AppraisersUnion.com throws down the gauntlet!

[Richard Ferris]

I saw a news article about the AppraisersUnion.com site. The goal is to form some political action with regards to AMCs, etc.

I noticed on their home page they featured the water cooler - and I thought, "Great - cross publication!"

But the outlook about us Water Cooler boys and girls wasn't so happy. Here is the post from AppraisersUnion.com:

The Appraiser’s Water Cooler


One of the common places for appraisers to learn about current appraisal issues is The Appraisers Water Cooler. Appraisers talking among themselves is a great way to pick up on new trends. There are numerous websites where you can read articles about the Appraisal Business but the information is sometime filtered or edited to give a one sided point of view.

If your at The Appraisers Water Cooler talking with someone that is only interested in his or her own point of veiw it can be frustrating. These kind of people are never satisfied. The sad thing is they ramble on about what’s wrong with the industry but they are not willing to do anything to help change things. They babble about the good old days and how AMCs have ruined the appraisal business but when it comes to doing something they simply hide behind their desks and tell you about what needs to be done. Some of them write articles or post replies to articles about appraisal news and that’s a nice service, but most of them are interested in self promotion and what’s in it for them. To those old timers crowding The Appraisers Water Cooler I say grow a set of balls and do something. Do something to help the industry. Do something to help your neighbor. Do something to serve your GOD. Stop moaning about the problem and do something.

If you are one of those old birds don’t feel insulted. Stop drinking so much water. If you feel like you need to hang out at The Appraisers Water Cooler and tell other appraisers what they are doing wrong it’s probably not your fault you most likely have other issues. Don’t worry there is always counseling.

My suggestion is for the smarter more educated Appraisers to ignore these kind of people. Most of them are too old to help matters. They stand around The Appraisers Water Cooler because most Appraisers don’t like them and they are looking for someone new to listen to their old banter.


This entry was posted on Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 6:15 am.
Categories: Appraisal News.

[Tim Ferguson]

Ok, I am an old timer, I do complain and probably will always complain. They state for us old timers to grow a set of balls and do something. They should practice what they preach. Their website is just like anyother website. It does not look like they are doing anything either. Just a bunch of articles I can find here or on anyother website.

[Kat Bryce]

Gosh did they mistake the Water Cooler with the Appraisersforum? No offense to fans of the forum but that is where you hear the moaning. Little of that here. Gosh.

Kat

[Richard Ferris]

I posted a reply to the AppraisersUnion.com site. If their idea is to bring appraisers together, I am all for challenging people to get involved. But belittling people is not very motivating either. Our industry is fractured enough and we need some unity. I will support any forum which brings appraisers together to raise standards. I hope they take a lesson from sites like the Water Cooler which intend to do just that.

There is complaining in any forum for sure. I am sure there is even some here. But we also have a lot of discussions about raising the standards of our industry as well - something which will better us all in the long run!

[Cynthia]

I do not agree with this appraisersunion.com post but it does call us to take note of our content, it's a good idea to note an issue in a positive tone with a suggested solution, complaining for complaining sake rarely does any good and brings those around us down. I love what Brian has done here, positive content and it appears to me this site allows for opinions from all sides. I'm not a pollyanna but constructive comments and helping others is what I saw this site all about. Negitivity will run off the folks that are here to help.

[Kenneth J. Miller]

I checked out their website and wasn't impressed enough to send in my dues money for a membership. Brian, you should have designations for all the members. You could make it even more confusing than the AppraisersUnion website. Just think of all the money you could make from the 500+ members you have. You could retire early even. P.S. Do I need a AARP card to be a member here? I'm 30+ years away from retiring.

[Brian Davis]

Cynthia - You're right. The Appraisers Water Cooler is an open "social networking" site where ALL are welcome. There are no membership restrictions or rules (beyond those of our host Ning.com) These are tough times and we're going to have to pull together to overcome some of the adversity that's going to continue to come our way. Ideas is what it's all about.

Kenneth - Hmmmm? Yeah . . .THAT'S the ticket! Some sort of prestigious Appraisers Water Cooler "Certification" that I could charge $20 bucks for? You know . . .the old "what's in it for me" attitude. (tongue-in-cheek)

30 years until retirement? . . . What are you doing here??!!! (wink) You should be out working to support all the dried-up, has-been, do-nothing appraisers that are just hanging on until their social security kicks in!!

[Steve Timper]

I will say it again:

I have started my letter writing campaign. I was told by someone I respect in government that the best way we can all get out of this hole it to write our legislators in DC and the State level about the history of Cuomo with the AMC's and before at the helm of HUD when he help implemented the so called, "stated income" liar loans.

Please see the attached graphic. I call on all real estate appraisers, write your congress men and women, and let us shed some light on our problem. Download the graphic and send it to all of our legislators.

If you need any history see my Open Letter to Pres. Obama in this forum.

Please call all of your licensed appraiser relatives and friends there are over 100,000 of us, if we get even 5,000 letters on the corruption involved in HVCC maybe we can avert the next housing crisis.

Thanks, FHA Steve