And say what? That the lenders shouldn't be allowed to use these because it will cut into our money? That isn't what The Appraisal Foundation is for.
What we should be working on is getting appraisers to come to an understanding that they need to charge a much higher hourly rate for the hardest part of the appraisal process. And stop bringing in trainees to dilute our own position in the market. Unlike user decisions, appraiser conduct is something we CAN influence from our end.
For such an experienced and intelligent person/appraiser, I am shocked at how short-sighted and off-base this post is George. It's such a ridiculous post, that it sort of discredits all the really smart things I have read from you. Are these really your conclusions?
Right now, FNMA cant even ask for consult from appraisers, because the organizations that do exist, are either not the right type of organization, or (and this is truly the problem) there is not enough participation in membership from appraisers. TAF is in bed with the government and is influenced by lender lobbyists. The AI is more about education and has a membership structure that is not appealing to the masses. The AGA is probably the organization that is the most known and in line with the type of trade organization that could have the right kind of voice, but appraisers, apparently including you, simply make excuses to not join up, and so they don't have the numbers to be heard. Compare all of those to the NAR.
I have not once heard the NAR speak of fees. Yet, through all the other things they do, the careers of their members, and subsequently their bottom lines too, are affected in a good way. By establishing a professional standard, that the critical mass of realtors gets behind, they are able to defeat any and all nonsense that comes their way, with ease. That creates an easy environment to work within, which reduces stress and increases efficiency, influencing a persons ability to focus on making money.
Lets take a simple example. How about the 1004MC? Sure, FNMA consulted a handful appraisers when they developed it. If they had consulted the majority of appraisers, do you suppose it would look like it does? How much time has been wasted filling out that ridiculous form? How much time has been wasted complaining about it on this very forum? That's what I'm talking about. When you do something right from the start, you don't waste time rethinking it later, and time is money. We don't need to fight for fees, we need to fight for the process - the fees will work themselves out all by themselves.
Seriously, think it over. Isn't it just a bit unprofessional, that appraisers do not in fact have a trade organization that we all get behind and support? I think it makes us look like doofuses. And when appraisers run around and say they don't even want to try to have one, well, that's one measure worse.
Out of all the reasons I am changing careers, this last point ended up being the deciding factor. When it comes to the issue of organization, appraisers are stupid. They have no idea what's good for them, but they damn sure know how to complain when things don't go their way. I figure if my peers won't even try to help ourselves, why would I spin my wheels along side them. LOL. I need new friends.
It is interesting to note the only likes you got on your post were from Danny and Tim. Maybe some appraisers are beginning to open their eyes and stop listening to people who do not have their best interests in mind. Maybe they are beginning to realize what they've been doing so far is going nowhere, and maybe it's time to work a different angle. I dunno. I aint gonna wait for y'all to finally get a clue, but I will at least have said my piece.
