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Brews & Appraisal Views

Brews & Appraisal Views

by Dan Lindeman

Business Education

Season 3

Why Every Appraiser Needs a Report Reviewed

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, appraisal consultant and educator Tim Andersen discusses the value of having appraisal reports reviewed before problems arise. Tim explains how proactive reviews can identify weaknesses before they lead to state complaints, lender inquiries, or legal issues. The conversation covers common report-writing mistakes, support for adjustments, scope of work, workfile organization, and the importance of clear explanations. Tim also shares practical insight from helping appraisers respond to investigations and reviews, noting that many report issues come from unclear communication rather than unsupported value conclusions.

Charge What You’re Worth (And Stop Letting AMCs Decide It)

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, Dan sits down with returning guest Brad Bassi to tackle a topic that hits every appraiser’s wallet: fees. Brad makes a strong case that too many appraisers are undercharging and relying on AMC-driven pricing instead of valuing their own time, expertise, and liability. The conversation goes beyond pricing into what actually wins clients, like taking time to research properties before quoting, building trust through real conversations, and providing clear written proposals. They also dig into handling complex assignments like estate and family law work, where communication and process matter just as much as valuation. The episode wraps with a candid discussion about industry changes, including Fannie Mae’s Collateral Underwriter expansion to AMCs, and what it could mean for appraiser independence and the future of the profession.

The Realities of Non-Lender Appraisal Work: Opportunities, Challenges, and Lessons from the Field

In this episode, Dan Lindeman is joined by California appraiser Mark Buhler to discuss the realities of non-lender appraisal work. They talk about private assignments such as divorce, estate, litigation, and pre-listing appraisals, along with the challenges that come with them. The conversation covers client dynamics, the possibility of court testimony, and the importance of communication and reputation when working with attorneys, CPAs, and real estate agents. It is an honest look at both the opportunities and the realities of building a private appraisal practice. Mark can be found at http://cmpappraisal.com/

Inside the AMC Lawsuit: With Trial Attorney Alec Schultz

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, Dan sits down with Miami trial attorney Alec Schultz, partner at Hilgers PLLC, to unpack a class action lawsuit targeting several AMCs and United Wholesale Mortgage. The conversation dives into allegations that appraisal management companies are collecting large portions of consumer appraisal fees while paying appraisers a fraction, often without clear disclosure to borrowers. Alec explains how the lawsuit argues violations of state consumer protection laws, negligent misrepresentation, and broader compliance issues tied to post-Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act regulations. Dan brings the boots-on-the-ground perspective, sharing how fee compression affects quality, appraiser selection, and ultimately the consumer. It is a candid discussion about transparency, accountability, and whether this case could reshape the AMC model nationwide.

AI & Cybersecurity in the Appraisal Office

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, Dan sits down with cybersecurity expert Matt Kinsey to tackle the big question appraisers are quietly wrestling with: how do you use AI without getting burned? They break down the real risks of tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, including data accuracy, bias, hallucinations, courtroom defensibility, and client confidentiality. Matt explains why AI should be treated like an intern, not a licensed appraiser, and walks through practical safeguards for solo shops and small firms, from encrypted email and phishing protection to written security plans and cyber insurance. If you’re using AI in your business, or thinking about it, this episode will help you do it smarter and stay out of trouble. FTC Safeguards… https://www.itfusiontech.com/blog/ftc-safeguards-rule-audits-are-here-is-your-business-ready/ FTC Safeguards Rule website - https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/safeguards-rule

Season 2

From Straw Hats to Courtrooms: Brad Bassi on Mastering Non-Lender Work

If you’ve ever wondered how an appraiser moves from lender chaos to a thriving non-lender business, this one’s for you. I sat down with Brad Bassey, SRA, MBA, who has more than thirty years in the field and over sixty-five hundred valuations under his belt. We cover everything from wildfire litigation to horse ranches, why he walked away from AMCs years ago, how he built a 99.9 percent private-party business, and why customer service matters more than comps if you want repeat clients. Brad does not sugar-coat anything, which makes this episode a must-listen for appraisers who want to survive the changes ahead and actually grow in the process.

Safety First, Valuation Second

On this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, Chicago-area appraiser and broker Donna Halfpenny shares a recent on-site incident during a divorce appraisal where she intervened in an assault, called 911, secured the scene, and later recused herself to avoid any appearance of bias. The male property owner in her story spent the night in the hospital for observation and treatment of cuts and bruises and was released the following day. From there, the conversation walks through a practical 15-point safety checklist: sharing schedules, requesting police escorts when needed, announcing yourself in “vacant” homes, watching for hazards on site, keeping your phone charged, leaving if you feel unsafe, knocking before entering rooms, securing your vehicle and gear, carrying legal safety tools, assuming you are on camera, and more. Real-world stories cover surprise occupants, hostile neighbors, dog bites, comp-photo confrontations, and why “just take the picture” can be the riskiest part of the job. The episode closes with a reminder to stay vigilant and treat safety like part of the assignment. Key takeaways Safety starts before arrival. Share your schedule and ETA with someone who can find you if needed. In family law cases or heated situations, consider requesting a police escort. Announce yourself in any “vacant” property and assume cameras are recording. Stay situationally aware inside and out. Hazards range from window wells to thunderstorms. Secure the car and protect client data. Your laptop is part of your risk profile. Carry legal, practical safety tools you will actually use. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Leave, reschedule, or recuse. Here is a link to 15 Safety Tips: https://referappraisals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/15-Safety-Suggestions-for-Appraisers.pdf

The Lost Art of Verification

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, Dan Lindeman talks with veteran appraiser Steven R. Smith, MAI, SRA, about what he calls the lost art of verification. Steven explains why so many appraisers are missing key market signals, how “stable” reports are masking real declines, and what separates real appraisers from the ones just holding a license. They discuss verification, market conditions, liability, and how doing the job right can turn you into the go-to market expert.

Lessons from Zen Appraisal: Carole Henrysen on Marketing, Meetups, and Mindset

We are joined by Carole Henrysen of Zen Appraisals (PA & NJ). We dig into how she shifted to non-lender work, why saying yes to the tough assignments paid off, and how a simple monthly coffee meetup turned into real referrals and real community. What you’ll hear: The exact habits that took 8 months to the first private lead How to talk to callers so they don’t reduce you to “fee and turn time” Starting a local appraiser meetup without overthinking it Using Google and social posts to make your phone ring

MAI, SRA, ASA… OMG: Is getting a designation worth it?

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, host Dan Lindeman dives into a big question appraisers wrestle with: Is getting a designation worth it? Dan is joined by three certified general appraisers with different perspectives: Jack Lavoie (SRA, AI-RRS) – Residential specialist who earned his designations through the Appraisal Institute. Ernie Ramos (ASA, IFA) – Chicago-based appraiser with ASA/IFA designations, focusing on residential, multifamily, and small commercial. Carlos Rodriguez (MAI candidate) – Commercial appraiser in South Florida, currently deep in the MAI process. They break down: The major designations (MAI, SRA, ASA, IFA, etc.). What the process looks like (courses, exams, demo reports, peer review, costs). How long it takes (3–5 years is common). The financial and time investment ($10k+ plus annual dues). Whether designations actually pay off in fees, credibility, and opportunities. The consensus? Designations don’t guarantee success, but the process itself makes you a better appraiser, adds credibility in court/legal work, and opens doors to certain clients. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your goals and market.

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