Richard Glesser's (richardglesser) Blog

When reviewing a portfolio, the financial planner must have a true sense of the value of the assets to develop a plan for the future.  In these times of uncertain real estate values, the worth of the client's real estate holdings could easily be in question.  Traditionally, it is assumed that rea...

We're on the verge of the first holiday weekend of the season here in Northern Michigan with the excitement building as it nears.  All the communities are preparing for the big influx of visitors and the snow has also melted away, although we still have frost on recent mornings.  The real estate ...

We're on the verge of the first holiday weekend of the season here in Northern Michigan with the excitement building as it nears.  All the communities are preparing for the big influx of visitors and the snow has also melted away, although we still have frost on recent mornings.  The real estate ...

When beginning in the appraisal profession 20+ years ago, I was fortunate to have a very great mentor to learn from.  As I continue to develop my appraisal experience, often little quips of wisdom which he told me come back to provide additional guidance even after all these years.  One of the gr...

Ann Arbor Book Festival is this Saturday for anyone in the area looking for something perhaps intellectual.  Wide variety of vendors with books of interest to all.

When beginning in the appraisal profession 20+ years ago, I was fortunate to have a very great mentor to learn from.  As I continue to develop my appraisal experience, often little quips of wisdom which he told me come back to provide additional guidance even after all these years.  One of the gr...

Appraising in an extremely diverse market in Northern Michigan, I have developed a concept called Value Factors which I utilize in the Market Approach for appraisal reports.  I'm sure it's not a new concept but I've just attached a name to explain my process to underwriters.  After inspecting the...

While typical reports for lenders require a front, rear, and street views, the inclusion of numerous photos lends credibility to the report and the statements and values within.  Dating myself, I was always reluctant to include any more photos than those required due to the added cost of film and...

During the past several years, a major concept in real estate appraisal has developed around the Intended User.  According to USPAP, the Intended User is the person for which the appraisal is developed.  The report must meet the contracted needs of that person be it lending decision, equity analy...

The most common question asked an appraiser, without fail, has got to be "What's the Value?".  Who asks this question?  Everyone - Lenders, borrowers, neighbors, sellers.  I have wished that there had been 11 Commandments adding "Thou shalt not ask the value".  Then perhaps the world outside the ...