FEATURED ARTICLE

Quality Condition Adjusted Mean Methodology: A Comparative Valuation Tool for the Appraiser
This paper explores the process of using a quality/condition adjusted mean methodology (Q-CAMM) to determine value of a subject property. A quality/condition adjusted mean regulates comparable values based upon condition level and quality points, and arrives at a final value conclusion relative to the subject property’s intrinsic features and state of preservation. Q-CAMM continues to rely upon the personal opinion and experience of the appraiser while introducing additional mathematical components to basic statistical averaging. Click the image to read the article by Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP.

FEATURED ARTICLE

Reconceiving Connoisseurship, by Carol Strone
Connoisseurship is a dead language and a dead art. Or so art theorists with disdain for aesthetic judgments would have us believe for some 40 years now. Indeed, connoisseurship has long languished — unfashionable and unpracticed — in academic circles and beyond. But still it matters for many people, and there are signs of a renaissance, even in the most unlikely realms of the art world. The time is ripe for reconceiving connoisseurship as relevant to furthering culture and seeing with maximum powers of observation that which humankind creates. Click the image to read the article by Carol Strone of Carol Strone Art Advisory, NY.

A Few Openings Still Left for the Good, Better, Best Appraiser Workshop - May 15 & 16

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 Reporter: Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP 0 Comments
As many of you may be aware, Jane I and I hold an appraiser workshop at my shops in Alexandria, Va. The program is excellent for both new and experienced appraisers. We have an excellent work book, and as the class is limited to only 10, plus the two instructors the class is very interactive and hands on. Because of the small size, it is more discussion based, rather than a series of lectures. If you are interested please contact me for more information at 703-836-1020 or toddisg01@gmail.com.

Thanks,

Todd



THE NEXT GOOD, BETTER, “BEST” APPRAISER WORKSHOP
“ACTIVE LEARNING AT ITS BEST”

SATURDAY, MAY 15th and SUNDAY, MAY 16th, 2010
IN BEAUTIFUL “OLD TOWN” ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA


16 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POINTS AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
COURSE WORKBOOK AND C D INCLUDED


Workshop Sessions:
  • Close the Sale and Determine The Scope of Work
  • Prepare Contracts and Obtain Deposits
  • Prepare for the On-Site Inspection
  • Research Using New Methods and New Technological Techniques, Creating Bibliographies and Incorporating Printed Documents and Appraisals into New Reports
  • Learn How to Deal With Client Challenges
  • Perform an appraisal inspection
  • Advance Product and Specialty Area Knowledge

Inspect and study the inventory of two antique shops packed full of period and quality revival furniture, decorative arts and fine arts. You may remove drawers, turn over case pieces, inspect backboards and even disassemble/assemble a tall case clock. You will learn how to use ultra violet light to detect restorations to paintings, porcelains and furniture, and learn how to write property descriptions and condition reports. Click HERE for a photo album of the shops:

Your workbook with C D will include actual sample contracts, forms, glossaries and documents which are used everyday by successful and experienced appraisers.

The appraisal business is better than ever even in this economy. Are you going to waste another year trying to figure out how to make money in your appraisal practice? What are you waiting for?

Limited to 10 attendees, no more than 5 students to each instructor. Time and Space is limited! Contact us NOW for pricing and availability. The workshop is lead by  Jane C. Brennom, ISA CAPP, and Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP.

Click on the link below for further information and registration. Website: www.appraiserworkshops.com or Call The Appraiser Workshops at 703-836-1020



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Social Media for Appraisers

Monday, March 22, 2010 Reporter: Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP 0 Comments
By Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP

I wrote a similar post a few weeks ago for the ISA forum, and thought I would also share with those appraisers outside of ISA and the ISA forum.

I was recently reading an article on the legal profession which included a private survey on how law firms planned to promote their services in 2010. I was pleasantly surprised to see that 92% of those responding stated that social media was in their plans. This includes online activities such as websites, blogs, social networking, Youtube, Feeds, RSS, embedded video, images, podcasts, tags, Twitter and social media press releases. But it is beyond any of the singular sites and networks, it is how they all may be used together to gain maximum benefit and brand exposure.

