Appraisal Buzz interview with Edward L Miano, SRA, AppraisalCoach.com

Buzz:  Ed, Welcome to AppraisalBuzz.  Tell us about Appraisal Coach, what is it exactly?

Ed:  AppraisalCoach® is a unique concept, conceived for appraisers who have a desire to be the best they can be.  AppraisalCoach® was created to help mentor, inform, educate and guide appraisers, we can help you develop your professional skills and empower you with the confidence to succeed and excel in the appraisal profession. In conjunction with the site, we publish a blog and a forum; both called “Better Appraisers”.

Buzz:  Appraisal Coach sounds exciting, something I think many younger appraisers and trainees can benefit from, especially today.

Ed:  Exactly.  AppraisalCoach® was developed to bridge the gap between what conventional appraisal education and the current workplace environment do not provide. 

I think resources such as AppraisalBuzz are great. You are covering the broader issues that affect the appraisal profession; I applaud that, as you are doing it quite well. Our focus is on the day-to-day issues, how to measure a house, get a sticky assignment completed properly, etc.

AppraisalCoach® provides appraisers and trainees with real time, real advice, specific to their issue, whether it is general day to day “how-to” stuff, a current tricky assignment, career counseling.  We help them develop the skills and habits necessary to perform and compete at the top of the appraisal profession.  Appraisers today must be better educated, informed and enlightened.  Especially now in an environment where appraisers are being forced to compete in an ever evolving marketplace that seems to want to put less value on the experience and wisdom of a hands on professional.  As AVMs continue to gain ground, and free online valuation tools become available to the masses, appraisers more than ever need the skills and insight to be able to differentiate themselves from the pack and demonstrate their relevance.

Buzz:  How does AppraisalCoach differ from other seminars and traditional Appraisal Education?

Ed:  AppraisalCoach®is meant to be a supplement to traditional appraisal education and experience, not a substitute.   We believe you need all 3. 

Buzz:   What specific plans and services do you offer?

Ed:  We provide a number of service options ranging from our Single Issue “Hotline”, and Appraisal Review Package, all the way through ongoing mentoring and coaching, available in hourly increments.  I recommend that you visit our website www.appraisalcoach.com to learn more about our services and their benefits. 

Buzz:  So, if an appraiser had just one nagging question, they could contact you?

Ed:   Absolutely.  In fact we designed a simple Hotline service for just that purpose.  And you don’t have to be an appraiser.  We accept calls from lenders, brokers, homeowners, anyone with an appraisal question.  For a small fee, you can call or email a question or issue, and we will respond within 24 hrs, but usually sooner.  This is invaluable tool to help appraisers resolve any open issues on current assignments. 

Buzz:  How does this differ from advice in the online forums that are out there?

Ed:    Let me say, I think appraiser forums are great, we have one.  I think they serve a purpose, but like all things in life, you get what you pay for, and sometimes, free advice while well intended, is not always the best solution.  Another issue with forums is that there seems to be an element of cynicism and hazing that goes on that is just not conducive to younger appraisers learning.  Appraisers are an opinionated lot, after all that’s we are paid for, our opinions, and there are no shortage of unsolicited opinions in the forums.  

Buzz:  Is personal coaching expensive?

Ed:  No. AppraisalCoach®is designed to be affordable but it is not a mass-market product like a piece of software or a book.  It is individualized, personal, one on one attention.  There is simply nothing like it in the appraisal profession.  For the equivalent cost of maybe 1 or 2 assignments, you may be able to increasing your earning power by 10, 20, 50 maybe 100%. You cannot put a price on that.

Buzz:  Is everything you offer remote or do you offer live training?

Ed:  Yes we also offer live seminars, including a two-day guerrilla program in which we complete an assignment as a group from order taking, though inspection, writing and delivery. It is like a mini “boot camp” for appraisers.

Buzz:  Ed this sounds like something appraisers could really benefit from.  How does one get started with Appraisal Coach?

Ed:  Getting started is simple. With just one click, you can be hours away from getting the help and support you need, whether it’s a 10 minute call to clarify an issue or it’s a program of ongoing support, we can help.  Interested appraisers and trainees are encouraged to visit our website at www.AppraisalCoach.com.  From there you can link to the rest of the “Better Appraisers” community”; the blog, the forum, the Yahoo group.

Buzz:  The “Better Appraisers” Community? 

Ed:   Yes, the philosophybehind  “Better Appraisers” is to create a community comprised up of appraisers dedicated to “doing things right”.  It’s about strength of character.  I believe there should be a means to readily differentiate the many hardworking appraisers out there who want to this job the right way and I think the term “Better Appraisers” is appropriate for that purpose.  We have set up our own forum, www.BetterAppraisers.com.  It’s a place for appraisers to communicate share knowledge and information and as well to socialize in non-appraisal related discussions.  I want to raise the level of discourse, but in addition want it to be fun and useful as well as smart. There is even a place to post photos; family photos, vacation spots, crazy things seen on the job, etc.  Our slogan is “changing the world, one report at a time.

Thanks, Ed.

Edward L. Miano, SRA
AppraisalCoach®

www.AppraisalCoach.com

www.BetterAppraisers.com