Hey gang:

Sorry it has been a while since my last post. I have actually been pretty busy, not from volume, but rather from more and more complex properties that seem to be screaming my name. You know the ones: need three cost approaches to help a developer decide what to do with a high end lot; or the one that has direct adjacent location to not only to the highway, but the toll booth where all the big trucks have to gear down to stop (nothing like external obsolescence).

I am not complaining, just painting a picture for you, as I am thankful for what has continued to be a blessing, and that is surviving. So now you know where I have been, and I am back to remind you guys about a free "tool" available.

Many of you probably already are aware that it exists, but some may not. On yahoo! there is a yahoo group that is not endorsed or sponsored by a la mode, but is a great source to go on and share war stories, or ask questions. There is all kinds of information there, and it allows those of us who are all by ourselves to get a spin on something that we are having problems within an assignment, or to just vent about something or in many cases someone (insert mortgage lender that doesn't pay here).

I contribute occasionally, but mostly read it to see how my contemporaries are doing, and to see if there is anything going on that I need to know about.

Again, a la mode does not sponsor the group, but if you join you will see a few of the guys from the company keep tabs on what folks are saying and such.

Here's hoping you all a successful October!

Woody Fincham
Labs Fellow

Collaboration isn't a new concept. In WinTOTAL, we've supported collaboration in it's simplest form with our integrated e-mail delivery. We know that file sharing is the core collaboration function that most appraisers need to accomplish, but we think it can mean so much more.

Here in our labs, we've been thinking about collaboration (Did you read Adam's blog on it recently, or his article on Windows Live Messenger?) and we've come up with three collaboration challenges we want to address:

• File sharing
• Communication with other assocaites via Instant Message
• Communication and assistance in real time with your XSite visitors

Are there solutions out there that do each of these things already? Yes. But we think we can do it better, and all in one solution instead of seperate applications for each. Head on over to the labs site and check out the project page for our new XSite Desktop Collaborator.

Thanks,

Paul E. Stansberry, III
WinTOTAL Product Manager
a la mode, inc.

Do you work in one of those areas where the real estate market is in the toilet? In my area of metro Atlanta it has become just short of a media frenzy. If you believe what you read and see on the nightly news, buyers are scarce and sellers are freaking out but is that really the case? A recent article said home sales were down over 30% from two years ago at the same time...so what. Two years ago we were in an overinflated market that had no chance of sustaining itself. Why is this such a shock to so many people especially real estate professionals (appraisers included)?

Could we realistically expect that kind of volume to continue? What did we do to prepare for the inevitable day that it slows down? By the way, that's just what this market has done. It is correcting itself...nothing more. It's the laws of economics, supply and demand and buy low/sell high all coming together. The sky is not falling but to listen to many of my customers you would think so.

This is the part where I say how much I love my clients however they expect me and they pay me to be frank with them. I'm candid and I make living telling people what I think so here goes...

It called MARKETING and it's a fundamental part of any business plan. Every small business does it to one degree or another. They plan for and even budget for marketing expenses. It's just something you do - except, for some reason, the average appraisal shop. Here's the way the conversation usually goes...

The client is going on about how business is in the tank and they don't know what to do. They may end up laying off staff and moving from their commercial space back to the home office. They ask me to check the fax machine to make sure it's working properly. I respond by asking what they are doing to actively market their services. Where is the marketing plan and how much have you budgeted? They respond by saying nothing but rather looking at me as if I have three heads. End of conversation.

Someone really famous once said, "These are the times that try mens souls.". These are trying times for most mortgage markets. It's time to step up and start selling your services. Trust me, if you do ANYTHING you're ahead of your competition. Even if what you do stinks, it will be well received because none of your clients have anything to compare it to. Sorry but those are just the facts. As a rule, appraisers don't market because they haven't had to - up until now.

Here are a few off the cuff suggestions:

1- Place your business card in the hand of EVERYONE you meet
2 -Dress you staff including yourself in shirts that display the company logo. Drop the t-shirt and jeans.
3- Have a sign made for your vehicle - nothing flashing just informative
4- Put together a marketing package including a brochure/flyer, business card, resume and (very important) client testimonials.
5 -Take donuts or pizza to your clients office. Let them see your face and remember to be nice.
6 -Learn to use XSellerate - it's one of the best products a la mode provides. It's inexpensive, easy to use and just a phenomenal marketing tool. Check it out at...(http://www.alamode.com/products/Appraiser/xsellerate/Default.aspx). If you are an Elite member, you already own it. This product could literally turn your business around.
6 - Customize your a la mode XSite to differentiate yourself from every other site out there. If you spent 15 minutes setting it up, trust me it looks like you spent 15 minutes setting it up: http://help.alamode.com/appraiser/xsites/default.htm?turl=searchenginetools1.htm
7 - Optimize your site for various search engines: http://help.alamode.com/appraiser/xsites/default.htm?turl=searchenginetools1.htm
8 - Take this time to expand your skill set. Get those certifications you've been putting off then update your resume.
9 - Get out of the office - network, knock on doors and tell people your story
10 - Get very familiar with this link: http://www.alamode.com/support/Appraiser/default.aspx.
Search for the word "marketing". It will return 5 pages of results all targeting appraisers!

Those are 10 that came to me in about 5 minutes. There are a lot more but you get the point. I'm not an a la mode employee. I don't care what you buy or what you renew. My goal is simply to help build your business and survive this market. No one can make you do it and no one is going to tell you that you have to. The market will be the ultimate motivator and unfortunately for some it's literally sink or swim.

