Most homeowners have encountered an appraiser at one time or another. We’re generally not well-received and looked upon with skepticism. How could we possibly know what your house is really worth? And why do we need to look in your bathroom closet anyway?The real estate market is in dire straights these days. There are reports every day on the television, in the newspapers and on the Internet about how banks mismanaged funds, government legislated poorly, and people got in over their heads. How does the appraiser fit into this scheme? They are essential to every home sale or re-finance that occurs in the marketplace today. But does anybody ever really think about what an appraiser actually deals with on a daily basis?
Appraisers are pressured by loan officers to ‘appraise’ for a certain amount. We are compelled or bribed by the homeowner to give higher value so they will be able to pay their bills. Realtors go so far as to force comparable property information into our hands and demand that we overlook certain undesirable aspects of the home or location. At the same time the abject misery in which some homeowners live is not lost on the appraiser and we wrestle with our humanity and compassion versus our job ethics. It’s not an easy job, certainly it’s thankless.
This memoir didn’t really begin with a particular message in mind, but as I continued to write, the obvious angst I had toward the polarized sides of the industry came to the fore and the book slowly took on a personality of its own. Many of these stories illustrate how we, as humans, often forget that there are other aspects to daily living that many struggle with on a daily basis depending on good or bad fortune. Being an appraiser also demonstrated to me that those with ‘everything’ are often not as happy as those considered below the poverty line. I hope you enjoy reading The Part-Time Thief and Other Appraisal Stories whether or not you’re a part of the real estate industry.
Photo Credit: Amanda Smith
QUOTES
"This book should be required reading for every realtor. It gives insight into the difficult ethical decisions appraisers must make and for which most realtors have little empathy. Appraisers overcome incredible challenges and make tough decisions. At the end of the day many realtors have few compunctions asking appraisers to compromise their professionalism, ignore the analytical data and pad the numbers to accommodate the desired bottom-line. I've listened to realtors bad-mouth appraisers for years and often wonder if they've ever tried to walk in their shoes. This book has been sorely needed in an overall housing industry fraught with greed and dishonesty." ~ Becky Glewwe, Realtor, Edina Realty, MN
"I wish I had this book when I attended Appraisal School. It addresses so many situations that can't be covered in a classroom setting. Every appraisal student should be required to read this book." ~ Nathalie Carrigan, Appraiser, Arizona
“We, as loan officers often cringe with just the thought of dealing with an appraiser. This book gives pretty grim look at how we often forget that appraisers deal with the customer on a more personal and human level.” ~ Stephanie Otto, Loan Officer, Texas
“Who knew that appraising real estate could be a high-risk job? Some of these stories are hilarious, others touching and a few left me without words entirely. Susan did a great job.” Amanda Smith, Owner/Editor The Glenrock Bird Newspaper, Wyoming