Desktop Appraisal Format

[Doug in NC]

I have had a client inquire if I would be interested in doing a desktop assignment. Does anyone have a USPAP-compliant form with disclaimers that I could use for this?

I now know of 2 top lenders who are ordering these. Some other appraisers have to be doing them. I don't have a problem with doing these orders, but I want to make sure whatever report I provide is USPAP-compliant.

 

[Verne Hebert]

Isn't that the same form as the "dashboard" assignment form?

Maybe you could just call it in; a verbal assignment--by the way, these are always COD by electronic transfer prior to phone call.

 

[Carnivore]

Doug,

I am working on the same thing. I will send you my skeleton if your an Alamode user.

 

[Doug in NC]

Thanks Andrew.

 

[Lee Lansford]

Doug, I know that you are aware that no "form" is USPAP-compliant.

You will have to give thought to the Scope of Work (note: deficient in many of the appraisals that I review) and Extraordinary Assumptions (i.e., "the improvements exist").

I do not share my Scope of Work comments and EAs for various assignments because such then becomes just more "boilerplate" after it gets passed around, and that is not what we are supposed to do. Some of the "Scopes" and "EAs" that I read in appraisals conducted by others are meaningless because it is obvious (at times) that the appraiser did not do what he or she said had been done.

Suggestion: Why not post here, after reflection, upon what you believe you have to consider and how you intend to address same? Then, the rest of us can pick it apart...uh...offer some constructive comment.

And, yes, I do perform DeskTop Appraisals.


Lee Lansford, IFA
AQB Certified USPAP Instructor

 

[wyecoyote]

I do not share my Scope of Work comments and EAs for various assignments because such then becomes just more "boilerplate" after it gets passed around, and that is not what we are supposed to do. Some of the "Scopes" and "EAs" that I read in appraisals conducted by others are meaningless because it is obvious (at times) that the appraiser did not do what he or she said had been done.

Isn't Otis the Catch all person for Boilerplate? With his 250+ page addendums? Or does he write each addendum?

 

[Mike Boyd]

I guess I am out of touch. What is a "desktop" appraisal? Can I assume it is one in which you do not even "drive by" it? My computer sits on the top of my desk. Does that mean all my appraisals are "desk top?"

If it is as I described, I would use a 2055 form with an explanation in bold print that you didn't see the property inside or out or even a photo of it. How in the H. can an opinion of value be offered under those circumstances? Or, I would offer a CMA printout from MLS.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

Be very cautious of how that client expects you to deliver it. I accepted an order for a desk top appraisal about a month ago, used the desk top form in my software, got it all completed to my satisfaction (with many, many disclaimers) and attempted to email it to the AMC. They wouldn't accept it--only a form on their website could be filled out and then they typed in my name instead of my signature. So now each order I receive from them, I accept the order because then I can post comments. And I then give a long spiel that I will not accept any desk top assignments from their company because of the delivery process for desk top appraisal reports. Then I describe the property and recommend that the order be changed to a 2055-usually an interior. So far they have "upgraded" the order each time to the form I have recommended. Interesting side note regarding that first desk top--one week later I got an order from a different AMC for a URAR of the same property--both orders went to the same lender.

 

[Keith]

If desktop appraisals are the new wave, this biz is going to hell in a hand basket. If you can do 3-8 of them a day, you could pay the bills. How about in the slow times? $100 a few times a week perhaps? I don't know what they pay, or exactly what a desktop appraisal is.

What are we doing? I figure they are using desktops instead of AVMs in areas where the AVM gods do not have MLS data.

I can't see how this biz can survive another 5 years. In the end we will be competing with AVMs. I can see $10 reports in the near future. I see "appraisals" preformed in Bangladesh by folks making less than a living wage.

If you want a job in America, you had better learn how to cut hair.

 

[Mike Boyd]

It has been 24 hours since I asked in this post "what exactly IS a desktop appraisal. Can't someone answer that question?