Brews & Appraisal Views

Charge What You’re Worth (And Stop Letting AMCs Decide It)

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, Dan sits down with returning guest Brad Bassi to tackle a topic that hits every appraiser’s wallet: fees. Brad makes a strong case that too many appraisers are undercharging and relying on AMC-driven pricing instead of valuing their own time, expertise, and liability. The conversation goes beyond pricing into what actually wins clients, like taking time to research properties before quoting, building trust through real conversations, and providing clear written proposals. They also dig into handling complex assignments like estate and family law work, where communication and process matter just as much as valuation. The episode wraps with a candid discussion about industry changes, including Fannie Mae’s Collateral Underwriter expansion to AMCs, and what it could mean for appraiser independence and the future of the profession.

The Realities of Non-Lender Appraisal Work: Opportunities, Challenges, and Lessons from the Field

In this episode, Dan Lindeman is joined by California appraiser Mark Buhler to discuss the realities of non-lender appraisal work. They talk about private assignments such as divorce, estate, litigation, and pre-listing appraisals, along with the challenges that come with them. The conversation covers client dynamics, the possibility of court testimony, and the importance of communication and reputation when working with attorneys, CPAs, and real estate agents. It is an honest look at both the opportunities and the realities of building a private appraisal practice.

Inside the AMC Lawsuit: With Trial Attorney Alec Schultz

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, Dan sits down with Miami trial attorney Alec Schultz, partner at Hilgers PLLC, to unpack a class action lawsuit targeting several AMCs and United Wholesale Mortgage. The conversation dives into allegations that appraisal management companies are collecting large portions of consumer appraisal fees while paying appraisers a fraction, often without clear disclosure to borrowers. Alec explains how the lawsuit argues violations of state consumer protection laws, negligent misrepresentation, and broader compliance issues tied to post-Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act regulations. Dan brings the boots-on-the-ground perspective, sharing how fee compression affects quality, appraiser selection, and ultimately the consumer. It is a candid discussion about transparency, accountability, and whether this case could reshape the AMC model nationwide.

AI & Cybersecurity in the Appraisal Office

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, Dan sits down with cybersecurity expert Matt Kinsey to tackle the big question appraisers are quietly wrestling with: how do you use AI without getting burned? They break down the real risks of tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, including data accuracy, bias, hallucinations, courtroom defensibility, and client confidentiality. Matt explains why AI should be treated like an intern, not a licensed appraiser, and walks through practical safeguards for solo shops and small firms, from encrypted email and phishing protection to written security plans and cyber insurance. If you’re using AI in your business, or thinking about it, this episode will help you do it smarter and stay out of trouble. FTC Safeguards… https://www.itfusiontech.com/blog/ftc-safeguards-rule-audits-are-here-is-your-business-ready/ [https://www.itfusiontech.com/blog/ftc-safeguards-rule-audits-are-here-is-your-business-ready/] FTC Safeguards Rule website - https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/safeguards-rule [https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/safeguards-rule]

From Straw Hats to Courtrooms: Brad Bassi on Mastering Non-Lender Work

If you’ve ever wondered how an appraiser moves from lender chaos to a thriving non-lender business, this one’s for you. I sat down with Brad Bassey, SRA, MBA, who has more than thirty years in the field and over sixty-five hundred valuations under his belt. We cover everything from wildfire litigation to horse ranches, why he walked away from AMCs years ago, how he built a 99.9 percent private-party business, and why customer service matters more than comps if you want repeat clients. Brad does not sugar-coat anything, which makes this episode a must-listen for appraisers who want to survive the changes ahead and actually grow in the process.