]I'm no fan of most AMCs, however, [/COLOR]
not all are bad. Nor do all of them take advantage of their vendors.
Not all do, and I work for some AMC's that are decent. Many are not, however, for reasons we know all too well.
Those that do take advantage are able to do so not because of the acquiescence of the AI, or because of some banking conspiracy, or because of the lack of government intervention, but because the market dynamics of appraisal demand allows it.
Fact: there are too many appraisers chasing too few assignments.
It is far more complex than this, as we know from the numerous posts, and articles on the topic, including the AI writings on the topic. Supply and demand have been maniuplated. However as you point out, when actual numbers of appraisers drop further, it might have an affect as well.
This reality alone is the cause for most of the consternation directed at lenders and AMCs on this forum. When that changes, and it will, you'll be singing a different tune. Likely still complaining about something, but at least not the same things.
Lol, always something to complain about...but of course on a serious note, the two major "complaints" on this board have widespread consequences beyond this board...appraisers "complained" for years about mortgage broker pressure to make values....it was ignored, despite petitions, articles, interviews with press etc. And with the resulting housing market collapse which has affected the entire nation as well as the global community. Too bad nobody listened to the "complainers", back when it mattered.
When "they", the regulators listened, it was too late, and the solution was enacted the wrong way, again because lenders stayed in control. The former time it was through direct lender pressure, now, with a pretend firewall and lender ownership and partnership with AMC's. If nobody is listening once again to the "complainers", once again there will be a seismic shift in regulations and pain in the housing market as a result.
Those communities that "band together" to support local merchants and ban Walmart are in effect toying with the market.
The market expresses the will of the people, and sometimes it is about something more than price or even profit. Sometimes the will is about human values. When communities band together re Walmart, yes , they are shaping the market, as people throughout history have done according to their values. When child labor and slave labor were the norm, that was the market at that time. People banded together to change it, even though that labor pool made sense economically. People put certain values above economic benefit at that point in time, and as they have at other periods in history.
They are enforcing a hidden tax on all consumers in those towns by preventing consumers from enjoying the benefit of lower priced consumer goods. They are artificially propping up retail endeavors, at generally a much greater detriment to area consumers than might be experienced on a net basis from the displacement of the smaller retailers.
