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Help me with non-traditional appraisal products

Valuing Appraiser Professionalism: A Blueprint for Survival
by Jo Traut, McKissock Learning

Having spent nearly three decades in the field of real estate appraisal, I've witnessed firsthand the evolution of our profession, particularly with respect to technological advancements. However, alongside these positive changes, I've also observed a troubling trend toward increased unprofessionalism. This phenomenon isn't unique to our discipline. It's permeated other careers, from medical professionals to teachers to business managers.

In some cases, widespread use of social media has led to inappropriate online behavior and become a significant contributor to declines in professionalism. This can have detrimental effects on crucial, valued qualities, such as integrity, empathy and selflessness, among professionals.

This trend is particularly concerning for real estate appraisers, as professionalism is an indispensable skill, especially during periods of slower market activity. Without a foundation of professionalism, an appraiser's business is at risk of collapse. Compared to other sectors like education and healthcare, our profession is relatively small. Any lack of professionalism, whether on social media, during client interactions or when responding to requests for appraisal modifications, can quickly follow the appraiser.

Regrettably, I've seen instances in which appraisers have responded to lender requests unprofessionally and publicly criticized colleagues, companies or clients on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, or even in direct communication. Real estate appraisers must remember that their behavior online, in emails or over the phone serves as their calling card, potentially impacting their current and future opportunities.

Further, appraisers also need to recognize that anything communicated via email or posted on social media is discoverable, underscoring the importance of exercising caution and professionalism in all forms of communication. Whether seeking job opportunities, pursuing roles as appraiser educators or engaging as expert witnesses, appraisers must always consider the potential repercussions of their words and actions, now and into the future.

Professionalism isn't limited to communication; it's the combination of all the qualities connected with trained and skilled people. These qualities include integrity, reliability, expertise, accountability, respectfulness and a commitment to excellence. As such, its preservation and promotion must be a top priority to survive turbulent times in the residential or commercial real estate markets.

As an appraisal educator, I've received requests from fellow appraisers, regulatory officials, owners of major appraisal firms and other stakeholders to teach about professionalism and emphasize its importance to colleagues. Recently, in a conversation with a medical professional, I learned that their education includes courses on professionalism. Inspired by this, let's discuss what professionalism means in the appraisal profession and how we can all work toward achieving it.

the unethical stakeholders do not want the truth exposed...these USPAP instructors are hitting new heights of delusion...go sign your nda :rof: :rof: :rof:
 
I just wish the kings of the rules would let appraisers run their own firm.

My trainees know exactly what they are doing in inspections, research, and analysis. They are insured and carry a trainees license in Tennessee, enabling them to do everything I can do under my ultimate oversight.

Yet - There are all these silly rules about who can inspect what. And who can sign on which line. No other profession carries these same rules, whether we are talking about attorneys, CPAs, title companies, surveyors, architects, etc.

Everything that comes out of our office, is my liability. If that's true, then let me handle who does what, realizing that I'm ultimately responsible for the finished work. We made that point in those initial zoom meetings with FNMA, but KR made it very clear that the whole point of doing the desktops and hybrids was to include outsiders in the inspection process and not our own employees. Why not let our trainees do that instead, allowing us to be more efficient and keeping the fees inside our own firms?

Perhaps it's the logic that stumps the powers that be.
 
I try to ignore the 2 main shills on this site, but they make it so much fun.
It seems that your definition of a shill is anybody who doesn't agree with a bunch of cry babies. Who seem to hate everything about their chosen line of work. All the crying and name calling in the world isn't going to make things go you way. Grow up and deal with it or change professions if you are so unhappy. Before you drown in your tears. I couldn't imagine waking up every morning feeling as miserable about the work I do. But then again I have a life that I fully intend to continue to enjoy.
 
It seems that your definition of a shill is anybody who doesn't agree with a bunch of cry babies. Who seem to hate everything about their chosen line of work. All the crying and name calling in the world isn't going to make things go you way. Grow up and deal with it or change professions if you are so unhappy. Before you drown in your tears. I couldn't imagine waking up every morning feeling as miserable about the work I do. But then again I have a life that I fully intend to continue to enjoy.

shilly shill...triggered again :rof: :rof: :rof:
 
I try to ignore the 2 main shills on this site, but they make it so much fun.

I have no voice anywhere in appraiser land but on this forum. Which at this point may have <100 regulars. If I have a conversation with someone offline it's because they called me, not because I called them or sent them a text or email. I have never worked for, much less accepted any money from, any of the parties you complain about. I had a relationship with TAF in the form of a course participant where I paid them for the courses and materials. That was a one-way purchasing relationship that's in no way any different that that of anyone who has ever purchased a USPAP manual from them. They sold and I bought as a customer. Exactly like you do.

I am not your problem nor am I anywhere in proximity to any of the sources of your problems. My clients operate outside the pipelines you operate in. Most of my assignments fall completely outside of your qualifications and competency. As far as this discussion goes I am nothing more than an outside observer of what appraisers and the users have been doing, having been watching these events closely since the inception of licensing.

Even if I was willing to lie and gaslight on this forum for you in order to seek your validation there's nothing I could say or do that would alter your outcomes. Some of your clients and some of these power users are going to continue to do what they do regardless of any of my opinions. As will most of the appraisers. My views MAY influence a few appraisers to adapt as best they can to these changing conditions but that's about the maximum effect my participation in this discussion can have.

I never attempt to tell appraisers what to think - I just add info to the discussion as best I can so as to enable them to make more informed decisions and choices. Whatever anyone decides to do is always and completely on them. Not me.
 
you ever see them call the unethical stakeholders liars... :unsure: :rof::rof::rof:
 
Of course these lenders and AMCs lie and they act in their own interests. When have I ever denied or implied otherwise?

Whether they are or are not lying in anything that is related to appraising doesn't alter the fact that TAF has never done anything in USPAP that works against the legitimate interests of appraisers. You have no indications that USPAP has been altered in the favor of these lenders or other parties in any way. I keep asking and you keep avoiding the question precisely because there is no substance to your allegation. You got nothing but guilt by proximity. The reasoning you rely upon is no different than me calling you a pedo because you live 2 doors down from some asshat who's a pedo and you both shop at the same supermarket.

You seem to believe that something would change if TAF stopped taking input from anyone other than appraisers, or if they went into direct competition with the appraisal orgs to advocate for the interests of fee appraisers (but no other appraisers). I find it difficult to believe you have spent even 20 minutes thinking that scenario through.
 
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