What Changes - Personally?

[Jim Hill]

2008 and what to expect?

I am trying to keep a positive outlook but for the first time in many years my appriasal business and my other two business are all slow at the same time and that is a first.

The Florida real estate market is in a real mess for a number of reasons.

1. Cost of homeownes insurance is driving many people to other states and killing many deals. Average cost $4,000 to $10,000 dollars a year.

2. In the Tampa Bay area over 41,000 homes for sale.

3. Prices have dropped off the map at this point and builders will offer just about anything to sell their homes.

The other thing that's a problem is I see many good appraisers with years of experience changing careers because of the money being offerered to do appraisals and telling me it has just changed to much to keep going.

I think I will try and hang in there for another year before I to may get out.

How many of you think 2008 will be better then 2007?

Jim Hill

 

[Don Clark]

I am trying to keep a positive outlook but for the first time in many years my appriasal business and my other two business are all slow at the same time and that is a first.

The Florida real estate market is in a real mess for a number of reasons.

1. Cost of homeownes insurance is driving many people to other states and killing many deals. Average cost $4,000 to $10,000 dollars a year.

2. In the Tampa Bay area over 41,000 homes for sale.

3. Prices have dropped off the map at this point and builders will offer just about anything to sell their homes.

The other thing that's a problem is I see many good appraisers with years of experience changing careers because of the money being offerered to do appraisals and telling me it has just changed to much to keep going.

I think I will try and hang in there for another year before I to may get out.

How many of you think 2008 will be better then 2007?

Jim Hill

Jim,

An article in our local newspaper last week was about the Arizona market, and specifically around Phoenix. The article stated that Arizona was the "new Florida" in terms of investors buying there instead of Florida. Housing prices are way down, and investors from the U.S., Canada and some other countries are buying there instead of in florida. But, having read many comments from Arizona appraisers, i don't know how much of that to believe. My youngest son moved there las year and hopes to buy a home there. He was offered a great deal on a new home with a buyout of the remainder of his 1 year lease on an apartment as well as other incentives.

I hope all your business's turn around. I hope my business picks up soon. I had a good December, but I hope 2008 will be great overall. So far in this month it has been quiet.

 

[Francois K. Gregoire]

After being involved in fee appraisal since 1977, in 2008 I plan to make my first bid for public office; Pinellas County Property Appraiser.

Due to policies in place here in Florida, my filing and campaigning is delayed for a bit, but the official announcement and roll-out will be soon.

 

[Judy Whitehead (Florida)]

I am real excited for you, Frank. Keep us posted!

 

[Wendy]

Woohoo! Frank!

 

[Thomas N. Morgan]

Frank,

I'm glad to see you make that move. I am aware that you do know something about elective politics. You worked in the election campaign for Jeb Bush, as I recall. It is likely that that you see some deficiency, or weaknesses in the office of Property Appraiser as it is now operating.

Tax Appraising, as some call it, is one of my interests. I have served four successive years (2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007) as Special Magistrate to the Marion County (Florida) Value Adjustment Board. I was employed in the office of Property Appraiser as Administrative Assistant from 1975 to 1979. I think the current office-holder in Marion County does a very good job.

Would like to exchange ideas with you at some point. The job you seek is a very important one.

 

[Patti Jury]

Richard...Best Wishes and sorry to hear about your loss.
You are one of the best of the forum.

As far as my plans...I will either win the lottery/powerball or I will find a very rich, tall, dark and handsome man who travels a lot...leaving me to just continue being a single fun loving woman. Oh sure.. I expect him to be home at least 2 weekends out of the year...but he can't go fishing with me or even camping...those times are only reserved for my dog.

Other than that....no major changes...LOL

No really... I took the courses and passed the test before the deadline.

What really bothered me about the whole recent process was the ability of trainees to jump a license level with no real practical experience. Basically putting them on the same level with folks like ourselves with years and years of experience. No offense..but that scares the hell out of me and I therefore don't see any real change in this profession as a result.

I will look for niches...as I have always done and limit the fee work...as I have always done. I think it is time for experienced appraisers to take stock and hide in the wings for awhile until the dust clears from this most recent (IMHO) disturbing trend.

Best Wishes....And if you ever make it to Colorado.. I know of at least 2 fishing friends you can look up!

 

[Don Clark]

After being involved in fee appraisal since 1977, in 2008 I plan to make my first bid for public office; Pinellas County Property Appraiser.

Due to policies in place here in Florida, my filing and campaigning is delayed for a bit, but the official announcement and roll-out will be soon.

Frank,

I only wish I was in Florida so I could campaign for you. Best wishes and I hope you win.

 

[Steve Forstner]

I've been kicking around this business since 1976. That's a long time. Long enough to know that things will swing back the other way again. We just have to hang on for another year or so and give the market a chance to recover.

Meanwhile, I've taken this opportunity to go back to college part-time. Might as well get some use out of the slow down.

 

[Don Clark]

I've been kicking around this business since 1976. That's a long time. Long enough to know that things will swing back the other way again. We just have to hang on for another year or so and give the market a chance to recover.

Meanwhile, I've taken this opportunity to go back to college part-time. Might as well get some use out of the slow down.

That sounds good Steve. But at 71 I don't even buy green bananas or put things on law away.

But, I am optimistic. I I keep saying "Things are great in 08 long enough, it may come to be true.