You may not realize it, but appraisal organizations are taking advantage of social media. ISA is actually using many social media concepts for its upcoming conference in Toronto. ISA HQ is sending out internal email blasts to members with images, links etc, there is info on the main website, plus a mini site devoted only to conference at www.assets2010.org. ISA has press releases coming out for both online and print publications, have posted on the news-antiques press release site, have snail mailed brochures, and have other promotional activity planned. ISA has a LinkedIn group, and soon will be active with Twitter and Facebook as well. It is the planning and coordination between various social media outlets that makes the campaigns worthwhile, any one on its own might produce few results, while as a group, the promotional efforts start to take hold. The social media sites are excellent ways for groups and organizations to stay in touch with their members. AAA has been active with both Twitter and Facebook.

In September, 2009 I posted on the Appraisers Post about a Realtor's technology survey (click HERE to read). The survey revealed that real estate professionals were using social networking sites with more frequency. As a matter of fact the increase in the use of social networking sites rose from 33% surveyed in 2007 to 84% in 2008.

Now add in the recent survey from law firms, and it shows the importance of not only an online presence, but the connection and coordination of all available online promotional, marketing, and networking opportunities.

Click the Read More Below for the rest of the article.




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The Barcelona Chair Reconsidered

Thursday, March 18, 2010 Reporter: soodie :: 3 Comments
We all know this iconic chair and we know it was designed in 1929 for the German national pavilion at the Barcelona world's fair, from which the chair was named. Two of these chairs were created and set side by side to receive the king and queen of Spain on their official visit to the building. The broad, white tufted leather chairs were modern thrones. The design was based upon the ancient Roman X-frame curule stool which was reserved for the most powerful.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is credited for the design of this chair. But many of us might not know that Lilly Reich (1885-1947) played an enormous role in the development of many of Mies van der Rohe’s designs. Though she has been credited in a few scholarly journals and books, her name has largely been forgotten. It is interesting to note that Mies did not fully develop any furniture designs successfully before and after his professional and personal relationship with Lilly Reich.

After all, architecture and industrial design were considered a man’s domain. There were male as well as female practitioners, and yet history books are filed with primarily men’s. When Mies was asked to design the German Pavilion, he chose Reich as his co-collaborator. Reich was responsible for the curvilinear forms and vivid colors of Mies work. She brought a soupçon of sophistication to their designs. She understood that fashion was integral component. Reich continually explored the visual as well as tactile qualities exploring the contrasts between polished metal and textured surfaces.

Click READ MORE below for the rest of the article.



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When Assistance is Provided by Others

Monday, March 15, 2010 Reporter: Dave Maloney 0 Comments
Recently, The Appraisal Foundation's Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) responded to a query submitted by my Appraisal Course Associates partner, AQB-certified USPAP instructor, Bill Novotny. The original issue in question focused on USPAP record keeping requirements pertaining to appraisers who provide assistance with an assignment. There clearly are such requirements for the primary appraiser who signs the report’s USPAP certification, but what obligations apply to the assisting appraiser?

The initial query led to even more questions regarding USPAP obligations pertaining to the primary appraiser as well as to the individual providing the assistance. What if the individual providing assistance is not an “appraiser?” If an appraiser, what if the assistance provided was not “appraisal” assistance? What if the assistance provided was not deemed “significant”? This paper addresses these several questions and clarifies USPAP obligations pertaining to personal property assignments in which assistance is provided by others...read all



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Values, Fees, Work Product and Communications

Sunday, March 07, 2010 Reporter: Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP 0 Comments
I have been looking for something interesting and insightful to post to the Appraisers Post. I recently came across a real estate site which mentions several important factors about real estate appraising. The central topics or categories were interesting. Some were applicable and some not. Many of the details and specifics did not really fit or transfer to personal property appraising. I decided to take the liberty of using a few of the main categories and filling in the details with my own ideas and thoughts on how they apply to personal property appraising.

The main categories I selected were the ability to develop values, fee structures, quality work product, and communication.

Develop Values
The ability to develop values is of course at the core of what we do as professional personal property appraisers. In order to develop values we must have familiarity with the different types of values and differing market levels.  If we don’t understand this, then we are doing a disservice to both our client and our profession. Appraisers also must have the basic and needed product knowledge in order to properly identify and then further develop the proper value as required by our client.

The way I look at assignments and my final value conclusions is rather simple, can I defend them.  If I had to take my work file, comps, selected market, comps and final value, could I make a reasonable and rational defense of my final conclusions? Could I explain the value rationale and adjustments. That is not to say there could be legitimate differences in opinions and different value conclusions. The personal property profession includes many subjective factors, yet we should try to minimize those issues and moderate differences.  Solid knowledge and a process for determining and developing values is so important to our profession, and all personal property appraisers should stay current with valuation concepts and emerging models.

Click READ MORE below for the rest of the article.



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