Richard Glesser's (richardglesser) Blog

Watching financial advice segment on Today Show this morning, someone called in pondering walking away from an underwater property and the effects on his credit.  I fully realize times have changed and many large lenders have been exposed for abuses which add to the rationalization of walking awa...

New legislation in Washington which is expected to pass may finally kill the dreaded HVCC.    Real estate appraisal improvements. The House bill gives the new consumer protection agency oversight on home mortgage appraisals, and the power to create rules and standards to guarantee "appraiser inde...

Once again I face the mandatory 28 hours for relicensure which is a 2-year cycle in Michigan.  Each cycle, I start by committing to take courses to best develop my expertise and knowledge.  But as the cycle passes, it seems I've always compromised my goal by taking hours necessary near the end of...

Turning the calendar once again is almost hurtful as I realize that this year is nearing its midway point.  In 22 days, the days will once again start getting shorter and the goals so nobly set at the year's birth must be refocused.  Time flies when you're having fun; but it flies by regardless. ...

Over the past year, outrage within the real estate industry has been expressed over the negative consequences of HVCC, and all well-founded.  But a fact unknown to many is that most of the larger lenders have profitted greatly from HVCC.  Instead of sending their work to AMCs, they have elected, ...

Over the past year, outrage within the real estate industry has been expressed over the negative consequences of HVCC, and all well-founded.  But a fact unknown to many is that most of the larger lenders have profitted greatly from HVCC.  Instead of sending their work to AMCs, they have elected, ...

Recently received a VA Liquidation assignment for a foreclosure proceeding.  Being somewhat of a people person, I was talking with the wife, 5 months pregnant, while setting an inspection time.  Seems she was laid off from her work a while back.  Her husband was off work at the same time due to a...

The governor of Michigan has appointed Brian Kirksey to the State Appraisal Board.  Brian is a passionate member of the appraisal profession in Michigan and has long been active in the fight for professionalism and fairness in the appraisal industry.  He actively promotes the profession offerring...

When I first started doing FHA reports over 20 years ago, well and septic inspections were mandatory for every report.  As time passed, they no longer became mandatory but at the discretion of the appraiser if they appeared suspect.  This has evolved to the present day where underwriters are requ...

There has been a tremendous outcry during the past year regarding appraisers working in areas outside their local competency as a result of HVCC and the AMCs desire to use the cheapest available appraiser.  This has been detrimental to the real estate sales industry with many sales aborted due to...