And the customer says "an extra $ 100.00?"

[Terrel L. Shields]

I can certainly sympathize with Mr. Boggs. I, too, have considered either limiting my practice to mineral rights or returning to the Petroleum Industry altogether. Unfortunately for me, the instablity of oil and gas prices and the government's efforts to stifle domestic oil drilling to maintain the "cheap oil" policy of this government..a policy that mirrors its cheap food policy which has managed to shift agriculture from small family farms to corporate factory farms, forces me to consider the volatility involved.

Certainly this occupation (and I think of it as an occupation, not so much as a profession) has been steady. What baffles me is that despite a real shortage of appraisers, many seem to accept the low fees and they are long term cheap. In slow times, are we going to take even less? Now is the time to raise rates.

 

[Eric Boggs]

Sorry Mr. Trotta,

My comment was directed towards Mr. Garrett. My mistake. Eric

 

[Dick Hemry GAA]

Always sorry to see a good appraiser leave the business. Do like me, I am on the s--t list of local real estate agents 'cause I won't kiss their respective rears and make their sales prices in all appraisals. It does happen at times but, with VA's, conditions are sometimes required and salespersons don't like to explain to sellers &/or buyers that there might be something wrong they overlooked. To the point, I am also a Realtor, have been for over 40 years, and sell some real estate at times. Agent's do't like that either since I don't charge their 7% & 6% fees on some of my listings. Many agents are interested in but one thing, ie: the commission, how much and how soon. Buyer be damned is the mottos of some. I appraise to market value and attempt to protect my client, not some little sales gal and/or order taking loan application person.
Oh, i'm nasty today.
Sorry about that. But, hey, it's a good business so don't give it up due to low fees and time restrictions. I've been there, done that and come back to real estate since I really enjoy it and it provides a good income too.

 

[Eric Boggs]

Mr. Hemry,

You said, "But, hey, it's a good business so don't give it up due to low fees and time restrictions."

To me, low fees (many years' worth) AND very fast turn around times does not add up to a good business. Especially when you charge $225 for a 1004 and the mortgage co's are billing $500 for YOUR work product. No value added in between. How long does a person put up with this inequity? You know, a person just gets tired of it year after year.
Just my opinion.
Regards, Eric

 

[Karl]

Same story just a different year. There is not a profession out there that I know of that is not screaming about more work & less income. Best lesson from this I think is tighten the belts, stash some cash & be ready to buy up those that didn't tighten their belts & stash some cash.