Appraisal management companies, in general, have been stereo-typed as unethical and greedy. And while I can agree with this on some levels, as I am an appraiser myself, there has been a shift in the reliability and effectiveness of some of the older AMC’s and a definite change in the newer companies that are popping up all over the nation.
Young smiling couple about to sign a house renting agreement, happy to buy new apartment, meeting in the office with a trusted, reliable real estate agent, confident in credit
As appraisers have expressed their unhappiness and frustration at the big appraisal management companies, many of the the smaller companies have begun to change their policies. They are working toward getting qualified appraisers in the local market area to perform the appraisal, they are taking smaller commissions, they are not demanding 24 hour turn times, and they are giving consistent work to those appraisers that turn in quality reports.
So, how do you know which AMC’s are the best?
Unfortunately, they can be difficult to find. Talking to other appraisers is a great way to find out if they are reputable. Going to forums and discussing the appraisal management companies you are interested in. Appraisers are a wealth of information, but don’t discount an AMC just because you hear one bad account. More than likely, you will need to sign up with them yourself and see how you are personally treated. I have heard many stories of how an AMC treated one person well and another person badly.
One bit of advice…be careful with some forums. Some are great and some are just a place where they can spout out all their woes about appraisal management companies. While I agree with a lot of what they say, they are not looking for solutions, they are looking for a place to vent. There are still thousands of appraisers who enjoy what they do for a living and are willing to share information.