Appraisers' Free Forum

Timothy Evans · Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 2:47 pm Post subject:

I am happy to see that the general consensus on here is that answering the question without bullying is the correct thing to do. The next time I read a post elsewhere where the poster says...WHERE IS YOUR MENTOR, WHAT DOES HE SAY...THAT IS A BASIC QUESTION...YOU SHOULDN'T BE DOING THAT KIND OF REPORT, YOU AREN'T QUALIFIED/LICENSED TO DO IT...ETC... I think I will crawl through my computer and strangle that arrogant ass who forgets they were once new, and uninformed and looking for the light. Ticks me off to no end.

**SusieH** · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:03 pm Post subject:

Mako · Member Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Posts: 849

**Edd Gillespie** · Certified General Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 2282

I am still concerned with whether the forum should be the sole source of support and information needed to become proficient in the profession, or if you are TC, the business. I agre that newbies, and anyone who asks a question, should be treated with respect and deserves an honest and helpful response. But then what? Most of us need mentoring or supervision of some kind. Do we not have some responsibility to encourage or insist that the student find additional help?

I think we do, and that justifies the mentor comment to me, but does not make it the exclusive appropriate response.
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Edd “In the real estate economy, there are no guarantees that reason will prevail in a market where emotions run high and the amount of misinformation runs deep.” Jonathan Miller in The Matrix. So what’s an appraiser to do?

DB · Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 7:18 pm Post subject:

I don't hink that this or any other forum should be the sole source of anything ... but it is a good thing to gather the opinions of your peers .. and if not your peers, at least those that know more or have been active in the profession longer than you have ...

These forums should provide additional information and moral support, but should not be the "sole" of anything for anyone .... but that is JMO ....
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**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

I agree with both Mako and DB. The forum can be a very good source of premiliminary information, or possibly a verification of data, but, as some on here do, which I found very good, they reference books/courses to help further research something.
I'd never view a forum as the be all and end all of resource, and, hopefully, any of the people who post on here will realize that this is one source.
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**Edd Gillespie** · Certified General Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 2282

OK, let me put it this way. Should we start a mentoring program so we have someone to refer these newbies to? The AI chapter is trying here, but isn't getting a lot of takers. One problem is that our margins have become so razor thin that newbies can't afford a mentor. That is a direct result of offering "affordable and quick" appraisals and at the same time pumping poorly trained baby appraisers into the pipeline as if there was some sort of shortage. Bad stuff, it is.

Should we offer mentoring for free?

Is anyone taking advantage of the peer review program?
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Edd “In the real estate economy, there are no guarantees that reason will prevail in a market where emotions run high and the amount of misinformation runs deep.” Jonathan Miller in The Matrix. So what’s an appraiser to do?

**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

**Edd Gillespie** · Certified General Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 2282

OK,

Then the point of the thread is simply that we should be courteous and not play the mentor card. I'm in favor of that. It is fundamental. And otherwide the staus quo ante is preserved.
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Edd “In the real estate economy, there are no guarantees that reason will prevail in a market where emotions run high and the amount of misinformation runs deep.” Jonathan Miller in The Matrix. So what’s an appraiser to do?

**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

That is correct, Edd. I will rarely argue with a more experienced appraiser. I will ask for clarification when I have further questions, and more detailed information if deemed necessary, but no one on here is my mentor. I respect most everyone's opinions, and weigh the final decision I make carefully, but I know this is an information source, not a 'written in stone' source of information.
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Whoever thinks herding cats is impossible, has never walked with an open can of Tuna.

**Goodpasture** · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:00 am Post subject:

**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

I accept that correction and will remember it Greg. I've asked you enough questions on the phone and take it serious. Thanks for the clarification.
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Whoever thinks herding cats is impossible, has never walked with an open can of Tuna.

**Edd Gillespie** · Certified General Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 2282

I agree with Greg, Ben. You say you are in the process of modifying your definition of mentor to include what you get here. I agree with that and those who contribute should take seriously what it is they have to say by way of advice and discussion of issues.
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Edd “In the real estate economy, there are no guarantees that reason will prevail in a market where emotions run high and the amount of misinformation runs deep.” Jonathan Miller in The Matrix. So what’s an appraiser to do?

**benluby** · Certified Residential Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 1576

As I said, I fully agree with both. Greg and you are correct. I neglected the difference between a mentor and a supervisor. Onine CE classes require a mentor, but not a supervisor, per se.
I forgot about that distinction. See? I learned something today. Thanks guys.
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Whoever thinks herding cats is impossible, has never walked with an open can of Tuna.

Mako · Member Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Posts: 849

Well...I have nearly two decades of experience, and I've I bunch of stored up information in my head I consider superfluous.

If you'd like it...give me a ring...it's takin up valuable space.

I gotta purge...I gotta purge!!!
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Is that Bob Dylan I hear? "The Times They Are A Changin."