The Senate recently approved S. 2020, the Tax Relief Act of 2005 that allows the [IRS to define an appraiser as being a member of an appraisal trade group [Valuation review]](http://www.valuationreview.com/cgi-bin/udt/um.logon?client_id=appraisalintelligence&return_url=/pub/news/headlines/4716-1.html)
>The measure, which got the Senate nod last month, requires
>appraisers performing valuations for tax purposes to be
>designated by the Appraisal Institute or another professional
>appraisal organization or meet comparable requirements to
>be determined by the IRS in forthcoming regulations.
“The appraisal reforms contained in S. 2020 are consistent with recommendations that have been made by the Appraisal Institute, American Society of Appraisers and the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers,” said Bill Garber, director of Government Affairs for the Appraisal Institute. “The Senate-passed bill has effectively ‘raised the bar’ with regard to appraisals performed for tax purposes, which is a move that is welcomed by the professional appraisal community.”
Wrong.
These appraisal trade groups have worked very hard for passage of this bill since the passage of appraisal licensing in 1991 rendered them inconsequential to the appraisal process and their membership has been in decline ever since. Their argument is that membership or designation would improve quality of appraisals that the IRS sees. This seems hypocritical since licensing came into effect for the very same reason – these trade groups were ineffective at influencing quality, or if they did, it was so poor that it didn’t really matter. It also gives bad appraisers something to hide behind. In other words, I think these organizations are worthy and expand the base of information a professional appraiser has access to, however, it is not the panacea for quality appraisals.
In fact, it has been our experience that appraisal quality is not improved if the appraiser has a designation. The poorest reports we review for lenders appear to be equally represented by members of these organization and those that are not.
The real problem is not whether an appraiser is a member of a trade organization, it has more to do with the structure of the industry and the bad habits it creates so that appraisers can survive.. We need to install some sort of controls to protect appraisers from influence because a change in the structure of the industry is how quality will improve.
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Jonathan, this is one of the best overviews I have seen in a long time on the appraisal industry. Its no holds barred. And based on my experience reviewing and appraising for many years you are very accurate in your observations. This senate bill is for the benefit of appraisal trade groups not for the best interests of the consumer.
It would be dangerous and self serving should such recommendations be enacted by Congress. And let’s not forget who we serve. We serve the public at large, and their needs must come before our own. Reducing competition by placing onerous and unnecessary requirements does not serve the public’s interest. Providing a false sense of competence does not serve the public’s interest. Attempting to enhance protections for some users of appraisal services and not doing so for all, does not serve the public’s interest.
We as appraisers need to consider asking Congress to enact tougher penalties for appraisers who commit fraud. Let’s call them what they are, criminals. We live in a country that fails to take white collar crime seriously. Don Henley said it best when he sang “cause a man with a briefcase can steal more money than any man with a gun”. The true cost of white collar crime is not simply the loss of funds defrauded, but also the added cost time and energy devoted to the creation of additional regulations implemented and monitored by all (individuals, companies, government agencies, etc.) in a feudal attempt to counter criminal efforts. Our nation has dramatically reduced the incidence of violent crimes during the past 10-15 years and it is now time for us to do the same for white collar crime. Imagine how much more prosperity there would be if we reduce the threat of fraud. And it has to start from within our industry. For if we (the honest members of our industry) request such laws, than who would have the right to refuse such a request. Other than dishonest appraisers and other criminals who benefit from their corrupt services, I see no one.