Appraiser Independence Violation?

[Have Laser-Will Travel]

I recently received an assignment to appraise an SFR for a purchase. I sent an email to the listing agent, with an introduction and a notice asking agents not to attempt to participate in the appraisal but, that I would accpet information via email.

As a result, the listing agent has refused to grant access or even reply. I hear from the buyer's agent that the listing agent told the loan officer that she does't want me to do the appraisal without stating anything more.

I've not even spoken to her so, the only reason could be my email. This seems like a violation of appraiser independence. What do you think? And who would I report it to?

 

[nstanbru]

Maybe I missed something here, but did your email also include a request for an appointment time and you asked that no one meet you there?

 

[jay trotta]

I recently received an assignment to appraise an SFR for a purchase. I sent an email to the listing agent, with an introduction and a notice asking agents not to attempt to participate in the appraisal but, that I would accpet information via email.

As a result, the listing agent has refused to grant access or even reply. I hear from the buyer's agent that the listing agent told the loan officer that she does't want me to do the appraisal without stating anything more.

I've not even spoken to her so, the only reason could be my email. This seems like a violation of appraiser independence. What do you think? And who would I report it to?

My Bold And your reasoning ??

 

[J Grant]

It's in the lender's court now. The lender would be the one violating if they let RE agents determine who does and does not do appraisals.

That said, I'd probably let this one go. Your email was clumsy and no reason to say that. It's up to us to not let RE agents not influence us at same time we might ask for information, but we don't' have to throw it in their face.

 

[Meandering]

Call the agent's broker and ask them what's up with this, and if they're good with practicing a restriction of trade, as you could go to the state and the local BOR about this. The agents do not get to hire or chose you.

.

 

[Deleted member 77547]

Despite its inappropriateness, I can see why the agent felt compelled to "step in" between you and her clients purchase/sale. No need to tell them before you have spoken to them that you don't want their participation. It comes across as hostile although I'm sure that was not your intention. In the future simply make the appointment and if they bring comps say thanks.

Think of it as getting unsolicited advice from an in-law. When they give it say uh huh, I understand, thank you, and do what you want anyway.

 

[J Grant]

I think agent's response was not appropriate, but the email was also a bit peculiar...asking them for comps, at same time telling them they will not participate in the appraisal.

I do not ask agents for comps (unless badly needed). I let them provide me with comps if they volunteer, and I let them give me the comps at appointment, I don't ask them to email me comps. I don't lecture them or warn them not to participate in the appraisal. They can provide information that I may or may not consider; which information I choose to consider is up to me, not them. I only give them a verbal "stop it" if they really get out of line, and then a polite word or two is enough, even smile when I do it, they realize they are out line and are usually good sports about it...finesse them is better than fighting them.

 

[JTip]

I sent an email to the listing agent, with an introduction and a notice asking agents not to attempt to participate in the appraisal but, that I would accpet information via email.

Did you mean participate in the 'inspection'? Sounds catty either way.

Babysitting can be part of the job. Ignore them or record them.....get the report done....get paid....

 

[Have Laser-Will Travel]

Maybe I missed something here, but did your email also include a request for an appointment time and you asked that no one meet you there?

The email was generic, said who I was and that the lender contacted me to do an appraisal and that I would be calling or the agent could reply to the email. Then there was a blurb about not attempting to participate in the appraisal, provide comps, point out features, etc. This apparently was enough for her to call the loan officer and say she did not want me to do the appraisal. I heard this from the buyer's agent. Messages to her later were all ignored.

 

[Have Laser-Will Travel]

My Bold And your reasoning ??

She is refusing to allow me to inspect the property because she wants to be able to have her input on the appraisal. This comes by way of deduction since there is no other reason for her blocking me other than the notice that she would not be able to do so. I never even spoke to her.