Who’s a Good Boy?
What my Doberman Buddha taught me about commercial appraisers. Most people misunderstand Dobermans. They assume aggression. But Dobermans weren’t bred for violence. They were bred for intelligence, loyalty and quiet vigilance. Over the years we’ve had a few: Daubo, Boston (140 lb Warlock), Cain and now Buddha. They all share the same traits. They stare […]
CRE Genius Lives with the People Who Value It
Appraisers see a staggering amount of deal flow, yet few investors tap their genius. We spend our lives analyzing thousands of rent rolls, sniffing out dubious P&Ls, plowing through dense leases and building complex DCFs. We have conversations with property ownership filtering their words like a detective seeking the truth. So I asked a few experienced […]
Stop Hesitating. Take Your Shot.
No appraiser has said, “It’s okay if I get this wrong.” Hiring that next person, implementing tech, stepping into leadership. Appraisers are elite overthinkers. We literally get paid to think twice. Excel spreadsheet thinking: decisions reduced to columns of pros and cons. Clean. Rational. Safe. And sometimes blind to productivity, efficiency and the fun of […]
The Degree Debate Misses the Point Entirely
AQB’s minimum education criteria focusing on college degree requirements is a moot point. We should be talking about the outdated 1995 pay model colliding with 2026 workforce expectations. If we want to uphold public trust and attract competent professionals, we need a sustainable economic roadmap. Otherwise, we’re just guarding a model that worked for us and […]
The Efficiency Ratio, Built on Appraisal Data
Every bank executive knows the efficiency ratio is unforgiving. You can’t grow your way out of it. You can’t cost-cut your way to relevance. At some point, efficiency becomes a question of decision quality, not headcount. Most conversations about efficiency focus on systems: core platforms, loan origination, servicing, reporting infrastructure. Very few focus on information density. How […]
Ideas Are Like Avocados
They go brown quickly. Everyone in valuation agrees on what should improve. Everyone nods in the meetings. Everyone means to get to it. And then the idea sits. Long enough to go brown. Valuation, on both sides of the table, has no shortage of smart people or good intentions. Fee appraisers have lists. Chief Appraisers […]