What Changes - Personally?

[Francois K. Gregoire]

Frank,

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

Thanks to you, Don, and all the other folks with the expressions of support.

 

[Ray Miller]

I can see it now? It all started as running for the county appraiser. Then on to the county Chairman, wait, Now it on to the Gov's office and in 20 years he will be in Iowa in January, on the Late Night Show the night before. in less then a year he will then be President. :new_multi:


Good luck in your bid for office. Will you have any job opening for ole forum buddies????????

 

[Francois K. Gregoire]

Ray,

Given my age and area of expertise, it's unlikely a position other than the one in my sights now is in my future. However, I've learned to never say never:icon_wink:.

There is a substantial staff for the county property appraiser's office. Obviously, it's not proper to imply or suggest any favorable treatment to individuals or groups of individuals when seeking (or in) office.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Less appraising more consulting (Oil & Gas)
May buy back a few cows & cut back on the hay production
No mortgage brokers
No private parties I don't know
Enough is enough

 

[Steve Forstner]

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.

If you believe that investment commercial on TV, 50 is the new 40, which means you really are only 61.

 

[Don Clark]

If you believe that investment commercial on TV, 50 is the new 40, which means you really are only 61.

Now Steve, as a good appraiser I always tell them that my effective age is 35 And, I REALLY don't see myself as old, just "seasoned".

 

[ockyappraiser]

Don, I would appreciate some more of your insight. I am 51. I have been appraising 9 years. I owned several companies before that. i got in to appraising to return to working from home. . .no employees. . .no board members. . .no attorneys. . .no partners.

I also got in to it as a future retirement move. I currently do about 30-35 appraisals per month. I hope to cut back in about 10 years to just 3-5 appraisals per week. Hunt and fish the rest of the time.

I have found the best way to make it through this business cycle is to work with integrity and give better customer service than my competitors. The appraisers that are pushing values are gradually leaving around here as they are showing up on cut off lists, etc. Most of us are not taking on trainees. Also, a lot of the newer appraisers aer getting out as they do not hae the customer base some of the more establisehd appraiers do. And frankly, some of the newer ones do not have the work ethic some of us "older guys" do. I start at 6:30 in the morning and often work up to 9 PM. Busienss down? Go out and call on offices! The next president is not going to save us.

 

[Don Clark]

Don, I would appreciate some more of your insight. I am 51. I have been appraising 9 years. I owned several companies before that. i got in to appraising to return to working from home. . .no employees. . .no board members. . .no attorneys. . .no partners.

I also got in to it as a future retirement move. I currently do about 30-35 appraisals per month. I hope to cut back in about 10 years to just 3-5 appraisals per week. Hunt and fish the rest of the time.

I have found the best way to make it through this business cycle is to work with integrity and give better customer service than my competitors. The appraisers that are pushing values are gradually leaving around here as they are showing up on cut off lists, etc. Most of us are not taking on trainees. Also, a lot of the newer appraisers aer getting out as they do not hae the customer base some of the more establisehd appraiers do. And frankly, some of the newer ones do not have the work ethic some of us "older guys" do. I start at 6:30 in the morning and often work up to 9 PM. Busienss down? Go out and call on offices! The next president is not going to save us.

Mark,

Sounds like you have plenty of insight yourself, without any of mine. I truly like what I do, and as retired military, I have a work routine similar to yours. I just cannot get over showing up a few minutes early for appointments, and always trying to give more than 100%. I could retire but then I would have nothing to do. Legs and knees to bad to hunt. Love to fish but that gets old after awhile. I long ago diversified into teaching and do that for a local school and on the road when I get a chance. I use to teach for McKissock. They are the best in CE and live courses on the road. I miss that but after over 5 years of doing that and appraising full time I needed to back off. I would take an opportunity to do that on occassion tho. I hate being slow. I really loved the period of recent "Irrational Exuberance". I was very busy and loved every minute of it.

Mark, this down period won't last. Since 1972 I have seen many down and up cycles in real estate. We will survive this one too.

 

[Ray Miller]

Also, a lot of the newer appraisers aer getting out as they do not hae the customer base some of the more establisehd appraiers do. And frankly, some of the newer ones do not have the work ethic some of us "older guys" do. I start at 6:30 in the morning and often work up to 9 PM. Busienss down? Go out and call on offices! The next president is not going to save us.

See this more and more in all business. It appears to be what can I get with the least effort.

 

[ockyappraiser]

Thanks Don. . .have you ever taught in KY? I thought I recognized your name as I have taken several McKissock courses.