Gregg, I agree with you. I can't wait until all the wannabie appraisers leave this business. I had to turn down two appraisal review asssignments from an assistant that was "appraising" 2-4 million deals. When they called me at 9 at night, the appraiser says to be "can you review this ASAP because it has to be done by the morning". Both reports were sloppy, full of big mistakes, and misleading. They only collected $500 from there client and the mortgage co. got what they paid for. To cut corners and fees, they hire desperate appraisers with no experience so they can take advantage of them. Meanwhile, Appraisers like us who do good quality detailed reports lose business. The appraisal is the most important document when banks make decisions to loan out money and somehow we get the lowest fees or "the loan officer knows someone who can do it cheaper". Another good post would be how management companies are offering reduced fees to appraisers. These companies aren't even appraisers. Example: Appraisal Fee: $350    Management Company gets $200 and the appraiser gets $150. Sometimes the appraiser is offered even lower. 

Happy Holidays to all the Real Estate Professionals,

Philip Maltaghati

NYS Certified Residential Appraiser