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What is in the AIR here.....Has anyone noticed a significant increase in the Divorce Rate? How are you handling this in your business?

By
Real Estate Appraiser with Lanier Appraisal Service CR004373

In the last few weeks, we have had a significant number of requests for appraisals due to DIVORCE here in Georgia and many are quite nasty!

I am sure finances plays a part, but the reasons for these divorces were varied and wild. If it appears they will wind up in court....I respectfully decline the appraisal assignment as I have been there and done that and it is never fun when you are testifying in court about your appraisal process, when there is always another appraiser on the opposing side willing to say what they can to help their "client" in the matter.

So I was just wondering what others are experiencing on the Divorce front and how you handle it in your Real Estate Business. Are you seeing an increase in Divorces due to Recession or other reasons?

 

Mary Thompson

Certified Appraiser

 

 

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Comments (4)

Richard Glesser
North Country Appraisal Services - Gaylord, MI

Haven't seen any notable change although many articles on the internet speak of the divorce rate as declining since most can't afford to get divorced.  I have tried to educate attorneys on the USPAP standard that appraisers cannot advocate any specific value but must be objective.  Selling this point, it is then proper to agree upon one appraiser as opposed to the old way of each having their own and fighting out the relevance of each in court.  Frankly, I enjoy having mine against others since I believe they are credible and rational.  The last several in which I was a party, we had the other appraisal thrown out before the court hearing leaving mine to stand alone.  Appearing in court should be expected whenever completing a legally-related assignment.  I just quote my court time and allow for them to provide a pager to reduce their costs and my time sitting idly while attorneys rangle.  If I'm sitting there, it's billed per hour.

Mar 01, 2010 06:00 AM
Ed Walter
Ed Walter, Realtor-Appraiser - Safety Harbor, FL
St. Cert. Res. REA #RD1571

I still do about the same number of divorce appraisals a year so I haven't really seen an increase or a decrease. I don't really mind doing them except when I have to essentially sneak an inspection in when one of the spouses is out of town. Out of all the divorce work I have done in the past 33 years I have only had to go to court once! What was interesting about that appearance is I was asked to do an apprasial for the presiding judges divorce just a month later. I'll take that work anytime over the AMC assignments being offered today in the lending arena. I will even pay a referral fee to other appraisers if you wish to send your Florida divorce work my way. Have a happy day!  

Mar 02, 2010 03:46 AM
Sara Goodwin
Estimation Nation Corporation - Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon Appraiser

I have had a few more than in the past, in addition to knowing quite a few people splitting/getting divorced.  I have also seen a surge in my immediate neighborhood of house-sales.  Fortunately none are foreclosures or distressed (to the best of my knowledge), but it just seems like everyone is restless and/or moving on to find greener pastures.

Mar 10, 2010 02:51 AM