The Gregoire & Gregoire AMC Experience

Although this has been discussed here in Appraiser Active previously, the post is generating some new interest after a slightly revised version was published by David Brauner's Appraiser Talkback Blog. In addition to the blog, you've probably seen Brauner's popular Working RE magazine and website.

Call for AMC Regulation

The Florida Legislature passed a record low number of bills this past session. Like many states, their time was consumed with trying to balance a budget in tough economic times. The bill to regulate appraisal management companies (AMCs) was not considered. However, the team of appraisers, professional associations and the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board is lining up support and legislators for the 2010 Legislative session.

Unlike some of my appraisal brethren, I believe AMCs provide a service and are legitimate businesses. AMCs existed long before the federally-mandated licensing, certification and regulation of real estate appraisers. Quite a few lenders opted to utilize the services of AMCs and a couple of AMCs offered quite a bit of assistance to get appraisers and appraisal firms up to speed with appraisal software and office management.

My own firm, Gregoire & Gregoire, Inc., received complimentary appraisal forms software from one of the early AMCs. Although my firm was already using computers for appraisal reporting and some analysis, the software enabled us to move from a mini-computer to personal computers and enabled us to update to revised forms more quickly. Gregoire & Gregoire, Inc. enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with that AMC for over a decade.

Visit the Appraiser Talkback Blog to read the rest of the article.