Appraisers Gone Wild!

One day, a couple of years ago, I was in a real estate office to pick up a key for an appraisal inspection when the real estate girls asked some kind of stupid question, and my response was, “well, what are they afraid of, appraisers gone wild”?  Everybody kind of giggled, but it had a good ring to it, I like it.

I started this as a place to vent about the state of the appraisal industry. It started back in 2009, I think, but I sure haven’t updated it in a while.

Alot has happened since I last updated.

Basically, they think we are a bunch of monkeys.

Appraisal Management Companies have become “required”, whatever the hell that means.

The big lenders and big government that caused all the real estate problems in the first place are still making a mess of things.

How is that UAD working out for you?  I can tell you it’s a pain in my rear.

It’s just been a crazy ride for real estate appraisers…something I don’t think any working appraiser would wish on their own worst enemy.

Regardless, the changes have taken place.  They are done.  Maybe things will change for the better at some point, but I’m not counting on it.

Great time to try to find another career, huh?  Economy in the tank, unemployment through the relative roof and stimulus programs designed to keep us dependent on the government.

You know, when I first got into the real estate appraisal business it offered exactly what I was looking for.  The opportunity to eventually work for myself, out of my home, on my terms.

Well, that kind of happened, I do work out of the house.  But any appraiser can tell you that the combination of lenders, underwriters and realtors keep you aware that you are, indeed, working for someone.

Appraisers are no longer rewarded for doing a professional job, and supporting adjustments and developing a credible opinion of value. We are only rewarded for getting the report back to some cubicle in Dallas in 48 hours.  Make sure you get on the website and update when your inspection is set.  If you don’t, you will receive 27 phone calls.

And don’t confuse your C3 and C4.  Man, the underwriters get pissed about that.  It’s crazy, I tell you.

Oh well, I’ve gotten to know enough appraisers to know that if they made an Appraisers Gone Wild video it sure wouldn’t be as popular as the famous Gone Wild video!