Appraisers Used to Own the Data—Now We Buy It. What Happened?
Michael Hobbs MAI, SRA, CRP, LEED GA
Chief Appraiser, Founder, Serial Entrepreneur, Podcast Host, EO Member
There was a time when appraisers were the gatekeepers of real estate data.
If you needed to understand property values, market trends, or comparables, you went to an appraiser.
Today? We pay for access to the very data we once controlled.
What changed?
According to industry veteran George Dell, this shift happened gradually. As technology advanced, large corporations stepped in, automated data collection, and monetized the information appraisers once built and verified themselves.
Now, instead of selling expertise, many appraisers find themselves paying for reports created by systems they don’t control.
More Data, More Problems?
Here’s the real issue: appraisers don’t suffer from a lack of data. We suffer from too much of it.
With instant access to thousands of comps, the challenge isn’t gathering data—it’s making sense of it. Raw data alone doesn’t equal accurate valuation.
The Skills That Set Appraisers Apart
To stay ahead, appraisers must shift from being data collectors to data analysts. The winners in this industry will:
The Future of Appraisal: Adapt or Fall Behind
George Dell’s advice? Master the tools—don’t fear them. Technology isn’t replacing appraisers, but those who refuse to evolve will be left behind.
The industry is shifting. Are we evolving with it?
How has data changed the way you work?
Let’s discuss in the comments!
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Top Outsourcing Expert | I’ve built, scaled, and sold my businesses with an outsourced team | I now help businesses increase their profits and improve operations through outsourcing.
8 小时前The impact of automation on the appraisal industry is a crucial topic. George Dell's insights on staying relevant in a tech-driven world are timely and necessary.?
Asset Analyst, Expert Witness, Educator, Thought Leader
1 天前Michael Hobbs MAI, SRA, CRP, LEED GA
Helping 1,000 Smart Business Owners Double Their Wealth & Free Time. CEO, Founder2X.
3 天前While at LoopNet, I helped build and grow AppraiserLoop to 1,000 MAI subscribers. This MAI-verified comps data coop would’ve given MAIs permanent control of their comp data. Due to their provincial thinking, they blew it. Scared of sharing their prized data, they failed to come together and collaborate. LoopNet ultimately sold AppraiserLoop to Marshall & Swift who promptly ran it into oblivion. LoopNet went on and was ultimately purchased by CoStar for $800 million. MAI Appraisers are now at the total mercy of this huge data monopoly. All because they didn’t have the foresight and vision to see what was possible collectively. That same myopic thinking is keeping many from embracing AI, machine learning and LLM. When will our profession learn?
Optometrist | Investor | Fund Manager | Business Consultant
3 天前Thanks, Michael! Wild times we're in. Mixing our street smarts with tech could be key!