Guvmnt Job

So we all have expectations, life is full of them until we become enlightened (which I am working on but NOT yet there of course).  I have been very fortunate to have many cities, counties, several state and federal agencies, and one big state agency (GDOT) as clients over my 25+ odd years.  I always imagined working INSIDE would be like the basement of the many GDOT offices around Georgia.

However, Perspective is Everything.

About four weeks ago, after much wailing, moaning and gnashing of teeth, I agreed to take a position as a review appraiser for District Two of the Tennessee Department of Transportation.  There was soooo much going for it - great boss, great boss's boss, location in CHA, they pay me regularly, more experience as a review appraiser, learning the TN D2 market, meeting new appraisal professionals, and so on.  There was also a lot about it that worried me - not hanging out with Katherine and Thor every day, worries about Maggie at school and me not available, a cubicle (for crying out loud), lots of rules, TONS of forms (and I do mean tons), potential loss of time for my appraisal practice in GA, you get the picture.

However, TDOT sort of hunted me down.  Then numerous people whose opinion I highly regard suggested it was a terrific opportunity and a great next step in my appraisal career.  So when TDOT finally called to make the offer, I slept on it and said yes!

So far I have found that, no, my cell phone does not work inside the building, and yes I am in a cubicle almost every day.  BUT, everyone in my new Region Two Right of Way office seems to be dedicated and professional in their respective jobs.  The appraisers I have met are knowledgeable, humble, and entertaining, and I can see I will learn a lot from them.  My boss is hardworking, helpful, supportive, and encouraging.  TDOT is even considering adopting the Christian Thor Thoreson method of photographing comparables (first take a picture of the plat/location map of the comp and THEN take a photograph(s) of the comp - way easier to identify three weeks later in the office - particularly when it is land).

And best of all, I am ALREADY learning how to be a better valuation expert.  I have implemented in my own appraisal practice things this week that I learned  and appreciate very much the opportunity!

Thank you Universe for opening the door.

bidding is a process

On my way back to the office from a competitive bid meeting, reflecting on the process. Competition is good and surprisingly there was quite a lot of it at today's bid - maybe 10 real estate appraisers for a seven parcel project. The good news was, the appraisers in the room are all long term, professional valuation folks with many years of experience. The surprise is that we call showed up. It was, as one appraiser put it, a great social interaction. Next time, I may check with the team manager before heading that way . . .

under all is the land

It is always exciting to me and fun to explore and evaluate new aresa. We recently were approved for a right of way appraisal project in south Georgia and found that those folks are outstandingly nice and helpful. Our first step is always understanding the market, intitially as evidenced by area overview and land sales. Most things are tied to that underlying land and in today's world of technology (as I write this on my iPad on the way to another bid meeting), we STILL do the same things, only faster. First to the Tax Assessor's office online, great source of subject and comparable property data through qPublic.net. Then, in person to the Assessor's office to look at the 'real' property record cards - which are now, too, online in WinGap - even in their office. The office staff and appraisers were VERY helpful and knowledgeable - they will certainly get a prize from us at the end of the project. These experts can describe and discuss the data in real terms of who is buying and why, who is selling and why, and what trends are showing in the data. We wish them all expedience with the annual digest - which they are working on now. More later about the Clerk of Superior Court - repository of actual deeds (and yes they are available online too).