.

1.) Ryan Lundquist – Sacramento Appraisal Blog

I don’t know any appraiser that works harder on their blog than Ryan does! And, Ryan is so well connected to his community that they are on his blog monthly! From Project 680 collecting socks for the homeless to his bike riding videos, he’s all about his community. If there’s an example of an appraiser trust agent in a U.S. local market, it’s Ryan! It’s not all about “Ryan”, but about others. And, he takes the time to comment on other blogs as well, helping them rank better. In the words of Gary Vaynerchuk, Ryan is “Crushing It” in 2010!

2.) John C. Jones, Real Estate Broker & Video Marketer.

His Right Hand Man, Rob Janson (aka Peanut), has produced over 100 videos on Viddler . John is the example of what a trust agent should be and he consistently communicates that message almost every Tuesday morning on video.

3.) Brian Davis and Appraisal Scoop Blog.

I don’t know of any other practicing appraiser in the U.S. that gives more to appraisers on a weekly basis than Brian Davis. He’s been helping appraisers for years with the marketing, tips and news. I’d like every appraiser reading this to go visit Appraisal Scoop, read the top post and leave a comment on the blog. Then, I’m asking you to personally email Brian Davis at bjdavis@ourappraisal.com and thank him for all that he does for us.

4.) Appraiser Active Blog.

When I think of Florida Appraiser Frank Gregoire, I think of the words “Spirited” and “Passionate”. Frank is busy in Florida fighting a good fight for appraisers nationally on his blog and keeping us updated of legislation and AMC actions that don’t favor appraisers. I’d like every appraiser reading this to go visit Appraiser Active and send Frank a thank you email for all that he does for us.

5.) Bryan McDonald and REBliss.com.

When I think of Bryan, I think of the appraiser / iPhone tech expert. Bryan is so good at employing 2010 technology into his appraisal business and offers value to his readers monthly. He also makes himself available to help and frequently comments on blogs. REBliss.com will grow in popularity in the years to come as appraisers become more technologically competent.

6.) Tom Horn and Birmingham Alabama Blog.

Although Tom has a fairly new blog in 2010, he has hit the ground running offering much value to locals. He’s caught on very quickly and already he’s been professional interviewed and that interview posted on his blog, Pt 1 here and Pt 2 here. I think of Tom’s determination and eagerness to add value as the next Ryan Lundquist to the appraisal market.

7.) David Brauner With Working RE Mag and Appraiser Talkback Blog.

This is where I find out the pulse of what appraisers are thinking and feeling! Working RE Magazine offers awesome tips in itself. The blog itself is more about the publishing of appraiser surveys which offers insight into what other appraisers are thinking and how they are overcoming the hurdle that HVCC set before them.

8.) Agent Genius Blog.

Which is an awesome example of how to blog better, offers great content and ideas to blog about!

NOTE: Please note that this list couldn’t possibly be all inclusive of all the blogs in the USA as there are so many great appraisers out there doing tremendous jobs on their blogs and for appraisers. I also have many other blogs listed on my site as links as well, like The Matrix Blog. This isn’t really a ratings game either. I’m not much of a “news” kind of guy, but love tips on marketing, video and tech. I do sincerely appreciate every one of you for the investment you’ve made into my life and profession to help make me a better appraiser and marketer.

NOTE: If one looks on the right hand side of Tips, you’ll see the Links and Resources where I’ve been recommending these sites and blogs for quite some time now.

Enjoy Your Reading And Learning From These Making It Happen In 2010!

Bill Cobb

Tags: real estate appraiser survival, real estate appraiser tips, real estate appraiser videos, real estate appraisers, real estate appraiser blogs, real estate appraisal blogs, real estate interviews

WA State Appraiser Dave Towne Comments On HVCC One Year Anniversary

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:19:51 +0000

http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ - Real Estate Appraiser Tips! WA State Appraiser Dave Towne Comments On HVCC One Year Anniversary

I asked Washingston State Appraiser and Appraiser Educator, Dave Towne, to comment on the HVCC Anniversary. I specifically asked how HVCC has impacted his business and what he’s implemented to survive. Dave’s reply is below!

“In approximately late 2004 or early 2005, my employer and I, in addition to soliciting work from a variety of local and regional lenders, were marketing ourselves to loan officers in a local ‘big national bank’, but not actively with any AMC’s. Not long after that we were notified by LO’s that they could no longer place appraisal orders directly with us, but had to have a secondary placement company do that. Reluctantly, we signed up with the AMC. Orders from them continued, at a fee 25% less than our ‘usual and customary’ fee.

Upon opening my own firm in 2006, it was obvious that few local lenders and mortgage brokers were willing to add more local appraisers to their “approved list”, so in order to survive, signing up with AMC’s was the only way to financially continue in this business.

Although I work for a number of AMC’s now, I have tried to broaden my customer base as much as possible. AMC’s do furnish about 65% of my annual billing, so the HVCC has not dramatically affected my business as much as it has other appraisers who chose or choose not to work for AMC’s.

