AQB's latest dumbing down by 'Stakeholders' Dropping the College Degree Requirement

[Mejappz]

listened to the appraiser petition against lender/mortgage broker back in early 2000's when it was submitted -

Their top priority is self-preservation above all else.

 

[George Hatch]

So you're saying the AQB should add in requirements for using certain types of software including the online databases and such? Because the Appraisal 101 courses already address how to make market conditions adjustments and delineating market segments.

There's a significant distinction to be made between someone never learning how to do something or forgetting how to do something due to never previously using it in their day-to-day vs someone who does know how to do it but simply isn't doing it because their clients continue to accept/use the workproducts without support for the adjustments that are/aren't being made.

If I ever see an SRA or an MAI or any other appraiser omit something in their analysis my default assumption is that they aren't working to their competency, not that they are incompetent due to the topic not being covered in their training. Especially when they said they did something that they never did.

 

[Dublin ohio]

The Appraiser Qualifications Board is responsible for establishing educational standards for appraisers. Instead of fixating on what appraisers should or shouldn't do, the Appraisal Foundation (TAF) should have focused since 2008 on developing educational programs that address modern technical challenges. It's concerning to encounter appraisers who struggle with basic tasks like market delineation, making market condition adjustments, exporting MLS data, or navigating spreadsheets — deficiencies that ultimately reflect on TAF's oversight.

Consider this: would a dentist graduate without knowing how to use a dental probe, or a doctor without proficiency in a stethoscope? Yet, TAF apologists argue they merely set minimal standards. Despite offers of assistance, TAF has consistently disregarded opportunities for improvement, a choice that now carries consequences.

Furthermore, TAF should have distanced itself from stakeholders who regularly encourage appraisers to compromise the ethics and standards TAF upholds. Ethics and standards are a two-way street, yet suggestions from various quarters over the years have fallen on deaf ears at TAF. They've had their chances it's over. Bert is right --Someone should sue TAF.

If someone with a college degree cannot figure out how to export MLS data or use a spreadsheet. WTF did they learn in college. Should TAF require a course in use of the various software out there that uses exported MLS data. SHould they require an Excel course. Almost every software provider I am familiar with provides pretty easy to follow directions to export data. My local library offers free instruction on Excel. The appraiser comparison to using a dental probe or stethoscope. Would be a pen, tape measure and clipboard

 

[Mejappz]

If someone with a college degree cannot figure out how to export MLS data or use a spreadsheet. WTF did they learn in college. Should TAF require a course in use of the various software out there that uses exported MLS data. SHould they require an Excel course. Almost every software provider I am familiar with provides pretty easy to follow directions to export data. My local library offers free instruction on Excel. The appraiser comparison to using a dental probe or stethoscope. Would be a pen, tape measure and clipboard

You would be surprised how many don’t. I’ve helped appraisers nationwide and it’s the equivalent of pulling teeth sometimes. Not all appraisers have a college degree, not that matters one way or another.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

If someone with a college degree cannot figure out how to export MLS data or use a spreadsheet. WTF did they learn in college.

Well, back in them days, we didn't have computers and Excel was not a thing let alone an MLS you could data mine. Hard to mine those quarterly sold books.

 

[Mejappz]

Anyway, the proof is in the pudding. During the last crash, the excuse was that mortgage brokers were influencing appraisers to inflate values. While some appraisers did engage in this practice, many did not. Now, according to Fannie Mae, 95% of the appraisals they receive are overvalued. Whether or not we trust Fannie Mae's assessment, as they are the primary users, what's the justification now?

 

[Fernando]

Anyway, the proof is in the pudding. During the last crash, the excuse was that mortgage brokers were influencing appraisers to inflate values. While some appraisers did engage in this practice, many did not. Now, according to Fannie Mae, 95% of the appraisals they receive are overvalued. Whether or not we trust Fannie Mae's assessment, as they are the primary users, what's the justification now?

Clients still influence appraisers. If value not hit, client will ask appraiser to reconsider comps and explain. You feel the pressure that it might affect getting more appraisal work. Nothing change.

 

[Dublin ohio]

Well, back in them days, we didn't have computers and Excel was not a thing let alone an MLS you could data mine. Hard to mine those quarterly sold books.

I was around back in them days. We both learned how to use computers and software. How hard could it be

 

[Mejappz]

Clients still influence appraisers. If value not hit, client will ask appraiser to reconsider comps and explain. You feel the pressure that it might affect getting more appraisal work. Nothing change.

The current situation may be even worse now because AMCSs can halt work assignments entirely if the value targets aren't met, often citing reasons like a lack of available work. A few of these notifications could swiftly jeopardize the viability of your business.

 

[Fernando]

The current situation may be even worse now because AMCSs can halt work assignments entirely if the value targets aren't met, often citing reasons like a lack of available work. A few of these notifications could swiftly jeopardize the viability of your business.

Before there were many mortgage brokers to work with. Now there's limited number of AMCs/Lenders.
It was easier to drop a no good mortgage broker and find another one. Appraisers had more choices who to work with.