Why a Coach? - Why Choose Me?

You may have heard that Appraising is an art, not a science. In truth, I believe it is a combination. Good appraisal technique demands something from both. First, you have definitions, principles and formulas; all of which can be learned readily in a classroom. But, in order to properly perform any appraisal assignment, data and information must also be observed, collected, sorted, evaluated, interpreted and refined.  It is in the application of principles to ones own observations, that the art mixes with science. The ability to properly observe, interpret and refine are the hallmarks of the good appraiser.

While the Appraisal Institute and other Appraisal Organizations provide outstanding education through course offerings and online seminars, there is simply nowhere for practicing appraisers and trainees to learn the "art" of appraising. Until AppraisalCoach ®, there was no forum for appraisers and trainees to get the support they require to become better appraisers; nowhere for them to get reliable answers to ongoing real world issues they experience in day-to-day practice.

The appraisal field is dynamic.  Appraisers are facing more challenges than ever before. And in order to successfully compete, appraisers must be better educated, informed and enlightened.

We are living in a time where more and more appraisers are working in isolation, without the benefit of more experienced associates to observe, learn from and work through problems with.  When I started in this profession many years ago, there were basically 2 types of appraisers; those who worked in independent fee-split type shops and those who worked in house, as employees of lenders.  In both environments, there was always a senior appraiser as well as more experienced associates around.  With the advent of Appraisal Management Companies, and the economics their business model demands, the days of the split fee shop and an onsite senior appraiser are being  eliminated. Now, more than ever, appraisers are working alone, supervised from afar and in many cases their work is being reviewed by non-appraisers.  They are not learning.  There is a difference between having years of experience and having the same experience for years. 

In addition, appraisers are being forced to compete in an ever evolving marketplace that seems to want to put less value on the experience and wisdom of a hands on professional. As AVMs continue to gain ground, and free online valuation tools become available to the masses, appraisers more than ever need the skills and insight to be able to differentiate themselves from the pack and demonstrate their relevance. 
 
I believe Appraisal Coach® can help fill a void currently in place.  AppraisalCoach® seeks to utilize the skills I have acquired over 23 years as an independent fee appraiser to assist any and all appraisers in gaining appraisal knowledge that only comes from experience.

About the Principal

 Mr. Miano has been a professional independent fee appraiser for over 23 years.  He is an SRA designated member of the Appraisal Institute and was one of the youngest members to receive that designation in Massachusetts. He runs a small but successful appraisal and consulting practice, serving a select client base of Attorneys, Accountants, Estate Planners, Private Banks, Wealth Managers as well as traditional Lenders, Government Agencies and private parties.

Mr. Miano is a Certified General Appraiser in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He also holds a Massachusetts Real Estate Brokers License as well as a Construction Supervisors "GC" License and is well versed in building construction methods and materials.

Along with his experience as an appraiser, he has been a successful builder, developer and investor.

Mr. Miano is a recognized expert in many of the Courts of the Commonwealth and has testified as an expert in numerous cases relating to Real Property matters.  In addition, he has appeared in Federal Bankruptcy Court, been qualified at the Appellate Tax Board and has appeared at numerous ZBA and Conservation hearings as a real estate expert.

In the course of a diverse professional real estate career spanning three decades he has personally inspected over 10,000 properties.  There are very few situations he hasn't run across.  As an investor, builder, developer, private lender, broker, and property manager, he has seen and knows real estate from every conceivable angle.

Mr. Miano has experience in many markets, performing appraisal and or consulting services in many states, even Internationally.

In addition to his appraisal practice and AppraisalCoach® duties, Mr. Miano writes a Q & A column for AppraisalBuzz online magazine.