Neighborhood” seems like an obvious choice for analysis. But is it? (Part 5 of a series.) The knee-jerk reaction to this question is that obviously we need it. It is a starting core of analysis. It’s what we were taught. It’s required for our license test. Leaving out a neighborhood section (form or narrative) would […]
Editor’s Note: This is Part 6 of the series on Neighborhood. We’re told we should analyze a neighborhood. This is mostly a residential concept. For non-residential appraisal the focus is often a “district” – a group of similar property uses. (Rather than a group of complementary uses.) In previous Analogue Blogs, we have looked at […]
Current efforts in the regulation of appraisal quality and fairness are fettered by obsolete appraisal methods. Traditional appraisal methods were designed to tackle sparse, subjective, non-electronic data. These vintage practices enable bias, hinder diversity initiatives, and conceal risk quantification. We have written about the “Five Frictions” hindering improvement in regulated appraisal valuation. Most other valuation […]
Around 1986, licensing and education efforts started – in order to “help prevent another crisis” like the Savings and Loan meltdown of those mid-1980’s. Effectively, the standards of the professional appraisal organizations were adopted in a joint effort of those groups. Then the “congressionally authorized” non-profit Appraisal Foundation took over licensing as well as standards […]
Personal change is difficult. I like my old comfy chair. A new chair must be broken in. Uncomfortable! But the new chair does stuff. New stuff. It has automatic, adjustable features. It has memory foam, a heating pad, and hot and cold cup holders. And a remote control with 27 buttons which can control room […]
Change. It’s clear that appraisal, as a vocation, has changed. Many appraisers are considering new careers. Others are preparing to meet new demands. Yet others are doing . . . nothing. Which mind are you? Escape. Retool. Or be in denial. I have taught with Valuemetrics.info for over 17 years now. And was on the […]
Biased Appraisals: A Cause or Symptom? In biology, there is a distinction between “proximate cause” and “ultimate cause.” In appraisology, the proximate (immediate) cause of valuation bias is the appraiser’s opinion. – For example, the appraiser reporting a “too high” number shows the ‘impact’ proximate bias. The ultimate (underlying) cause of this bias might be […]
Resolved: I am going to do better this year. Done! Each new year, most of us give some thought to how the next year might be better or different from last year. We set some intentions. We call these “Resolutions.” Or not. What’s wrong with this pledge to self? Lets look. You have to ask […]
Is thinking necessary? Are there different types of thinking? Can I avoid thinking about this? As the appraisal profession transitions to data analysis methods – we discover that judgment becomes more important – not less important. In fact, it does require we think about thinking! Let’s go! We can contrast a critical thought process with […]
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 […]
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: […]
Who you knew was important when I was a trainee. What you knew was simple: compare comps. Find some comps. Make adjustments. Or — avoid adjustments. (My expert MAI trainer said “if you make adjustments, then the other attorney will ask you how you got the number.” “Just say better, worse, or similar!) Finding comps […]
We compared what you know with who you know in part 1 – in the context of diversity (or lack thereof) in the appraisal profession. In the past many appraisers entered the profession because they were born into it or married into it. A third path was to become an admin assistant (or secretary), learn […]
It’s easier to get paid if your service provides a real value. Old expectations, or new client expectations? Are you an “old way” appraiser? — or a “new way” appraiser? To see yourself, it may be good to observe what real value our appraisal customers want. The Old Way: Appraisal meant the customer had to […]
Pick comps, make adjustments are the “recognized methods and techniques” which must be “correctly” used by appraisers. Originally, the practice was just “find comps and reconcile.” Some hundred years ago, the main task of an appraiser (usually also the local broker) was to track down sales. This involved phone calls to agents, people they knew, […]