Don't ever talk to the owner, as some of you may say.

[Tom D]

I always talk to the owner, but that my business decision. I thought this liability alert was kinda funny.

By Claudia Gaglione, Esq., Gaglione, Dolan & Kaplan, National Claims Counsel for LIA Administrators & Insurance Services
Some of the complaints we have seen over the past year included particularly ugly and insulting personal attacks.

These attacks often focus on an appraiser's conduct. Appraisers are frequently accused of being "rude" for not engaging in conversation with homeowners or for declining to answer questions. One appraiser was accused of not knowing the definition of "common courtesy." Another complainant expressed surprise that an appraiser was able to obtain a license, claiming he "barely spoke a word of English."

Other allegations involved perceived disrespect for the subject property. Several complaints alleged that an appraiser used a restroom without permission and failed to flush. One appraiser was accused of "spitting or vomiting" in a bathroom sink. According to one homeowner, "He showed up late for the appointment without an apology and left a disgusting mess behind."

A few complainants even commented on physical appearance. One homeowner stated that when a female appraiser arrived, "her clothes were filthy and she smelled so bad that I did not even want to let her step foot in my home." In another case, a male appraiser was described as "obese," with the complainant asserting that he could not perform a thorough inspection because he could not "fit" into the attic or crawlspace openings.

Receiving notice that a disciplinary proceeding has been initiated is stressful enough. Being accused of negligence or incompetence is difficult. Facing personal attacks on top of that makes the experience even worse.

 

[ucbruin]

99% of the time....
It pays to be charming....

 

[J Grant]

I always talk to the owner, but that my business decision. I thought this liability alert was kinda funny.

By Claudia Gaglione, Esq., Gaglione, Dolan & Kaplan, National Claims Counsel for LIA Administrators & Insurance Services
Some of the complaints we have seen over the past year included particularly ugly and insulting personal attacks.

These attacks often focus on an appraiser's conduct. Appraisers are frequently accused of being "rude" for not engaging in conversation with homeowners or for declining to answer questions. One appraiser was accused of not knowing the definition of "common courtesy." Another complainant expressed surprise that an appraiser was able to obtain a license, claiming he "barely spoke a word of English."

Other allegations involved perceived disrespect for the subject property. Several complaints alleged that an appraiser used a restroom without permission and failed to flush. One appraiser was accused of "spitting or vomiting" in a bathroom sink. According to one homeowner, "He showed up late for the appointment without an apology and left a disgusting mess behind."

A few complainants even commented on physical appearance. One homeowner stated that when a female appraiser arrived, "her clothes were filthy and she smelled so bad that I did not even want to let her step foot in my home." In another case, a male appraiser was described as "obese," with the complainant asserting that he could not perform a thorough inspection because he could not "fit" into the attic or crawlspace openings.

Receiving notice that a disciplinary proceeding has been initiated is stressful enough. Being accused of negligence or incompetence is difficult. Facing personal attacks on top of that makes the experience even worse.

I always leave a calling card of spit and vomit behind, and make sure not to flush if I use the bathroom ( kidding)

The above complaints are ridiculous, and I bet they went nowhere.
We are not real estate agents paid to win over and charm on people. On the other hand, brusque rudeness can count against us. I am polite but keep it professional (or try to). It is easy to slip into chattiness, but remember the legal adage- anything you say can be used against you...

 

[Tom D]

Yea, they went nowhere, but the state sent you a letter about the investigation. That alone is painful enough needing your response.

Fewer than 10% of reported disciplinary proceedings result in formal discipline.

 

[alebrewer]

The most oft issued complaint against appraisers - at least in my world - come from homeowners who think they heard the appraiser say something derogatory, rude, dismissive, or condescending - all of which are used to support claims of bias. It happens more frequently than folks would like to believe. IMO, the reason for this is that the appraiser is the one person who (at least in the borrower's eyes) could 'ruin' their loan. They literally 'hang' on the appraiser's words. My advice is always to be cordial, but not engaging. The less said, the less can be used as an accusation of bias.

 

[Bobby Bucks]

Some of that reads like the old Buzz articles that used to invent and exaggerate similar stories to sell their background check scams. My favorite personal experience was when I wrecked a refi deal and the borrower /owner filed a complaint and insisted that I never actually went inside the house. The complaint went to an email exchange chain with the lender, the loan officer, me and the borrower and my response was that I most certainly went inside the house and that the hideous kitchen photos in my report were proof I did and that no one with class would paint their walls and cabinets purple. The complaint about my not going inside was dropped and was escalated to insulting the borrower's taste in home decor.

 

[J Grant]

IMo, an appraiser getting too friendly to a buyer can work against them as much as being rude. If we get too friendly (which is easy for me to do) then the RE agent or homeowner can think we are "on their side"- and then if we do not deliver the high value they hope for, they turn on the appraiser, feeling betrayed.

Particularly when the homeowner who is refinancing starts giving us a sob story -

The other problem is carelessly saying something that the buyer interprets oddly. That is why over the years I say less and less...

 

[shrubberyvaluation]

The most oft issued complaint against appraisers - at least in my world - come from homeowners who think they heard the appraiser say something derogatory, rude, dismissive, or condescending - all of which are used to support claims of bias. It happens more frequently than folks would like to believe. IMO, the reason for this is that the appraiser is the one person who (at least in the borrower's eyes) could 'ruin' their loan. They literally 'hang' on the appraiser's words. My advice is always to be cordial, but not engaging. The less said, the less can be used as an accusation of bias.

Well if they are going to make something up, they will make something up regardless of how much you talked.

 

[J Grant]

Well if they are going to make something up, they will make something up regardless of how much you talked.

But if you did not actually say it, you have a defense ( they made it up). If you actually said it, they might have something -or not but now the appraiser stands accused.

 

[alebrewer]

Well if they are going to make something up, they will make something up regardless of how much you talked.

meh - possibly, but I've always figured there's no reason to add to your exposure. To each his own, though. Chat 'em up, Shrub.