Unveiling the Truth: The Controversial Role of Data Collectors in Real Estate

[DWiley]

If you've ever been principal, or primary POC for an AMC, you've been fingerprinted by the state you're applying for licensure in.

True. I had to get lots of BGCs every year when I worked at the AMC. But, those were separate requirements that applied only to certain AMC folks. So, I have had tons of BGCs, but not for renewal of my appraisal certification. For that, I have only been required to check a box saying I haven't done anything wrong since my last renewal.

Even in states that require BGC for renewal, a person could do something between renewals that could go undetected until they renew and are required to get a new BGC.

When I was at an AMC, a couple of times a year we would kick someone with current appraiser credentials off the panel because the AMC required BGC revealed an issue. Just off the top of my head I remember arson, fraud, armed robbery, drug trafficking, felony assault of a police officer. It was rare, but it did happen.

 

[alebrewer]

True. I had to get lots of BGCs every year when I worked at the AMC. But, those were separate requirements that applied only to certain AMC folks. So, I have had tons of BGCs, but not for renewal of my appraisal certification. For that, I have only been required to check a box saying I haven't done anything wrong since my last renewal.

Even in states that require BGC for renewal, a person could do something between renewals that could go undetected until they renew and are required to get a new BGC.

When I was at an AMC, a couple of times a year we would kick someone with current appraiser credentials off the panel because the AMC required BGC revealed an issue. Just off the top of my head I remember arson, fraud, armed robbery, drug trafficking, felony assault of a police officer. It was rare, but it did happen.

Haha - I used to be on first name basis with the local PD... We actually do have BGC in Texas - I kind of figured most states would have followed suit by now, but I guess not. When I was running the valuations team at one of the lenders I've been with, we had the BGC policy in place as well. As I recall, the worst I was was a couple of DUI's and a disorderly conduct - or something like that. Nothing that would have, in my mind, precluded someone from being qualified to go into other folks' homes.

 

[glenn walker]

Our best was a older lady who the appraiser was knocking on her door, he was dressed like a typical California Beach bum. She was viewing him through her ring cam and dialed 911 and told responder that a Older White Male, unshaven and looked homeless was trying to get in. Sheriffs showed up and yes he was the appraiser, but she still did not want him in her home. The lack of Professionalism out here is at times shocking and yet we expect the public to have faith and trust in us.

 

[alebrewer]

Our best was a older lady who the appraiser was knocking on her door, he was dressed like a typical California Beach bum. She was viewing him through her ring cam and dialed 911 and told responder that a Older White Male, unshaven and looked homeless was trying to get in. Sheriffs showed up and yes he was the appraiser, but she still did not want him in her home. The lack of Professionalism out here is at times shocking and yet we expect the public to have faith and trust in us.

We struggled with that as well... I don't think it's just SC. It's more of an independent mentality - something required for what we do - but something that can also have adverse impacts. Like dressing the way we want - regardless of what others think. We are NOT the face of the lender, but in the borrower's eyes - we are.

 

[Dublin ohio]

We struggled with that as well... I don't think it's just SC. It's more of an independent mentality - something required for what we do - but something that can also have adverse impacts. Like dressing the way we want - regardless of what others think. We are NOT the face of the lender, but in the borrower's eyes - we are.

I dress extremely casual when doing under construction. Otherwise casual but professional. I alway wear all black. No jeans or tee shirt. On the other hand. I always get a kick out of the guy in a suit trying to wander around an under construction without getting anything on his suit. Or the female appraiser trying to walk around a new construction site in high heels

 

[glenn walker]

We struggled with that as well... I don't think it's just SC. It's more of an independent mentality - something required for what we do - but something that can also have adverse impacts. Like dressing the way we want - regardless of what others think. We are NOT the face of the lender, but in the borrower's eyes - we are.

In general, clean jeans and shirt are fine with Californians but the older appraisers are really bed. Amd dont get me styrated onteh older women who look lke bag lady's and they bring their so called support dogs with them. The Realtors, Home Inspectors even our Plumbers look more professional than these people. Yet they want to be respected and paid high fees.

 

[glenn walker]

I dress extremely casual when doing under construction. Otherwise casual but professional. I alway wear all black. No jeans or tee shirt. On the other hand. I always get a kick out of the guy in a suit trying to wander around an under construction without getting anything on his suit. Or the female appraiser trying to walk around a new construction site in high heels

Casual in Calif is just fine and nobody expects a suit and tie for someone doing physical inspections, but we have many who look like bums. The older they are the worse it is.
Some act like its an entitlement to look and act like nobody can tell them what to do .
Hell even the AMC Inspector applications list what is expected as appropriate dress and ID.

 

[John Hassler]

We struggled with that as well... I don't think it's just SC. It's more of an independent mentality - something required for what we do - but something that can also have adverse impacts. Like dressing the way we want - regardless of what others think. We are NOT the face of the lender, but in the borrower's eyes - we are.

Or it's a reflection of your company's appraiser management policies.
Not being flippant. Your company is/was in direct control of whom they engage. What changes, if any, to policy were made when these situations arose?

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Casual in Calif is just fine and nobody expects a suit and tie for someone doing physical inspections, but we have many who look like bums. The older they are the worse it is.
Some act like its an entitlement to look and act like nobody can tell them what to do .
Hell even the AMC Inspector applications list what is expected as appropriate dress and ID.

Jeans and a polo shirt is my work uniform. My son will wear shorts to an inspection and he quickly realizes that not every property has mowed lawns or mow around their barns and workshops. I will have burrs or stickers all over my jeans, I don't want them on my legs.

 

[DWiley]

My solution to the dress code thing was simple. Staff wore what I bought for them to wear (and had cleaned for them). We had dress shirts, polos, etc. with the company name and logo. No shorts. No jeans. No tennis shoes.