Appraise This

I was pleased to attend the AI Summer Conference this year.  I learned a lot and talked with some great people.

Greg Harding from the OREA (Office of Real Estate Appraisers) gave updates on typical mistakes made by appraisers.  It was good to hear some of the stuff that is getting appraisers in trouble - and knowing I haven't been making the same mistakes!!!

Jim Glickman presented information on how bonds can effect the value of properties.  In a Community Facilities District (areas with Mello-Roos taxes), the CFD is senior lienholder.  So, if the special taxes are delinquent the CFD may foreclose on the property - and the lender loses more than they bargained for!

Garrick Brown from Colliers International made jokes about being called Dr. Doom or some such thing.  He was there describing the grim outlook for commercial real estate.  And the economy as a whole.  If he knows his pants from his shirt (and he was dressed nicely) then we are in for a double-dip recession...  Bummer.  But Garrick gave a great talk and even some hope for the future (after 2010...)

I think I may be a USPAP geek - my favorite part was the Spotlight on USPAP - Appraisal Review.  Dawn Molitor-Gennrich gave a great presentation.  And, since Appraisal Review is my favorite assignment, I really loved it!  And I felt really good about my appraisal skills - I have not been making the "commonly made errors"!  http://www.barnesfamilyappraisal.com/Review

Finally, we learned a bit about Appraising for Tax Appeals.  Bob Rubin from McDonough Holland & Allen pc led us through some of the special requirements and gave a great deal of information about the process.  It was great to get some more information on the subject, especially since I am on a personal mission to educate homeowners on their ability to appeal their tax based on a value decrease.  http://www.barnesfamilyappraisal.com/TaxAssessment