Who moved my cheese?   And, what’s that got to do with a bus tour?

You may have read this book. It’s the story of four characters living in a "Maze" who face unexpected change when they discover their "Cheese" has disappeared. The story tells how these four characters each adapt to change in their "Maze" or “Work Environment” differently. One of the characters does not adapt at all.

Now, you could say that this sounds like it would apply to today’s real estate market. True enough, but when you think of the appraisers and residents of Hurricane Katrina, the meaning of book comes alive.    How does an appraiser determine value after a catastrophic event like this? How does a town recover? Where do you start? Who are the major players?

As the bestselling author Spencer Johnson M.D. writes in “Who moved my cheese?”, it’s not easy. Some adapted, some did not. On the Intercorp Katrina/9th Ward Bus Tour being offered in New Orleans the day prior to the start of Valuation Expo 2009 this November, local experts will address these issues. They’ll tell the story about the economic impact and affects Hurricane Katrina had on the New Orleans real estate market. The bus tour will go from the River to the Lake to see the different neighborhoods. Guests will also have a chance to see some of the neighborhoods that were devastated by Katrina, while a representative from Habitat for Humanity will detail the efforts being made to restore the city and specifically Musicians’ Village and the 9th Ward. View the rebuilding progress that has been, and continues to be, made there. From the sultry history of the French Quarter to the majesty of St. Charles Avenue’s stately mansions, this is a thorough and fascinating introduction to the endless variety of sights found in the “Big Easy.” Although many were saying “Who moved my cheese?”, the local residents and lovers of New Orleans joined together to prove that their city would adapt and overcome. It’s a story worth telling and a definitely a story worth hearing.

For additional information click on Katrina/9th Ward Bus Tour from the ValuationExpo.com Schedule page.   This bus tour is being sponsored by Intercorp, who specializes in finding insurance and risk transfer solutions where others may find the job difficult or impossible. It is their passion for problem solving that makes this event so worthwhile for them.

NOTICE:  To All Valuation Expo Attendees:   FHA offering free three hour update on the FHA Basics for Appraisers:

On Monday, November, 9th, 2009, HUD is offering a free three hour course to update to Valuation Expo Conference Attendees on eligibility requirements for the FHA Appraiser Roster and on-line application process. Several members of the FHA team will be available to answer questions on appraisal reviews and compliance monitoring, FHA appraisal reporting requirements including the Standards of practice and common deficiencies, the new 1004MC, the URAR/1004, manufactured home appraisal report/1004C, the individual condominium unit appraisal report/1073 and the small residential income property appraisal report/1025. FHA will discuss the Minimum Property Standards (MPS) as they apply to new construction properties and existing homes. This is your opportunity to get the facts straight from the horse’s mouth. There will be no second hand information available here.

For General Registration and CE information ...
Contact Karen Connolly,
karen@appraisalbuzz.com or (513) 490-0226