AQB Seeking To Lower Appraiser Qualifications

[ucbruin]

BS....

 

[djd09]

Well, it’s no surprise that the unethical stakeholders running TAF have struck again. There’s a reason the CFPB stated that TAF is entangled in one conflict of interest after another. I’ve been saying this for years, and few have listened. Once again, I was right.

we would be better off playing at a rigged poker game...

 

[Carnivore]

Interesting conversation about education. So I agree that because Appraisers are a Profession it doesn't require a college Education. You could say that it would be helpful to have some college level courses. i.e English Comp 101 Even that isn't needed because you essentially get that in high school. So I ask AI a question. Should an individual considering the Appraisal profession take some kind of Aptitude test. I ask that question because some people just don't get it.
AI -
Taking an aptitude test could be a helpful step for someone considering becoming an appraiser! This kind of test could assess skills that are highly valuable in the appraisal profession, such as:

- **Analytical Thinking:** The ability to evaluate data and make sound judgments.
- **Attention to Detail:** Spotting small but significant factors in property evaluations.
- **Mathematical Skills:** Comfort with calculations and interpreting financial data.
- **Communication Skills:** Writing clear, concise reports and communicating effectively with clients.

An aptitude test might provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses, helping them decide if this career aligns with their natural abilities. Additionally, it could guide their focus on areas that may need improvement as they pursue this path.

 

[Carnivore]

So we know that a college degree is not necessary to become licensed. The TAF/AQB in their infinite wisdom will pair that down. Now I think this is just one part of the puzzle leading to Licensing. So I might of already covered this next part if so it's worth repeating. There is significant evidence that are trainee/trainer may not be the best way to train trainee's or it lacks some refinement.

Aptitude tests may provide some insights into whether a certified residential appraiser has qualities that could make them a good teacher, but they won't give a full or definitive answer. Teaching is a multifaceted skill, and while tests might assess certain relevant traits, they can't fully capture someone's ability to mentor effectively.

For example, an aptitude test might evaluate:
- **Communication skills:** The ability to convey ideas clearly.
- **Interpersonal skills:** Empathy, patience, and the ability to connect with others.
- **Problem-solving:** An important skill for guiding trainees through challenges.
- **Leadership potential:** Skills for inspiring and motivating others.

However, the act of teaching also involves passion, experience, adaptability, and a genuine willingness to help others succeed—qualities that an aptitude test may not always measure. Observing an appraiser in action as a mentor, or seeking feedback from previous trainees, would be more effective in assessing their teaching capability. I think the Quality control on this teaching aspect shows up late in the game when the trainee sits for the state licensing exam.

So over all my opinion is our system does work. Could it be improved? Sure most anything can be improved.

 

[ucbruin]

Books are needed to teach....
And 99% of forumites hate the Book of Adjustments....

 

[George Hatch]

IMO all the action is in the fundamentals, not in the details. The appraisal process isn't so much about what the appraiser already knows at the outset of the assignment, but about the steps it takes to get to that knowledge by the end of their process. Rinse and repeat the process itself serves to expose the individual to the variations in the different situations, but the underlying fundamentals don't really change.

The other thing I'll say is that what the reports demonstrate is what the users are willing to accept, not necessarily the extent of the individual's competency. Just because Alvin didn't do something doesn't necessarily mean he is incapable of doing it to specs if/when forced to do so on pain of not getting paid. Just because Alvin might not have been forced to do something for the last 20 years and may not remember how to do it doesn't mean he is incapable of remediating that deficiency within a matter of days. If/when it becomes a do-or-die situation for them.

IMO the effective level of appraisal quality is primarily driven by user conduct. What they will and won't accept. What they will and won't pay for. The users demand, the appraisers respond.

 

[Mejappz]

Amazes me that you can be in the biz 10 years and not have a clue about how to manipulate data from the MLS, use Excel or even use a Word Processor beyond pecking out a memo. I've seen entire reports written narrative without a single heading outside the default font and size and hand stamped page numbers because they didn't know how to paginate the headings (which, of course, were not headings just same old font and size. "Frames" or "headings" are necessary to create a table of contents automatically.

It's unfortunate to see the 20 discussions about making a simple time adjustment. Of course, the AQB and the GSEs are mostly to blame, but they will never take accountability.

 

[George Hatch]

90% of those discussions are in search of ways to not have to make the adjustment. How to avoid doing the work because they're not used to being required to do it. That's not a competency discussion, it's a shortcuts discussion.

And our standards of practice are not designed or intended to function as a cookbook showing 20 different ways to develop an adjustment or how to perform a CA, which that's what your criticism is. Professional practice is about the conduct of the individual.

 

[TerryRohrer]

It's unfortunate to see the 20 discussions about making a simple time adjustment. Of course, the AQB and the GSEs are mostly to blame, but they will never take accountability.

And it is very clear that not only were appraisers not making market conditions adjustments, they were not even considering them. I remember explaining to a veteran appraiser in my first year as a fee appraiser 30+ years ago how I looked for resales to gauge price inflation. He clearly had never considered it and grunted, "huh, I'll have to try that." In thirty years, the needle has not moved a bit.

 

[George Hatch]

No method works if you don't work the method.