Because the Appraisal profession is in trouble.
I have heard these words from many people. From inside the AI, and from those outside. From members of the ASA, and other national organizations and from the many growing local organizations (mostly residentially oriented).
Yet there is a need, a real need — for appraiser competence — for what appraisers know, believe, and can do. I have heard from many appraiser walks: politically, organizationally, personally questioning, and even showing loud disgust at what we have to do to make a living.
My hope for this blog, this forum, this place for community — is to provide you — and us — a place to connect, to exchange ideas, theories, thoughts and better ways.
The Appraisal profession has been good to me.
In 1983, I found a home where I could contribute, feel good about myself, and be financially successful. Now, being “semi-retired,” I don’t need to work anymore to lead a fairly fun life. We have season tickets for my alma mater football and basketball teams, and do scholarship fund-raising. I participate in a recovery program, where I am able to help others by sharing what I have gained from striving to lead a life of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. I work at integrity between the four aspects: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. If any one of these is out of balance, I experience dissonance, and tend to screw up. I don’t like screwing up.
The spirit of all this is: I need to give back. I need to give forward. This blog, this small community, is my attempt to do this, and encourage/enable others to do the same — if they have similar beliefs on life. My contribution is small, but important to me.
I do this because it makes me happy.
Let us know what you think.
March 29, 2017 @ 6:38 am
I hate going to work anymore after 35 years in a business I loved due to the issues caused by incompetent and fraudulent appraisers
March 29, 2017 @ 10:52 am
Well put George, and thanks for all you do to try to help this industry, and for all you have done helping me not only with appraisal but with the other four elements of our lives. Thanks for being my friend.
March 29, 2017 @ 5:24 pm
Hi George,
Thanks for your thoughts, I too, share your pride in being part of a profession that pays you for being honest! What could be a more satisfying way to make a living. You get to give your opinion and people have to pay you even if they don’e like the results. I have found the more honest you are with your opinions the more demand you create for your services. There is a large market for an honest and well analyzed and presented pinion of value of real estate.After 46 years of training appraisers I am still happy with my decision to enter this profession.
Keep up the good work!
Spence Powell, MAI, AI-GRS
1996 National President
Appraisal Institute
March 30, 2017 @ 10:25 pm
Thank you George for this blog and glad to hear you’re working to find balance.
April 5, 2017 @ 7:10 am
Thank you, George, for all that you do for the appraisal profession. I have taken one of your classes and regularly read your blog. Your wisdom and generosity are appreciated.
November 8, 2018 @ 6:23 am
Thanks for all you are doing George! It’s long overdue. I am looking forward to meeting you in January in Indiana.
January 2, 2019 @ 8:50 am
Thank you George. I am grateful to know you and be one of your students. After 40 years in appraisal, I still have a lot to learn. Thank you for being my teacher and inspiration to always be a better appraiser.