Got An Order Today

[Linda M Lynch]

I have run into some really nice folks in their multi million mansions and some terrible jerks. As a rule, I treat the big bucks folks the same way that I treat the folks in the $150.000 ranch and let their accountant sort out the difference. However, there is one way in which I have come to treat the rich jerks differently. I make it a practice to always find something nice to say about a person's house....after all, most folks love their home no matter how modest. However, in the multi million dollar home with jerks for owners, I always act a bit bored.....as though I've done 20 houses just like it this week. Drives them nuts.

 

[Dee Dee]

Originally posted by Richard Carlsen@Aug 12 2003, 04:38 PM
They got it somehow but it is part of their psyche to try to pay less. It is part of a control mentality I think.

I've got some rich neighbors and I have seen first-hand how people try to overcharge them for things BECAUSE they are wealthy. It's not unsual that they have to ask a few more questions simply to be sure that they're not being taken advantage of. If they were middle-class nobody would find their inquiries unusual at all.

 

[Richard Carlsen]

Oh Dee Dee, I did not say they were not nice people. It is just that there seems to be an immediate expectation that they should be charged less than others because of what they have i.e. a $1.5MM house on white sand beach on Lake Michigan. It is sort of the attitude "Aren't you fortunate that you get to appraise this beautiful house of mine. BTW, what was your fee? Can't we get a little break on that since the sun is shinning and it is Tuesday?"

Most of these folks, once beyond the dickering phase, are very darn nice folks who made some good decisions along the way and parlayed their smarts and expertize into dollars. Good for them. I just want to rise to their level and let them know that they are not dealing with someone who "needs" this appraisal order to survive. After that, we get along nicely.

And yes, many of them have very nice houses, some of which I've appraised several times as a result of the good relationship we've established plus some nice referrals.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Gives them fits when I drive up the circular drive and park my Suzuki Swift next to their Hummer or Benz. Guess that is why I limit my practice to homes under $1,000,000.

 

[Richard Carlsen]

Mike

BEt it's nearly the same reaction I see in the winter to my 2000 Saturn LW w/snows pulling up next to the $40-60,000 SUV's (that they have to have 'cause they have a place Up North) and they find out that I've been stuck a total of 4 times in 10 years.

And I get 30 MPG.

 

[Steve Owen]

I dont feel any need to develop a value based upon the income approach do you?

That depends. Can you find a bunch of reasonably recent sales similar to your property that were rented at the time they sold? :rofl:

 

[Mountain Man]

BEt it's nearly the same reaction I see in the winter to my 2000 Saturn LW w/snows pulling up next to the $40-60,000 SUV's

Yeah, I know the look your are talking about. In the winter snow, I just put chains on the ole' 96' Honda Accord and go, go, go. Pull up next to the H2 Hummer (for which they paid about $30,000 too much ) and they can't belive it! Absolultly blows their minds, cuz they can't even get up their driveway. I love it when the city drivers bring their big toys, and don't even know how to use them.

 

[Pam Wyant]

Called the borrower to set apt and he said (all power talk) "What do I get for my $750.

Wonder what the borrower would have thought if you had said: "Nothing. However your lender will get an appraisal report on your property that they will use to determine whether you have sufficient collateral for your loan."

 

[hal380]

Follow up on inspection:

Did the inspection on friday, 8/15. As I was getting out of my car the owner came bounding out of the house, hand extended for a hand shake, and smile on his face. "You must be Hal" he said. "Yes I am how are your etc etc" Let me have your card so I know who to make out the check. During the inspection, offered me water coffee, iced tea. Overall just a decent guy, and a very pleasant visit.

Just wanted to do this follow up in fairness to him after my last post. He would never know what I had said, but we need more like him.

Regards

Hal