No one wants to work

[George Hatch]

This here's still America so I encourage you to act in what you perceive to be your own best interests. Just the same as I expect others to do for themselves. As long as none of it involves lying cheating or stealing in these assignments then it's all good. IMO.

 

[Fernando]

During Great Recession, this one lender sent out the orders and first appraiser who responded, got the assignment.
It was terrible how appraisers had to fight and get the orders but I was good at it and fast in getting the assignments.
Fernando adapted (hard work and luck) and soon learned the tricks and able to get many assignments.

 

[RCA]

This here's still America so I encourage you to act in what you perceive to be your own best interests. Just the same as I expect others to do for themselves. As long as none of it involves lying cheating or stealing in these assignments then it's all good. IMO.

So you firmly believe that stealing assignments is very possible. What do you consider "stealing an assignment?" For example, if an appraiser finds out that one of his peers is getting high-quality and high-paid assignments from a particular bank and then takes up contact with the responsible person at the bank to convince them that he could do a better job than you, - Would you consider that "stealing in these assignments?" In any case, your English here is a bit contorted hinting at underlying motivations. Strange, to say the least.

It doesn't take much to find such theft if you want. And you would be surprised who engage in this. But, I am sure they think of themselves more as salesmen, rather than thieves.

If you ask me, anybody who proclaims everyone should "do what is in their own best interest" likely has a history of being involved in chicanery of some type.

 

[George Hatch]

"As long as none of it involves lying cheating or stealing in these assignments"​

I meant "stealing within the appraisal assignment"., i.e., engaging in misconduct in the analysis. Which is why I wrote it the way I did. I wasn't talking about stealing work from other appraisers.

 

[RCA]

I meant "stealing within the appraisal assignment"., i.e., engaging in misconduct in the analysis. I wasn't talking about stealing work from other appraisers.

So, I am right. You are OK with that.

 

[RCA]

"As long as none of it involves lying cheating or stealing in these assignments"​

I meant "stealing within the appraisal assignment"., i.e., engaging in misconduct in the analysis. Which is why I wrote it the way I did. I wasn't talking about stealing work from other appraisers.

That is so stupid. No one "steals within an assignment." That is rubbish. What exactly could they be stealing? --- You made a mistake. One with psychological overtones. I would encourage others to attempt to understand the origin of such a statement. You are digging the proverbial grave for yourself.

 

[George Hatch]

If what you're asking is whether or not I am okay with "takes up contact with the responsible person at the bank to convince them that he could do a better job than you" or any other form of legally permissible salesmanship or persuasion then the answer to that is obviously "Yes". Why wouldn't it be?

 

[George Hatch]

That is so stupid. No one "steals within an assignment." That is rubbish. What exactly could they be stealing? --- You made a mistake. One with psychological overtones. I would encourage others to attempt to understand the origin of such a statement.

It's a manner of speech on this topic that I've been using with students and other appraisers for many years and which didn't confuse anyone of the thousands I've said it to. Until you.

So yes, overly casual and grammatically incorrect, as I sometimes do. Guilty as charged.

But my point remains, if you have what it takes to underbid me or otherwise persuade my clients that you can do better than me then that's completely fair. It's just business. My choices are to either compete or to move on.

 

[RCA]

If what you're asking is whether or not I am okay with "takes up contact with the responsible person at the bank to convince them that he could do a better job than you" or any other form of legally permissible salesmanship or persuasion then the answer to that is obviously "Yes". Why wouldn't it be?

That's your only way out here. And that is what I honestly believe you meant. There are indeed very successful appraisers that engage in this behavior. They will come off as your best friends and stab you in the back. Nice looking salesmen type appraisers, for the most part. Take their would-be clients out to dinner and the like.

IF I were interested in playing the game I could. But it's an art. For me, it is not interesting. Some people just don't like sales. --- But in my area, I do know who many are. It's not that difficult to find out, of course. Just call the lender or whoever.

Of course, that provide support for not cooperating with other appraisers. Yes, they will act nice and cooperative - but collect information and steal your business if they can. That's the lay of the land. But that is not to say it is in any way in the best interests of appraisers.

The most interesting thing here is the likely interplay of such tactics and under-the-table kickbacks, which are illegal. So, there you go.

 

[George Hatch]

Reading between the lines here it appears to me that you think it's unethical for appraisers to solicit business, American-style, including Christmas presents, flowers for the AMC clerks, or the golf and dinner dates with prospective clients. I don't engage in any form of marketing so this issue has nothing to do with my professional conduct. With that said, I don't have any objections to it if other appraisers conduct their business that way. It's neither illegal nor unethical to engage in normal marketing activities. By the same token your objections to what they're doing doesn't bother me, either. After all, I want you to be happy.