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USPAP and Questions on Confidentiality uspap-reporting-errors-quality-appraising Jan 15, 2019

In the context of a real estate appraisal, especially a residential real estate appraisal for a lender thru an AMC, what is confidential?  First, look at USPAP's definition of confidential information (lines 105 - 108 in the 2018-2019 edition).  It says "[c]onfidential information [is]...

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Appraisers and Phones technology-mobile-website-socialmedia-appraising Jan 08, 2019

It is rare for appraisers to meet potential or existing clients face-to-face. As technology dominates the business world, most, if not all, orders are obtained through email or phone. It is essential for appraisers to have a professional phone presence. Today I am going to give you three tips for...

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The Appraiser Gap Between Where We Are & Where We Want to Be successful-volume-appraisal-business Jan 02, 2019

We appraisers must make decisions every day.  However, sometimes taking that step is really difficult.  I can't take away the difficulty and discomfort inherent in making a decision, but this blog just may help you to understand that discomfort between having to make that a decision and...

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The Bumps and Bruises in the Appraisal World lifestyle-goals-future-slow-appraiser Dec 26, 2018

As I teach principles of prosperity and share things with you that have made my appraisal business more successful, I often don’t talk about the many difficulties I’ve faced along the way. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, I have found that when I am optimistic, I tend to...

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Inspections Can Sometimes Be Embarrassing marketing-advertising-fees-clients-appraisals Dec 18, 2018

Inspections can occasionally get embarrassing, right?  It happens to all of us. That's just part of the appraisal business.  But that does not make things any easier or less embarrassing, does it.  Let me tell you three stories.

First is the house with the unique basement....

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Maintaining Your Standards as a Mentor trainees-employees-mentors-appraising Dec 12, 2018

The Appraisal Foundation recently announced that they are lowering their standards for appraisers to get their appraiser licenses. Prior to April 30, 2018, licensed general appraisers needed 2,000 hours of experience over the course of a minimum of twelve months. As of May 1, 2018, this has now...

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