You want to be taken seriously? Talk like.

[William K]

If you think about it, it does present our profession appropriately. Most appraisers are idiots that don't really know how to appraise properly. Just look at how many appraisal 101 questions are posted daily. Then look at how many wrong answers are given and how many suspect answers are defended and debated.

Never have truer words been written ( OK , maybe just on this forum)

 

[Mike Boyd]

[
WE are professionals, and as such we should at least present ourselves as such at a minimum. Most of us have time on our hands now. Pick up your old English grammar book and time block even 15 minutes a day to review it. Put it in your library so at least 5 minutes a day is spent viewing it. Think about who we respect and if they were referred to as the same moniker as you are, would your respect be the same?
It does not take much. We do not need to be English majors, but we should be able to converse with minimal grammatical errors. Learn a new word, even if it is one a week. Using it in a report, or in conversation, that may better express what we are trying the reader to understand. It will be more effective and perhaps impress the client and make them understand that we are better than average, that we work hard to continue our education, not only in real estate but in communication in general so we are taken more seriously in our profession. And, as a result, earn the respect and the $$$ that it creates.
10-4, end of rant.[/QUOTE]


YOU GOT THAT RIGHT, BUBBA! Especially with the paucity of available data and the plethora of dingbat mortgage and sales agents trying to get you to change your report to "make the deal." hahahaha.

 

[Couch Potato]

Like, nobody important takes this forum seriously, dude!

This is the like biggest bunch of crusaders with like their own personal crusades.

Fannie Mae don't care what we like think.

TAF don't care what we like think.

Cuomo don't care what we like think.

I don't care what most of these sum-o-beeches think.


If you think about it, it does present our profession appropriately. Most appraisers are idiots that don't really know how to appraise properly. Just look at how many appraisal 101 questions are posted daily. Then look at how many wrong answers are given and how many suspect answers are defended and debated.

People log on here and complain about everything, but don't want to face facts about their own limitations. When Fannie Mae can't get appraisers to perform REO appraisals correctly to the point that they think BPO's are more reliable and quite frankly are in many cases, we need to re-examine ourselves before we start complaining. Fannie Mae is very close to eliminating appraisals on REO properties because appraisers do such a poor job that BPO's are more reliable. If nothing else is a testament to our profession, that certainly is!

I don't know why I hang out here with so many loosers (the official forum idiot's spelling).

Complaining seems to be what appraisers do best.

The sad part is very few even begin to comprehend the limits of their ability. I doubt many here have ever had the sense to turn down an assignment for which they lacked the competency. I will never understand the appraisers that will take any assignment, anywhere and at any price. I believe the worst part of the "appraisal 101 questions" is the client was not informed of the lack of competency by the appraiser. One of my best sources of referrals is clients for whom I would not accept an order. It is one of the best ways to demonstrate honesty and competency.

 

[Lawrence R.]

Complaining seems to be what appraisers do best.

The sad part is very few even begin to comprehend the limits of their ability. I doubt many here have ever had the sense to turn down an assignment for which they lacked the competency. I will never understand the appraisers that will take any assignment, anywhere and at any price. I believe the worst part of the "appraisal 101 questions" is the client was not informed of the lack of competency by the appraiser. One of my best sources of referrals is clients for whom I would not accept an order. It is one of the best ways to demonstrate honesty and competency.

I for one have to agree with you that many appraisers do not know their own limitations.

What advice would you give to those who are here trying to gain competence?

 

[Dale Smalley]

Maybe when all dem college boys get their licenses witha degree then yall can have a more betta reparte.

Have fun on vacation.

 

[Couch Potato]

I for one have to agree with you that many appraisers do not know their own limitations.

What advice would you give to those who are here trying to gain competence?

One thing to do would be meet the 2008 criteria for certification even if you are not required to do so. Dedicate at least one day a week to reading and research. Sign up on the email lists for all relevant agencies and read the emails. Obtain and read books on appraising. Spend time interacting with real estate agents in your area. Take classes related to real estate brokerage. Learn about your clients. Take classes or read about being a mortgage broker. Get to know your local planning and zoning officials. (Take the time to read the local zoning ordinances.)

Remember the license requirements are the minimum qualifications to get started. They are not the ultimate level of knowledge.

 

[Mike Boyd]

Moved to "forum help" since this is not really about appraising but about how appraisers talk to each other on this forum.

Really, I think you are over thinking the forum. It is an informal gathering to exchange ideas with others who have an interest in appraisal. Most here are appraisers, but all are not and are not required to be.

Internet forums such as this are informal by nature. No one is graded or tested on their spelling or grammer here, it makes no difference in the scheme of things! We have operated with this inforrmal, open nature for 10 years and it has been successful. If you want a closed, more narrow minded focus there are such forums available.

So enjoy, be civil, and not so critical of your peers and those who share an interest in appraisal.

Mr. Surfer........some of us believe that good spelling and grammar are essential to a good report....and by good, I mean in the eyes of the reader. Good spelling and grammar should be practiced and what better practice is there if not in how we communicate with each other? You lose CREDIBILITY when communicating if you are sloppy in your writing, and, it's a bad habit. I hope no one takes mild criticizm as mean spirited but as a reminder that we are supposed to be writing professional reports.

 

[Head Surfer]

Mike,

I agree, good grammar and spelling is essential to a good report. However this forum is not a report and anyone who does not want to practice good grammar and spelling on this forum should not be criticized by others as it is not a requirement for forum participation. If you want to practice it, fine, but allow others to be themselves on the forum without trying to impose your standards on them.

All I require is that people obey our rules and be civil with one another! Again, this is an informal gathering of people who have an interest in appraisal. We are from all over the country and allowances should be made for our differences.

 

[Atlanta CG]

I did not intend to criticize the quality of the forum conversation, but if we are lazy here, then it can carry across to our reports and our conversations with others, such as clients, future contacts, media representatives, etc. That was my point. And, CWD, if you think talking like an intelligent professional is asinine and naive, then check with others in this forum - I do not believe they will concur.

 

[Lawrence R.]

One thing to do would be meet the 2008 criteria for certification even if you are not required to do so. Dedicate at least one day a week to reading and research. Sign up on the email lists for all relevant agencies and read the emails. Obtain and read books on appraising. Spend time interacting with real estate agents in your area. Take classes related to real estate brokerage. Learn about your clients. Take classes or read about being a mortgage broker. Get to know your local planning and zoning officials. (Take the time to read the local zoning ordinances.)

Remember the license requirements are the minimum qualifications to get started. They are not the ultimate level of knowledge.

I note your advice(while good, thanks) did not include the use of this forum. Am I free to assume that you would not include the use of this forum as a viable way to gain competence?