Soap Box Rant

Idiot Appraisers or Why HVCC is worthless

The last two weeks I have had to deal with an appraisal problem that has really brought the problem with real estate to new heights with me. In 2009 there was a new law put in effect that makes it illegal for me to contact an appraiser. It's more complicated than that but that is the basic result. I had an appraisal completed and it came in ridiculously low. I appealed and provided new comparables. It was rejected yesterday basically because the appraiser doesn't have make changes if he uses comparables within the law.

Now here is my problem. Because the appraiser has already been paid, is not contactable (it can be harassment if I do it to influence the value), and has no interest in the results he is done. We should all be concerned with this type of appraiser. Since he did a slipshod job he has contributed to the current economic conditions staying low. How so you ask? By keeping property values lower than comparables say it should be there are fewer home owners who have the ability to refinance to take advantage of these historically low rates. Keeping the homeowners in higher rate loans restricts their cash flow which in turn effects the economy by having those same consumers unable to spend money that they are still having to use for their higher interest mortgage payment. So, the conclusion here? Appraisers need to keep to the one of the real estate use mottoes, "Highest and Best Use Always".

Guess it's over, Call it a day ...

Testing is over. Done. Finished. Whew. It was quite an adventure though.

I was due at the testing center - a dark, low story building built in the late '50's with dingy sky blue lower window coverings. Ugh. It was depressing to walk in to the building. NOTE: I am a nervous test taker so I over prepare and over worry about passing so as I'm entering the building my heart is pounding. I feel like I am sprinting (see http://www.blogspot.amrunnerca.com/) as I walk into the testing center.

I had to read over and agree to a full legal page of rules, put all of my belongings (including my watch?) into a locker, I couldn't even bring in my own tissues (really?). Then I met with the proctor, had to turn my pockets inside out and put my hands into my back pockets to show there was nothing there. I was doing this all in front of a man who was giggling at the absurdity of it which made me giggle which made me feel a little better.

I was given 2 hours to complete the first test - done in 1 hour 10 minutes. The last hour was with headphones on because the guy next to me was belching, no kidding, belching. 96% score.

When I came out I asked if I could take the other test sooner than my scheduled 1 pm she said sure so I went to the restroom and started the next test - mind you I had to go through the same entrance routine again - really?

Second test was 3 hours long - I finished in 1 hour 15 minutes. No belching guy this time. 87% score. The reason I got so low is because of the Ethics portion. I know what you're thinking, "Uh, yeah. You have an ethics problem.". In real estate the definition of ethics is "..the minimum society requires to avoid penalty.". No kidding. I am a disclose all and do more type of worker (thanks Dad!) so I answered as I would if I were to do things and not what the minimum required to do would be. Oh, well. I guess I have to lower my standards next time. (As if my Sunbeams would let me! CTR power!)

I just need to do fingerprinting and file one more form to be done.

I have thought this process is like shutting the barn door after the horses have gotten out. The people that this was supposed to target have; a) gotten out of the business because they made their money, duh, or b) not going to worry about a stupid license to do business - as if they did before. It all smacks of Big Brother to me.

Thanks Mr. Obama for making this all possible. Really. Thanks.

Two is a Magic Number

2 hands, 2 feet, 2 cents, 2 eyes, 2 many ... you get the picture... 2 days.... It is a magic number and I happen to be enjoying 2 today. I will like 1 as well but 2: I have time for; 1) a brief reflection (check) and 2) for forethought (and double check). I will have a moment, or two, tomorrow to think about what to say to my 2 co-workers as we part ways, two very nice and capable people. Live for 2-day but plan for 2-morrow. 2.

Workin' for a Living

I have been back in an office for 3 months today. I have been thinking about things I miss about working from home:

1. Doing laundry while on hold
2. Making bread while copying a loan file
3. Dinner started at 4:30 so we are eating by 6
4. Telling people that the owner IS a cry baby
5. Wearing jeans and a t-shirt almost daily (Jim likes my new outfits better but whatever)
6. Having to be seen by people other than those I want to be seen by
7. Talking to my sisters during the day!

I miss my prior life...sounds like I died.