In The Weeds

Introduction

Fannie Mae’s Announcement

Who could have predicted what the first part of 2020 would hold!? These are unexpected times that have taken us all by surprise! Everyone, including appraisers, has made adjustments to their daily life. The appraisal process has become part of those adjustments, although the changes will be temporary.

As Easy As Possible!

We’re determined to make appraisers’ lives as easy as possible! With access to public record data, back-end MLS data, many amazing features, and helpful customer support, it’s no wonder that we’re the most popular data management software for real estate appraisers in the US!

Is the customer always right? This is an age-old question, one which some would say has a clear, easy answer (“YES!”), while others would argue that the answer is not always an easy one (“Not always!”). Let’s look at examples for each side of customer service and you can decide where you stand on the issue.

So you’re an appraiser now and you’re doing what it takes to get your name in with the local lenders, established local appraisers, and AMCs. Is there anything else that you can do to get your appraisal schedule full?

How Are You Managing Your Data?

All successful appraisers know that they must develop an effective way to manage their data. Some appraisers have it all figured out, while others are trying to develop a system which will be usable and scalable as their business grows. Should the system be intended for a group of appraisers, rather than just one, it must be adaptable.

Appraisal software is sometimes misunderstood by appraisers and other real estate insiders. While some appraisal software is as simplistic and unpliable as accused, there is appraisal software that is far more helpful, efficient, pliable, and generous in decision-making allowances than many appraisers may realize.

As 2019 winds to a close, let’s take a look at some of the top appraisal posts of 2019. These posts fit neatly into five categories: Interesting, Better Appraising, New Developments, Productivity, and Appraisal Issues. As a bonus, I’m including two excellent 2019 articles on productivity!

Advisory Opinion 38: Content of an Appraisal Report and Restricted Appraisal Report originally appeared in the Appraisal Standards Board 2019 Summary of Actions Related to USPAP Changes, April 17, 2019.