In response to your question concerning the state of the appraisal industry and its direction.

First, I have been a full-time appraiser for 30+ years and currently hold office as the President of the Michigan Coalition of Appraisal Professionals. I am also a 20+ year beta tester for Ala-Mode. The largest appraisal software supplier in the nation. As much as technology has its rightful place in our industry, I do have a few concerns to its impact and accuracy. Almost all data being mined comes from real estate agents and the MLS system they populate. Agent data in these systems is partially accurate (at best) whereby most data is “fluffed” to enhance the exposure of the property being sold. This data is also considered for hybrid appraisals that Fannie/Freddie and dominant lenders want to utilize for our nations mortgage market. Also, Bifurcated reports will allow non-licensed/educated person(s) to inspect a property to which there eye and notes will be the only source the appraiser must use to value a report. These individuals have not been trained with the same rigorous guidelines an appraiser learns in his/her profession. Without professional appraisal over site this data could be construed and utilized in a manner that could hurt the public at large. Appraisers have always been the gatekeepers to the biggest assets the public hold at large. We have no vested interest or skin in the game when it comes to our valuation process. We are impartial and this industry will continue to need and require 3^rd party analysis that cannot be controlled by the same players who have a vested interest in the outcome of the game.Please take these thoughts into consideration as you move forward on this important decision.