Appraiser Independence Violation?

[Joe Flacco]

Considering what agents have to say is important and is part of the job. Listen to what they have to say and then go back to the desk and do own research to determine if what they said is relevant.

 

[Meandering]

Glad to hear the lender standing up to them, instead of the tail tucking AMC that will just pull the order and reassign it.

Good news.

.

 

[J Grant]

good for the lender for standing up to the agent.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

You certainly can ask the agent not be present when you do your inspection but I think this is an inappropriate approach to take. Most agents who want to be present do so because their clients expect it. Of course there is always a chance the agent will try to influence the appraiser too.

I look at it as just part of the real estate business. Most likely I'm influenced by the fact I have been a REALTOR for more than 40 years and I hold 2 NAR designations (CRB & RAA). I don't consider the agent giving me some sales data or information about the property as a violation of appraiser independence. I'm also willing to share with the agent what information my research uncovered.

As to being a distraction...yeah, I believe that happens UNLESS you follow a routine and have a check list. Most of the time a simple..."well now, I need to get to work...will talk to you later" works for me. Some times having the agent there can be a help too. "Would you mind holding this end of the tape, please".

I've survived almost 36 years in this business because I have believed it's a "people business". My goal is not to alienate the participants which includes the appraiser, the agent, the lender, the buyer, and the seller. Does that mean I don't value a property for less than a contract price or refinance amount? No... what it means is most respect my opinion because I treat them fairly and with respect.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Listen to the old guy...
The Realtor has his job. You as an appraiser can assess what the Realtor is saying. If credible, use it. If not, ignore it. If threatened, turn the job down. I have done all at one time or another. I have never asked someone to not be present. Yes, sometimes they can be a distraction. So like Mike says put them on the dumb end of the tape and keep them 50' away.

 

[Eli]

I agree. There is a polite way of saying I am really used to doing this by myself so I can concentrate. If you don't mind, I would like to get with you after my inspection to hear your thoughts and ask you any questions I may have.

Treat them the same way you would a trainee who was yakking while you were trying to show them what to do. Well maybe a little better than you would treat a trainee. LOL

 

[timd354]

Then there was a blurb about not attempting to participate in the appraisal.

So, you kicked a hornet's nest for no good reason and now you are wondering why the hornets are trying to sting you.

I am no fan of the actions of many real estate agents, but your initial communication was unnecessarily hostile in tone and created this issue

 

[Deleted member 134708]

I'm a huge fan of a gents and take all the info I can. Comps, dates of upgrades etc.

If doesn't hit value I have "unused sales" commentary and name a few of their highest sales they gave me and say why I didn't use. Never had an ROV.

More info the better, 2 sets of eyes the better and gather as much data as you can.

 

[timd354]

I can't do a good inspection when someone is interrupting me. There is a small chance that they will have some useful information for me but it is a sure thing that I will make mistakes due to their interruptions. The email is only an introduction and it says I will be calling them. My question is about whether or not this agent violated appraiser independence.

Good for the lender for cleaning up the problem that you created with your absurd email. Is the lender aware of the underlying reason that the listing agent is bent out of shape with you?

 

[J Grant]

She did not "create" the problem with her email. The RE agent created the problem by deciding not to let her in.

I criticized her email as well, however the content of the email did not rise to a level that should make an agent decide not to let an appraiser in. Good thing the lender is ethical and also evaluated the issue using common sense, which some in their zeal to attack appraisers lose sight of.