This article was originally posted here. For additional articles by Dustin Harris visit his website. There are still a few hold outs who insist that a clipboard and pencil trump a tablet or smartphone in the field. The following information is not to convince you to go mobile (I have many previous articles on that subject), but if you are …

This article was originally posted here. For additional articles by Dustin Harris visit his website. On a regular basis, I receive messages from individuals who want to become real estate appraisers. After finding my website, they reach out to me – sometimes in desperation – for advice or leads to help them achieve their goals. Here is an example (used …

This article was originally published in the Second Edition Spring 2016 Appraisal Buzz Magazine. It is one thing to be the best appraiser in your area. It is quite another to simultaneously run a successful business. So, how does one wear the two crucial hats of both technician and CEO effectively? Here are five steps to correctly build and maintain a …

I hear it from various appraisers all the time, “We have not had a raise in 20 years! We are being paid the same amount per appraisal now as we were when I first started in this business.” The funny thing is that it is said as if appraisers have no ability to control their own prices. Ever hear of …

It seems like every few months there is news of another AMC shutting its doors and leaving appraisers unpaid for their appraisal services. I recently heard of yet another one in Washington State. Every time it happens, I send a frantic note to my office staff that sounds something like, “Will you check our database to see if this company …

Procedures and methodologies that allow for better efficiencies in the appraisal office are important. As a business owner, understanding time equals money is crucial. Anything that can improve the ability to do more with less (even in small doses) will pay off in the long run. Here are three suggestions to consider when setting up and maintaining a well oiled …

I have a small, single-family rental property.  Recently, the house was vacant and in need of some flooring work. A home inspector once gave me some sage advice.  “If you aren’t familiar with the potential companies you want to hire, always get at least three bids,” he counseled, “then, go with the middle one.  That way, you do not pay …

We are hearing more and more about alternative valuation products such as desktop or computer assisted valuations, or “evalutions”.  It seems to be a taboo subject among appraisers, but we needn’t be fearful.  Here are seven common myths surrounding the subject of alternative valuation products: They are Not USPAP Compliant Actually, this is not a myth.  It is a fact. …