Going to take the AQB USPAP Course

[Jo Ann Apostol]

Speaking personally, the last thing I would do is attempt to use the intimidation factor. There are a lot of appraisers who already think the sole purpose of USPAP is to provide their state boards with a flexible and inscrutable basis so the boards can play "gotcha" whenever they feel like it. Contributing to that paranoia is not a direction I want to go.

Another thing about the paranoia factor that I don't like is that it enables certain types of rationale, similar to what we sometimes see here on the forum:

- "There's no such thing as a USPAP compliant appraisal and the state boards can get you whenever they feel like it."

- "Everyone does it and anyone who says they don't is a liar and a hypocrite."

- "There's what the standards say and then there's the real world."

Etc., etc., ad nauseum....

I want appraisers to come off of autopilot and put some active thought into why they do the things they do and how they can make themselves and the services they provide more valuable to their clients. I want them to see how, if they have any interest in doing the right thing, USPAP invariably works in their favor. I want them to see that the basics in appraisal standards are very simple and straightforward - don't be unethical and don't be incompetent when acting as an appraiser. I especially want to appeal to the conceit that all appraisers have - even our donkeys - that their work is just as good as anyone else's; and use that to nudge them into our mainstream. I want to welcome our donkeys to join the mainstream and recognize that its never too late to clean up their act.

Preaching paranoia works against my goals as an instructor, which is why I try to avoid it.

So, as a newly certified instructor, how do you keep the class's attention and make it meaningful? I know one USPAP intructor that brought his golf clubs to class.

Another question to all that are and those that just did pass - does this new responsibility scare anyone?

After learning the material and passing the test, it still seems daunting both in the teaching realm and even more so as an appraiser

 

[JSmith43]

I have a few questions for the USPAP enlightened crowd:

Why is it I can carry a copy of the Constitution of the USA, including amendments to date, in my shirt pocket, but couldn't carry a copy of USPAP including statements, AO's and FAQ unless it was on microfilm or a miniature CD?

Why are the lines numbered? Why am I among the paranoid? Is it paranoia to be concerned for good reason?

I don't think there are satisfactory answers to those questions. It is a cross that USPAP instructors must bear. Frankly, I believe it is a bit of a load. My hat is off to anyone that can carry the load and do some good at the same time.

I am disappointed when I see the Constitution ignored, interpreted as if it were a "living breathing" document based upon the whimsy of a judge. I've been disappointed at the apparent whimsey of certain state board actions as reported on the forum, under the color of following USPAP.

Both the Constitution and USPAP are good things to have, but they both get misused and abused. But, at least the Constitution fits in my pocket.

 

[George Hatch]

The Preamble in USPAP is our equivalent of the U.S. Constitution. It will fit in your pocket. The laws and regs emanating from the Constitution require a large library because without them we will have people arguing every facet of it. So it is with USPAP, albeit to a much lesser degree.

USPAP is not merely an idea or a credo, it is a set of professional standards for all appraisal disciplines. If you want simple and easy, perhaps you should stick to something that really is simple and easy, like the game of Checkers. All of the rules for Checkers will fit in your pocket.

 

[George Hatch]

So, as a newly certified instructor, how do you keep the class's attention and make it meaningful? I know one USPAP intructor that brought his golf clubs to class.

In my opinion USPAP only moves beyond the realm of the abstract when viewed within the context of the common experience. That's why I like teaching the update courses more than the qualify ed course. In the CE courses everyone is already in the business and already has some of these shared experiences for me to exploit. By bringing these experiences out and playing them in their different variations it drives home the message that none of us are alone in facing these struggles. Even when we work by ourselves, somewhere there are other people doing exactly the same job and facing exactly the same challenges. USPAP was developed with us in mind, and at least partially in response to these very challenges.

I like to appeal the motivations we all had when we first started appraising - to be perceived as being a member of a worthwhile and respectable profession. I've never met an appraiser who wanted to think of themselves as an outlaw or a gangsta. Even our knuckleheads want to cling to that self-image, their other distortions notwithstanding.

As an instructor I think it helps tremendously if you consider yourself a true believer and decline to even consider the possibility that teaching USPAP to a donkey is a waste of time.

 

[JSmith43]

Appraisers are opining values, based upon arguments from the discipline of Economics. Economic theory is based partly (a large part) on the behavioral sciences, partly on Mathematics, Probability Theory, (Statistics).

I just can't wait until we live in a country where Economists have standards of practices with numbered lines and legislation incorporating them as if handed down from above, carved on stone tablets.

We have an example here of socialization of a profession in need of evolutionary thinking. The evolvement, I would rather see in a slightly more open system. There would be a better chance for the best practices and ideas to get to the top, in my opinion.

Right now, we are guaranteed group think. Maybe a bit of gorilla marketing from the inside by like minded people will make up for the relative lack of growth opportunities, typical of a closed system. That is why I share my thoughts. I know they are no where near exclusively my own. But, since I no longer appraise, I am free to present a position seeking a better operational paradigm for the valuation profession, in the long run.

The structure of the status quo severely hobbles progress, IMO. But I am glad there are volunteers willing to try and make the most of it. I tip my hat to the instructors, seasoned and newly minted.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Everyone, please welcome JoAnn to the forum. She is a new USPAP instructor and will teaching her first 7 hour update in Denver in a couple of weeks. It will be a large group...probably 50 or more so she will have her baptism of fire right off the bat.

To her credit, she has experience as a teacher in the public school system so teaching is one of her strengths. In addition, she is a practicing appraiser with extensive experience as such. She also passed the USPAP instructor exam on the first try...something many of us didn't do.

So, be cordial to her. Share your experiences and war stories! Best wishes, Jo Ann, and welcome to the forum.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

Hey Jo Ann!

Good to see (read) you again. Congrats on passing. We told you that you would be on here.

 

[Jo Ann Apostol]

Thanks Brian and Mike!!!

Brian congrats to as well!!!! Good to talk to you as well.

It's very ominous brainstorming to teach the first class. Actually I don't get on much - too busy with kids

 

[Michigander]

Welcome Jo Ann. I hope you add a positive voice to this forum and to your teachings. It was a pleasure meeting you and hanging out a bit during the course.

 

[Bob Ipock]

Did anyone meet two BIG guys from North Carolina. One was Allen Beatty and the other was Don Rodgers. Allen is a long time friend in my town and Don is a very fine fellow who is deputy director of the NCAB.