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NEWS ALERT |
My name is John Dingeman, and I am the current Vice-President of CoAA and am new to the appraisal world by all standards having only worked in it since 2003. To share with you some background, I grew up in the City of Detroit, where most all of my relatives worked for the “Big 3” in one capacity or another. My father was even a card carrying UAW member for nearly 20 years. I was further introduced to the unions as a young man working for UPS (the Teamsters) and for Ford Motor Co (UAW) for the better part of 3 years. And believe it or not, I AM NOT A FAN OF THE UNION! So when CoAA began its consideration of joining the American Guild of Appraisers, I like many of you had concerns.
The issues that face us as individual appraisers today reach far beyond our individual states; to think anything less would be naive. The banks are at the national level and are influenced there; they are big and they are strong. Trust me when I say, one voice might be heard, but a thousand cannot be ignored. When I learned that insurance agents and podiatrists, other PROFESSIONALS just like us, have formed similar Coalitions and have also aligned themselves with the OPEIU, it did not fall on deaf ears. To my surprise and delight, the union model presented to us through CoAA by the American Guild of Appraisers is not the traditional union model of the Teamsters and the UAW. It was nothing like the one I knew. The model in which they rely upon is for strong leadership at the state level through the Coalition and to support itself in dealing directly with the issues that face us locally here in the Arizona, but they are there to assist us when called upon at our national level where we truly need it.
You see, the Coalition and AAREA, were successful and effective at convincing our State to amend the law that would prohibit the use of the Hold Harmless Clause in HB 2778. That is a state issue and it was handled beautifully by both organizations. Once, the Governor signs it into law, you (the appraiser) no longer have to fear the personal consequences of signing an agreement that includes a Hold Harmless Clause. The state, however, cannot address customary and reasonable fees or properly address bank abuse and influence bestowed upon an appraiser! Our local banks, brokers, and credit unions – yes; the nationally chartered banks – not so much!
It is important to note that the American Guild of Appraisers is autonomous from the AFL-CIO and its governance is self-created. It will run according to its own agenda and will only ask for the OPEIU when needed, which will consist primarily of legal and lobbying assistance. The dues paid by the appraiser through CoAA will cover membership with the American Guild of Appraisers, $12.50/month towards the OPEIU, and mere pennies to the AFL-CIO. The Coalition of Arizona Appraisers will operate entirely independent of the Guild and OPEIU. CoAA is a corporation and will continue just as we have in the past.
When one of us complains to the CFPB or the OCC it is just one voice, one person. When we all stand together, unified, WE cannot be ignored. The American Guild of Appraisers has determined, because they know the DC players, that it is best to address one issue at a time. They have filed, via their attorney, a petition, which is like the step prior to a lawsuit, with the CFPB asking them to remove the presumption which allows AMC fees to be considered in the customary & reasonable fees determination. The end goal of all of the steps the Guild will take is to implement the Dodd-Frank Act, which greatly impacts appraisers, properly and fairly.
I implore you to consider joining CoAA and by virtue the American Guild of Appraisers as a viable option in restoring our profession, one we should all be proud of. We are APPRAISERS that hold a license and are privileged to provide a service no one else can, a real estate value! We deserve better! While I may be newer to the industry than most the one thing that has been consistent in my discourse with appraisers across our state and the country and resonates the most is that we need to stand together as one! The time has come and here is our chance! Please join me?
Regards,
Your peer and friend,
John Dingeman, CoAA Vice-President
CoAA affiliates with the American Guild of Appraisers
Over the past few years many of you have said to me, "I don't know why all of the appraisers can't get together and speak with one voice." I have not only been asking that same thing, but working on fixing it for 20 years. Twice, at different times, I have served on a task force to merge NAIFA and ASA. ASA and AI attempted to merge. None of these mergers ever happened because of egos and no one wanting to give up their "culture". We believe it is time to take a stand together to protect our profession. A house divided against itself cannot stand......Abraham Lincoln
A few weeks ago I was contacted by the Guild President who is also a friend of mine and a past President of NAIFA. The Guild is forming a coalition of state coalitions which will be an affiliate of the Office and Professional Employees International Union, AFL-CIO (OPEIU). OPEIU represents employees in professional, technical, office clerical, health care, education and other related work in the private and public sectors in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. There is no ability to strike or collective bargaining. This affiliation provides us with better access to the "decision makers" and more clout to fight damaging consequences to appraisers. Although affiliated, CoAA will remain an autonomous association. More information will be forthcoming only to CoAA members.
The main reason behind forming this Guild is because the government and financial industry groups have been attempting to dictate the appraisers collective future. Although attempts have been made by others and other groups, their effectiveness has been limited by the lack of cohesion and ability to have sustained leverage on events and issues that shape the future of the appraisal profession. It is time to adjust our strategy and reassert ourselves collectively to meet these challenges. I have personally met with members of the Guild, their attorney, the representative of the OPEIU and the AFL-CIO lobbyist. They are all dedicated to working together for mutual aid and protection of our profession. This support will not only be on a National but also a State level. The AGA is aggressively pursuing changes in current Federal Reserve Board regulations that permit AMCs to pay appraisers who perform appraisal a fraction of the "customary and reasonable fee" that is required under the Dodd Frank Act.
Now is the time for ALL Arizona appraisers to step up and commit. If you truly want this support for our profession, it will not come without a cost. You must be a member of the Coalition of AZ Appraisers to benefit, to put forth your opinion, to receive pertinent information, participate in conference calls and receive personal support if necessary. The cost for the rest of 2012 is $75 ($50 to the Guild and $25 for CoAA operating expenses) for dues. Any extra donations are appreciated. Go to www.azcoaa.com and sign up. The CoAA Board of Directors feel we appraisers can no longer be disjointed and unwilling to work together for the common good. It is time to stand up as a collective voice to protect ourselves and our livelihood.
Ann Susko, CoAA President
Changes in the CoAA Board of Directors
Julie Friess has resigned as CoAA President due to an increasing demand of her business and nationwide teaching assignments. We thank Julie for her service and continued support of our organization.
The CoAA Board of Directors voted Vice President, Ann Susko, to advance to President. and John Dingeman, who volunteered, to be Vice President. The Board welcomes John who brings management and legislative skills to help guide CoAA's endeavors. The rest of the Board has not changed. CoAA is an organization of volunteers striving to support professionalism for all AZ appraisers. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.
Legislative Update on HB 2778
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Click here for the update details |
NEWS ALERT !!
(posted 02/23/2012)
Appraisers - please comment on the proposed HUD-1
Click on the link below to see the relevant CFPB page; it will provide you with information on the GFE and Settlement forms issue including how to submit electronic comments. There's a live link on that page (KnowBeforeYouOwe@cfpb.gov.) where stakeholder comments should be filed.
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Coalition of Arizona Appraisers
Our official corporation name is
“Arizona Appraisers Who Care”
CoAA is a non-profit organization.
We are not an Appraisal Management Company (AMC)
nor do we accept appraisal orders.
If you have any questions or comments please contact us at information@azcoaa.us
Coalition of Arizona Appraisers (CoAA) P.O. Box 10682 Phoenix, AZ 85064
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