Which just serves to illustrate the fact that changes/proposals can have very far reaching, unintended consequences. As an example, many life insurance companies lend on deals that are brought to them by their "correspondents", i.e., mortgage brokers.
On the commercial end of things, mortgage brokers are more valuable to borrowers in today's market than they ever have been before. Lenders appetites for larger deals have gone away and a "good" transaction that would have been a no-brainer 12 months ago now requires a cobbled together syndicate of 3-4-5 participating banks. Much of that work is done by the much-abused (on this board) MB, who is working harder than ever. These aren't the used car salesmen who participate on Brokers Outpost - these are professionals who probably know more about real estate and values than 99% of posters on this board. Yet, people have no hesitation whatsoever to make suggestions that would put them out of business.
Excellent post, with a underlying philosophy that goes far beyond what was stated.
Many people's entire existence is based on their experience within their own box. Their thought processes, and actions, are dictated by this. The problem is that once they step outside of their box, they suddenly realize their box is a subset of reality, upon which not all of reality is based.
This is why you get the "you've got to be kidding me" attitude from a large set of appraisers that are located outside of the box, and see reality from a different perspective.
If your in the box, you don't see the consequences of your actions, if you are, you do.
Mortgage brokers, realtors, etc. only get compensated for their work if a deal closes. Their role in the transaction is as an advocate and they get paid for successful advocacy. We are the only unbiased component of the entire process, something we should never, ever lose sight of. Just because someone else is filling their role with vigor doesn't mean that we shouldn't be just as strong holding up our end of the responsibilities.
The best professionals understand the role of the other players in "the deal." I am fortunate to work with some of the best known RE brokers in the business. These individuals actually understand the role of the appraiser in the process. They are courteous, helpful, and don't pressure the appraiser in any way. Professionalism wins over unprofessionalism every day of the week.
It has been my experience that a large majority of
residential MBs (and commercial wannabes...the clueless res broker who thinks he knows about commercial) are the complete opposite. However, there is one notable exception, and it just so happens he's probably the wealthiest of the bunch.