Anna DeMoss: Appraisals

"Because of federal privacy regulations, I cannot comment on the issues and expectations of this client. I can only say that I will not and cannot bend rules nor use techniques not considered applicable by professional standards. I also would note that the report was NOT late and I did not return calls because the client left abusive messages on my phone. I discussed this with his attorney who had actually hired me and asked him to have his client not call me again."

"(consumer name withheld per their request) when I emailed you the appraisal I noted that if you had any questions you were welcome to call me. Not having received a call from you, I had no idea that you were not pleased with the outcome. I would have been happy to explain the process of comparing the subject to the most similar and most recent sales. As for the lake view -- which is visible as you drive up to your house and also from across the street when you look to the side -- this view is considered more a subdivision/community amenity. If your house backed up to the lake as did two of the comparable sales in the appraisal, it would have then become a lakefront view that exceeded the overall subdivision features. While this was a private appraisal for you I adhere to the same ethics and standards as if appraising for a lender: I do not shoot for a specified value -- high or low -- but for the most applicable value for your property. I am glad you were able to use the appraisal to renegotiate your final price."

"Ozzie, I would expect you to recall that I came to the house to do the inspection the day you called me. We discussed that day that we do not take credit cards. We never discussed cash. You promised to mail me a check that evening. That was on Thursday, 3/30. On Monday, 4/3, you contacted me and said you had forgotten to mail it and that you were doing it right then. Because I had not received payment, I was not able to provide and ship a report. While you too seem to be a nice person, I do not extend credit. On Friday you called and asked for the report. I explained that I still did not have a check. You then hand delivered the check Friday afternoon and I produced and shipped your appraisal over the weekend. The check that you said you had mailed on that Monday finally arrived, however it was both dated and postmarked Wednesday, 4/6. So, frankly, I do not understand your taking offense. You had to push your closing because you did not follow through with payment as promised on Thursday or the following Monday. I am glad you were pleased with the appraisal product."