Useful Podcasts for Appraisers and Others Who Want to Value Real Estate

It is possible to build a successful appraisal podcast by focusing on one aspect of the industry. Still, the most successful podcasts generally offer a wider array of content, combining industry insights, practical tips, and expert interviews. Additionally, a good podcast should be hosted by knowledgeable individuals with experience in the field. With these criteria in mind, here are some podcasts that real estate appraisers may find valuable:

1. The Appraiser Coach Podcast [TheAppraiserCoach – YouTube]

Hosted by Dustin Harris, this podcast covers a wide range of topics relevant to real estate appraisers, including business strategies, appraisal techniques, market trends, and industry news.

One criticism I must mention is that Harris believes some myths regarding GSE repurchases. His belief that Fannie and Freddie focus exclusively on appraisal defects when issuing repurchases is troublesome. In fact, more repurchases are issued for credit defects, which are generally easier to prove than valuation-based defects. For starters, it is pretty hard to argue a value problem on a non-fraudulent purchase transaction, especially if others made competitive bids on the house for roughly the same amount. Credit defects aren’t overlooked the same way simply because the loan was a purchase instead of a refinance. However, the other aspects of his coaching are quite good regarding different matters.

2. The Real Value Podcast [The Real Value Podcast (libsyn.com)]

Hosted by Blaine Feyen and Mark Skapinetz, this podcast focuses more on the specifics of valuation and is aimed at a wider range of real estate professionals, not just appraisers. It delves into appraisal methods, market analysis, and regulatory changes, though it can veer into more general topics like tips for appraiser success. Other topics include SEO and social media, which may be more useful to realtors than appraisers.

3. The Appraisal Update Podcast [The Appraisal Update Podcast – Appraiser eLearning]

Produced by Appraiser eLearning, this podcast offers insights into appraisal best practices and tips for continuing education and professional development. Because it is produced by an organization devoted to continuing education—something appraisers are required to do by their licensing boards—its focus is less on maximizing your returns and more on industry best practices. However, it certainly has plenty of episodes on every aspect of the business.

4. Face Value [The Face Value Podcast]

The Face Value Podcast is the official podcast of the Appraisal Institute. Hosted by Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS, and Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, this podcast features appraiser experiences, insights, and stories shared with other credible experts in the valuation profession. They dive into the latest trends, news, and association updates.

5. Opinions of Value [Opinions of Value on Apple Podcasts]

This podcast is intended for commercial appraisers and is focused on the state of the commercial real estate industry. Single-family appraisers who are thinking of branching into commercial real estate may want to listen to this podcast as part of their preparation for the licensing exam. Even if they have plenty of single-family valuation experience, they will need to work as a trainee for about a year (1,500 hours) to receive a general appraisal license, which allows them to appraise all sorts of properties—from single-family and commercial properties to farms and industrial sites.

Conclusion

Podcasts can be an excellent resource for appraisers seeking to expand their knowledge, improve their skills, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Whether it’s learning about new appraisal techniques, exploring marketing strategies, or staying informed about regulatory changes, there are podcasts available to meet the diverse needs of appraisers. By listening to these podcasts, appraisers can gain valuable insights, stay informed about industry developments, and enhance their professional practice.

Written by Franklin Carroll. June 20, 2024

Franklin Carroll is Kukun's VP of Modelling and Analytics; After finishing his studies at the University of Chicago, he worked at Fannie Mae where he helped build Collateral Underwriter, roll out the Value Verify initiative, and specialized in collateral related and credit related policy.