Hi Gang,

I just finished hosting an a la mode Webinar entitled Computer and Network Security for the Modern Appraisal Practice. We focused on best-practices for keeping your computers and network safe from hackers, crackers and other outside invaders. I wanted to post my Summary of Recommendations for appraisal offices both large and small. Here they are...

Small Office / Home Office Users (less than 3 about workstations)

Install and maintain reliable, up-to-date A/V software on each workstation set to scan in real- time and weekly full system scans

Install a router or Firewall to shield your network from the Internet

Use passwords or otherwise secure your workstations from unauthorized use

Run TWO pop-up stoppers on each workstation

Ensure all workstation operating systems are up-to-date and fully patched with the Windows Firewall turned ON

Run a reliable, up-to-date Anti-Spy/Malware application on each workstation and set to scan weekly/bi-weekly

Maintain a solid understanding of how to handle email attachments, conduct file downloads, safely surf the Internet and protect yourself while online

Develop, implement and consistently check your BULLETPROOF backup solution


Commercial Office Networks (more than 4-5 workstations)

Install and maintain reliable, up-to-date Enterprise level A/V software on each workstation set to scan in real-time and weekly full system scans

Install a fully configurable Internet hardware Firewall to shield your network from the Internet

Use strong passwords to secure your workstations from unauthorized use

Run TWO pop-up stoppers on each workstation

Ensure all workstation operating systems are up-to-date and fully patched with the Windows Firewall turned ON

Ensure all server operating systems are fully patched

Consider a domain based network with applicable security policies applied

Run a reliable, up-to-date Anti-Spy/Malware application on each workstation and set to scan weekly/bi-weekly

ALL associates should possess a solid understanding of how to handle email attachments, conduct file downloads, safely surf the Internet and protect themselves while online

Larger organizations should consider use of an in-house mail server to provide complete control over incoming and outgoing email

Retain a competent Network Administrator on-call for maintenance and emergencies
Develop and implement written, signed and enforceable office policy outlining permitted/prohibited use of the Internet, email and all office equipment

Develop, implement and consistently check TWO(2) BULLETPROOF backup solutions


Jeff Jones
TechSource Consultants
a la mode Labs

It's no secret the residential real estate market pretty much stinks. To what degree really depends on where you are. I've spoken with appraisers in coastal, large metro and vacation markets that tell me their business is off as much as 70% from two years ago however other shops in the same areas say volume is only off slightly or even not at all. No matter where you practice, things are tough and it looks like, at least in the short term, it's only going to get tougher.

I've heard all of the sob stories. The "woe-is-me" tales of the fax machine that has all but stopped ringing. The one consistency to those stories is, when asked what they are doing to stem the tide, these same storytellers have no answer...business as usual. "Where is your business plan? Where is your marketing plan?" I ask...no response...just a blank stare.

Obviously that's a problem but it got me thinking...why are some shops struggling while others seem to be doing just fine? What are the specific reasons? Certainly, I have my opinions (which will be the subject of a upcoming Labs paper) but I would like to hear from you. Tell us your story. If you are an appraiser in one of those hard hit markets, how are you managing to hold the bottom line while your competitors are dropping like flies? If you are an appraiser in the heartland maybe your market hasn't suffered to the same degree but you still saw volume slipping. What did you do to make that up?

I know how you guys are. I'm not asking for all of the secrets but rather one recommendation on surviving (or thriving) in this market. If your answer is "marketing"...please elaborate. If it's pre-planning or preparation...tell us more. Maybe it's leveraging some of the features of your a la mode XSite and the XSellerate marketing tools (Quick show of hands...how many people know about XSellerate or even what it is?) Specifically, tell us how have you managed to find the silver lining in the dark cloud?

You responses will help thousands of marketing and planning challenged appraisers from coast to coast go on the lead a normal practice. Don't hesitate to contribute no matter how trivial or obvious (or complex and costly) your solution is. We (I) want to hear from you.

Jeff Jones
TechSource Consultants
a la mode Labs

David Braun's excellent article Market Modeling and the Real Property Appraiser, part I of II, has garnered a lot of interest and feedback. Included with the article is a downloadable Excel utility (please right click and download to your computer to use) and an instruction sheet. David has also produced a video tutorial that can be viewed right here. Each part is around 5-6 minutes long.

Part I:


Part II:


Part III:


Have you used the utility? Do you have an ideas, feedback or comments? Leave them here.

Comps Data Sharing Article:

Hello all, I hope this finds you well and as busy as you can be. We have been picking up, August was a better month for us then July (surprisingly!!). I have been getting contacted by several REO management firms, and it seems they must be increasing, as they are proactively recruiting.

I have a new article that has been submitted to the mode regarding the comps data sharing concept. I am really hoping that this gets off the ground soon in the development side of things. I guess patience is something young men are not entitled, too. I would love to hear what you guys are thinking about the concept.

That article also includes a call to arms amongst us appraisers. It’s looking more and more like the time is coming for appraisers to FINALLY stand up and let the lending industry know that, while we appreciate all the work, we have a few items of contention that have to be ironed out. The funny thing is, once we get some of these things worked out, it will benefit both industries.

Happy appraisers will equal lenders lending with confidence in the reports they base their loans upon. Collateral problems would be reduced, and we all end up happy. I hope you guys enjoy it once it goes to the web.