Journalist Looking For A Detroit-baised Appraiser For Radio Show

[rdeleon]

Hello, everyone. My name is Rachel de Leon and I'm a radio producer for a public radio show called Reveal.

I have somewhat of a random request, so thank you very in advance for considering.

I'm researching a story about what's going on with mortgages in Detroit. It's no secret that mortgages are hard to come by, and media outlets have been talking a lot about appraisers, but I've yet to hear a story that includes an interview from an appraiser's point of view.

I think that's unfortunate, and I'm wondering if any of you reading this would be interested in talking to me on the phone about being included in a radio story about this topic. I'd love to hear your take on what it's like being an appraiser right now (is it harder than before? Are you getting enough work? And how do you feel about your role in Detroit housing right now?)

Please email me at rdeleon@cironline.org or call me at 510-982-2914 if you'd like to talk or ask me further questions.

Regards,

Rachel de Leon

 

[Michigan CG]

While he doesn't appraise single-family homes anymore, I would say the person with the most data and most insight in the market is Brian Kirksey, MAI, SRA, ASA.

 

[rdeleon]

While he doesn't appraise single-family homes anymore, I would say the person with the most data and most insight in the market is Brian Kirksey, MAI, SRA, ASA.

Thanks so much! Very helpful.

-Rachel

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

While he doesn't appraise single-family homes anymore, I would say the person with the most data and most insight in the market is Brian Kirksey, MAI, SRA, ASA.

For what is worth he also has the FRICS designation...I'm sure it is important to him given the PITA it was to get it ;P

 

[JTip]

about what's going on with mortgages in Detroit. It's no secret that mortgages are hard to come by, and media outlets have been talking a lot about appraisers,

I have heard nothing about this. Any links that you would like to share about the situation in Detroit?

I'm enjoying no-pressure, good-paying clients, and getting fair pay for my quality work. Hard to find time to spend it, but a second monitor promotes window shopping while working (or on the forum or both).

 

[Rick Stillman]

While he doesn't appraise single-family homes anymore, I would say the person with the most data and most insight in the market is Brian Kirksey, MAI, SRA, ASA.

Why would anyone want to interview someone that isn't involved in the segment of the market that pertains to this audience?

I would suggest calling several of the bigger lenders and asking them who they consider their top 2 or 3 appraisers to be. Who comes to mind that they know can handle everything and anything that comes their way? That is the guy you want to interview - the one in the trenches on the front lines.

I'm not a huge fan of MAIs or any AI designations for that matter - especially when any particular person from that background wants to interject their opinion in what I do on a day to day basis, and have for years. In short - who would know more about running a retail business in today's business climate? The professor that teaches theory, or the guy that does it every day and actually has a successful business, and has for many years?

 

[hastalavista]

Why would anyone want to interview someone that isn't involved in the segment of the market that pertains to this audience?

...
I'm not a huge fan of MAIs or any AI designations for that matter - especially when any particular person from that background wants to interject their opinion in what I do on a day to day basis, and have for years. In short - who would know more about running a retail business in today's business climate? The professor that teaches theory, or the guy that does it every day and actually has a successful business, and has for many years?

Rick-

You are not alone in your disdain of designated members of the Appraisal Institute. But your general statement is significantly in error.
I hold both the MAI and SRA designation. I've been interviewed by the press and I teach appraisal courses (I am not an AI approved instructor, however).
I'm certainly qualified to comment on residential (I'm working on such an assignment now; for a mortgage finance transaction). And, there are those who hold the MAI designation only and do residential work. One that comes to mind is Ann O'Rourke; and she publishes a newsletter that is pretty much focused on residential issues.

Most MAIs that I know, if they do not practice in the residential arena, would simply state so if asked about a residential issue.
Just as I'm sure if you were asked to comment on something commercial and you were not familiar with the subject matter, you'd bow out.

 

[Michigan CG]

Why would anyone want to interview someone that isn't involved in the segment of the market that pertains to this audience?

Rick, before you make yourself look foolish (oops, too late) what do you know about Brian? Personally, I know a lot to make the statement that he has the most insight in that market. The world of appraising is huge and not just limited to the guy who does lending work.

As to the disdain for designated appraisers, I challenge those who insult the designation to take the 8-day SRA class and see if they can pass it. I would guess many could not.

 

[Eli]

Interview 10 or 15 different ones.

Comment on their specialties in the interview. I'm good with it. Don't be choosie.

I would literally love to hear from Detroit appraisers. I hope you will update us on the time of the interview(s) and the source of the publication!!!

 

[Rick Stillman]

Rick, before you make yourself look foolish (oops, too late) what do you know about Brian? Personally, I know a lot to make the statement that he has the most insight in that market. The world of appraising is huge and not just limited to the guy who does lending work.

As to the disdain for designated appraisers, I challenge those who insult the designation to take the 8-day SRA class and see if they can pass it. I would guess many could not.

We old timers all know how the AI course makes anyone a genius appraiser Mich. But we all decided to stop drinking the kool aid long ago. We've moved on. This is much more complicated now and requires more in depth knowledge, instead of the old ways of taking courses, getting credits, and then cashing them in for a fancy designation for all the world to envy. Get with the times Mich. You're like a Timex watch - so predictable, and so accurate in what your response will be. Try a new approach, professor.