The seminal appraisal model was espoused by George Schmutz in the 1940’s. His “appraisal process” followed the works of others starting in 1927 with Arthur Mertzke who translated economic principles to the unique economic features of real estate. Those works presented “systematic procedures” for applying the three traditional approaches to value. Editor’s Note: Find Part […]
Time adjustments have long been required as good appraisal practice. On the residential side, they are required in guidelines issued by FannieMae and FreddieMac (the GSEs). Unfortunately, the requirement for time adjustments (“market conditions”) has been ignored by the lenders selling to the GSEs (Government Sponsored Enterprises). Why? Editor’s Note: Read Part 1 of this […]
How did this “official” ROV process happen? We used to just swim, now we have a rowboat and an oar! Editor’s Note: To read the entire Row, Row, ROV series, and a few more posts on Reconsideration of Value, click here. ROV (Reconsideration of Value) is ostensibly motivated by bias issues, as well as other […]
“Ya gotta show your work,” my third-grade teacher said. “But I got the answer right!” said I. “Ya gotta support your adjustments,” they say. “But I’m credible!” say I. Incredible. Why are we harangued to “support” our adjustments? Why are we sold one form after another of magical adjustment calculators? Another enchanted $129 class to […]
ROV (Reconsideration of Value) is now in the boat. Is it safe? We suspect this will be a long row to get to the chosen island. Just row! It is likely this topic will be the focus of more of our “analog blog” series. To read part one of this series or other blog post […]
It is easy to be critical. Harder to be “right.” In order to be really right, it is important to know how to be very critical! Critical thinking is a professional must. Rule #1: Remember that imposing your belief comes first. Rule #2: How you got to your starting position doesn’t really matter. Rule #3: […]
A better ROV! Please reconsider the direction of your boat. Try this bigger oar. And use it only on the right side of the boat. Appraisers have long been asked to “reconsider” their opinion. Now we have a more official “standardized process” which affects appraisers, lenders, AMCs, GSEs, and of course, the borrower. This part […]
Will there be a need for traditional “appraisal” in 5 years? We think not. Some 25 years ago, I was education chair for my Appraisal Institute Chapter. Our ‘custom’ seminar considered the topic of technology replacing appraisers. The conclusion was, especially for residential appraisal, that AVMs would take a great market share. Worse yet, because […]
Biased thinking, biased analysis — a part of the appraisal process? The Appraisal Institute is starting to address some bias-related critical issues — head on. Cindy Chance, the CEO of the AI, in her recent posts noted the role of human bias as a natural phenomena of the survival of the species. She cited the […]
The second of our “foibles” in USPAP may be from that same paragraph on page (ii), noted last week. This paragraph effectively sets the mission statement for the Appraisal Foundation. The paragraph is titled: “ABOUT THE APPRAISAL FOUNDATION.” It states the AF provides “guidance on recognized valuation methods and techniques for all valuation professionals.” [Emphases […]
The USPAP (Appraisal Standards) publication starts with a self-telling paragraph titled: “ABOUT THE APPRAISAL FOUNDATION.” This paragraph presents the Appraisal Foundation’s self-claimed place as “the nation’s foremost authority on the valuation profession.” This “foremost” claim immediately places it in contention with other governmental and professional standards. The declared self-image conflicts with the reality. Alternative and […]
“A new valuation modeling paradigm” are the words used by the late Dr. Marv Wolverton. He is the author of the Appraisal Institute’s book on statistics for appraisers. He created the term in a response to my peer-reviewed Appraisal Journal article: “Common Statistical Errors and Mistakes: Valuation and Reliability.” The article itself can be summed […]
Appraiser education is about a proven and “well-established” process! Developed nearly 100 years ago! The idea is to balance demand on supply, then explain where the subject fits. 1930s: Find some comps, compare, conclude. 2000s: Pick some comps, adjust to fit, conclude. Yesterday: Pick good comps, adjust, adjust, conclude. The embedded old ways obstruct modern […]
Transaction costs are added to every property transaction. Is this add-on a fair addition to the fundamental, intrinsic value a buyer gets? Is it part of the value of the home? Or is it something else? Is this a public policy issue? Is it an appraisal issue? And, is it yet one more question about […]
Accuracy measures how close is a value to the true/actual value. Who cares? Accuracy is a professed desire of most users of valuation services. However, today’s conflicted regulations, legacy practices, and obsolete standards — do not have accuracy as a goal! The overarching goal of appraisal today is not “be accurate” — it is “be […]
