What is a CATALYST?

From various sources we constantly hear the statement that so-and-so or thus-and-so was a catalyst. But what is a catalyst? Is that a positive or a negative? Is that an attribute to emulate or avoid? Why does anybody need a catalyst?

According to the dictionary, a catalyst is something "...that causes acvtivity between two people or forces without itself being affected." In human terms, then, a catalyst is someone who makes things happen, but who is not part of what the started the thing happening, nor is used up when whatever happens has finally taken place. Again, in human terms, a catalyst is a mentor.

Since a catalyst is a mentor (therefore a mentor is a catalyst), let's start the reactions. Sometimes the easiest way to do that among real estate appraisers is simply to ask questions. These questions are not meant to condemn anybody or in anyway to make anybody feel inferior. They are here merely to catalyze thought. So here are the catalytic questions:

When was the last time you...

...took a college-level class on a topic directly related to real estate appraisal?

...took a college-level class on a topic that had nothing to with real estate appraisal?

...took a seminar (1- or 2-day) on a real estate appraisal topic, but that was not directly related to your CE requirements?

...attended a national real estate conference to see what the innovations are in this industry?

...read a technical appraisal journal?

...read anything by Babcock or Graaskamp?

...looked up the definition of the word opinion as it relates to a professional?

...started and maintained a blog or a website (on the subject of your choosing)?

...listened empathically to the opinion of someone with whom you viscerally disagree?

...wrote a thank-you note to a really outstanding instructor or teacher?

...looked up a totally new word in the dicationary and then used it properly and in context in a report? (Consider using the word oriel).

...written a paper and then submitted it to a professional journal for possible publication?

...read the complete defintion of market value, and then related it to USPAP SR 1-2(c)(i-iv)?

Now, you rightly may be asking yourself, "why to I need a catalyst?" What a great question! What's your answer?

Where Can I Go For a Little Help?

Most real estate appraisers work out of small offices. Now, a lot of us work out of our homes to save on overhead costs! But what happens when you run into a problem with an appraisal or a reviewer asks a really difficult question? What happens when the State appraisal board comes calling!?

In these situations, an appraiser could use a mentor. A mentor is another appraiser who is experienced, well-trained and -educated, and has "...been there and done that...". If you need that help, please contact me at maitca@bellsouth.net so we can determine what help you need and for how long. I'd like to send you my resume' so you can decide if you need my help.

I've been the real estate business since 1975 and in real estate appraisal full-time since 1986. Over the years I've earned an MAI (an SRPA, too!), a state certification as a general real estate appraiser, a master's degree in real estate appraisal, and certification as a USPAP instructor. I've taught real estate for many years and am a national Instructor for the Appraisal Institute.

When you need a friendly pair of eyes to take a look at a report before it goes to the client, if you aren't quite clear yet on Highest and Best Use, if USPAP still is a lot of incomprehensible gibberish, of if the state investigators are about to come calling, I can help you. We can work by e-mail or phone and my fees are reasonable. I look forward to hearing from you!