Written by Woody Fincham, SRA, AI-RRS, RAA
I have known Betsy Hughes, SRA, AI-RRS for over a decade now. We used to work in the same market area and even almost worked together once upon a time. Betsy is one of the nicest appraisers that I know. Her firm, has been in business for quite some time and she offers all kinds of residential valuation services. She has earned her SRA and AI-RRS designations from the Appraisal Institute and is a member of RAC.
VN: How long have you been in the profession?
BH: 14 years
VN: What is your favorite thing about the profession?
BH: Meeting people and hearing their life stories
VN: Who are your mentors and idols within the profession?
BH: Those that are professional, ethical, and are constantly learning to stay relevant. There are many but to name a few, Henry Thrasher, SRA, GAA, GRI is a mentor with many years of experience and Sandra Adomatis, SRA is an idol.
VN: What are some of your passions inside the profession?
BH: Educating Clients and real estate agents
VN: What are some passions of yours outside of the profession?
BH: Helping others and volunteering
VN: Where do you see the profession in 3 years? 5 years? 10 years?
BH: I believe lender work will morph into hybrid type appraisals however the private side will continue to use full reports and count on the Appraiser’s knowledge and expertise. As appraisers age out of the business and few are entering, there will eventually be a shortage so lenders will use other means of valuation.
VN: What is one thing about your personal business that you are most proud?
BH: That I have been a very successful small business.
VN: If you could change one thing about your business model what would it be?
BH: Have enough work to hire more appraisers so I can expand in different areas.
VN: What are some present goals for you and what you do are doing in the valuation space?
BH: My present goal is to fully train my Apprentice and continue to grow my private work.
VN: If you could change one thing in valuation, what would it be?
BH: Less check box mentality in the Lender/AMC world. They should want more accurate values with support instead of requiring non-supporting statements and addendums.
VN: What advice would you give someone just getting in the profession?
BH: Build a solid network, be ethical and take meaningful education to stay relevant.
VN: This last one is for you to discuss or talk about whatever you would like.
BH: I wish more appraisers were willing to work together. Although we may be in competition, we can still help each other out. We all have different experiences which can be helpful when another appraiser runs into a situation they are not familiar with.
Thanks Betsy for doing this blog. It is always great to learn about some of our colleagues out there.
Valuation Nation 