Gratuity

[Michigan CG]

How do you do an unbiased appraisal when you accepted a bribe...oops, meant tip.

What the feathered guy said.

 

[KinIL]

I'd also like to make it clear once again (despite that it was in my original post), I absolutely did not accept it, despite it seeming like it was offered in an admirable fashion. Just curious on everyone's take is all!

 

[Karl]

Glad see you did NOT take "the bait" ask the HO to write a good comment to your boss, It will come in handier than a "Tip" in your Appraisal future.

Here's the best "Tip" I can give you; NEVER trust a Home owner.

 

[CANative]

Every now and then the owner of a property with a vineyard will give me a bottle of their wine. I usually accept it because I don't want to hurt their feelings... they're very proud of the wines from their own vineyards.

I don't especially like wine and usually give it away as gifts to family members.

 

[Mike Phillips]

For the first time in my relatively short career (relatively speaking), I was offered a "tip" (presented much differently than a "bribe"). I turned it down, as I'm sure most would, due to how it could easily be construed. The homeowner insisted citing my promptness to the appointment and willingness to thoroughly explain both what I was doing during the inspection and what the actual appraisal would consist of.

I'm sure there will be suggestion of how it would impact subconscious bias, or that as a professional anything that would be considered "tip" worthy would be included in a fee, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks on the matter.

Well...at the rate we are going I wouldn't be surprised if someone eventually suggests paying us a minimum hourly wage plus tips at some time in the future. Haven't you heard about the new AMC fees schedules - fee varies with t-time? What do you call that? Sure as hell sounds like a tip to me.

And no disrespect is intended.

The annual net income for the average residential appraiser these days is getting remarkably close to what a decent waiter in a good restaurant makes. That would be $30K-$36K+ for the waiter for those of you are unfamiliar with the trade, a substantial portion of which goes unreported. And waiters at the fine restaurants make considerably more.

MP

 

[jay trotta]

waiters and appraiser's ? dont see the relationship ?

You are being "paid" for your services, to which you have agreed upon acceptance of the assignment. Anything You take after that fact, is at Your soul discretion and does not relate to the assignment.

 

[Joker]

So, Mr. Boyd, that bottle of wine you gave me was a re-gift? Thanks! #*&#@
I thought you sent it because you liked me. I thought you spend good money on that stuff and you're just a cheap re-gifter, no better than me.

 

[CANative]

What else am I going to do with a bottle of cabernet that's been sitting in the back seat of my hot car for a couple of weeks? I'm sure not going to drink it or dump it into my spaghetti sauce.

 

[Indiana Jones]

OK people here is the deal. you can take it just include it in your invoice as the cost of the appraisle. example: If you charge 350 for a sf on your invoice put 400.00 single family paid in full.

Lesse, Troll or Idiot, Troll or Idiot...

I'm going with Idiot.

 

[Bobby Byrd]

By being prompt with your appointment and explaining exactly what you were doing, you showed your knowledge and professionalism. By declining the tip, you proved it.

Had a fellow show up on a Friday, desperate to have a report by Monday A.M. He gave me the "$100.00 handshake" when he was leaving. I handed the money back and joked "If I wanted and extra $100.00, I would have put it on the invoice" I told him I appreciated the gester, but couldnt take it. He said he appreciated my honesty. Ended up with several other assignments as a result.

Honesty can work in this profession.