I do have a ‘bare minimum’ fee I will accept for AMC assignments, dependent upon location and complexity. Anything less just supports a race to the bottom as far as income vs time spent on reports is concerned. I don’t play that game. My attitude is ‘what I charge’ is different than what another entity is ‘willing to pay.’ If they are not willing to pay ‘what I charge’ then they can find another appraiser.

Dave Towne, Certified Res. RE Appraiser, WA State”

Please take a second to click Dave’s Business Card and send him an email thank you for this insight! Bill Cobb

Real Estate Appraisers Tips: Found A 2 in 1 Desktop and Laptop Mic For Podcast and Video Marketing

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:46:51 +0000

http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ – Real Estate Appraisers Tips: Found A 2 in 1 Desktop and Laptop Mic For Video Marketing.

On Saturday, we were rained out and had to cancel our family fishing trip. The kids were disappointed, so we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast (see photo) and then shopping for the ladies (Target, Hobby Lobby, etc..). While at Target, I managed to make my over to the electronics department and check out the latest gadgets. My how laptops have fallen in pricing. While in the electronics department, I found the 2 in 1 PC Microphone below for $10.38. As you can see below, the mic is separate from the stand and can connect to your laptop or your Kodak Zi8 Camcorder. The GE Part # is 98950 in the photo. Possible uses for appraisers: Interviews, Podcasts and Video Marketing.

Tom Horn, SRA, Birmingham Appraisal Blog Interviews 1 and 2 On Market Conditions

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 06:30:00 +0000

http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ - Real Estate Appraiser Tips!

REBLOG: Tom Horn, SRA, Birmingham Appraisal Blog Interviews 1 and 2 On Market Conditions!

I’m providing the links to recent interviews of Birmingham Alabama home appraiser, Tom Horn, SRA. Tom was interviewed by David and Colleen Black with Keller Williams Realty on the topic of market conditions.

Here’s a snippet from Tom’s first blog post of interview #1:

“I recently had an opportunity to be interviewed by David and Colleen Black, Realtors with Keller Williams Realty in Alabaster, Alabama. The interview was split into two parts with the first part shown below. We talked about everything from home price trends in Jefferson and Shelby County Alabama and the effects of foreclosure sales on the market, to the HVCC and how appraisers are being chosen to perform appraisals. I enjoyed talking with them and look forward to discussing other issues with them in the future. The second part will be published next week.“

Click Below To Listen To These Two Enlightening Interviews and be sure to leave a comment on Tom’s Blog.

Birmingham Alabama Appraiser Market Conditions: An interview with an appraiser-Pt. 1

Appraiser Interview, Part 2: Keller Williams Realtor David Black Interviews Tom Horn

Real Estate Appraiser Tips Video Of How Much Value Do Enclosures and Additions Add?

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 05:24:54 +0000

http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ - Real Estate Appraiser Tips Video Of How Much Value Do Enclosures and Additions Add? This would be a valuable resource for locals to find a video like this on your appraisal blog.

In this video, we discuss how appraisers value enclosures and additions. It all depends on the quality of the improvement and how close it matches the original quality of the home and design of the original home. Was the slab raised to the height of the slab of the original home? Does the enclosure or addition flow well with the original floor plan? Was the central heat and air conditioning upgraded to handle the extra living area without installation of a window unit? Does the flooring match the original flooring or did they just install cheap indoor/outdoor carpeting? These are the questions an appraiser attempts to answer while on-site.

Tags: real estate appraisal, real estate appraiser, real estate appraiser blogging, real estate appraiser interviews, real estate appraiser marketing, real estate appraiser podcast, real estate appraiser survival, real estate appraiser tips, real estate appraiser video marketing, real estate appraiser videos, real estate appraisers

Appraiser Video Marketing: Recording Video Conference Calls For Your Appraisal Video Blog

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:46:35 +0000

http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ - Real Estate Appraiser Tips! Appraiser Video Marketing: Recording Video Conference Calls For Your Appraisal Video Blog

In this video, I’m venturing into video conferencing with a local real estate broker about the how the changes within the appraisal industry are impacting the local real estate market. For these calls, we’re testing out www.oovoo.com to see if we like their service.

Appraiser Video Marketing: Create A Video With Tips On Preparing Your Home For Appraiser’s Visit

http://realestateappraisertips.info/ — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:47:38 +0000

http://www.realestateappraisertips.info/ - Real Estate Appraiser Tips: Appraiser Video Marketing: Create A Video With Tips On Preparing Your Home For Appraiser’s Visit

This is an idea borrowed from TN Appraiser, Sherie Smith, from her excellent video series, “Appraisal Tips” at her blog: http://homeappraisaltips.blogspot.com/ . Sherie has added five good videos on Homeowner Tips for when the appraiser arrives. Be sure to watch them.

Here’s my attempt for my local market. Two videos on exterior and interior preparation. I might get a little carried away on the teenager’s rooms, but I can’t believe what I’m seeing these days…

Preparing Your Home For Home Appraiser – The Exterior Inspection

Preparing Your Home For Home Appraiser – The Interior Inspection