
Is there an appraiser out there who hasn’t had difficulties with clients? This month’s program is an opportunity to learn and share from your fellow appraisers.
Our San Diego Chapter includes some appraisers with many decades of experience, and others who are relatively new to the profession. All members bring valuable experiences that can inform and provide ideas to improve our practices in dealing with basic client management.
Like the Presidential debates, this forum will not be a free-for-all unorganized ramble, but a moderated discussion of the topics below:
SCREENING (& REJECTING) CLIENTS
Questions you ask the client to determine if they need, and can afford your services, can you meet their time frame, identifying appraisal goals. Tips on listening to the client and recognizing red flags that warn of potential problems. Dealing with unrealistic expectations. How to make certain you get paid. When to confirm your fee schedule in writing prior to initial visit. When to execute a letter of engagement. When to ask for an advanced payment or retainer.
OK! YOU’RE HIRED!
Initial Consultation - providing a fee estimate - walk through/on site estimate – dealing with the unexpected during the initial consultation, discussing the scope of work, preparing the client to do their homework in providing you with any relevant documentation and information. Defining your job to the client. Helping the client understand that professional methodology equals a credible and reliable report. How to make certain you get paid. When to ask for an advanced payment or retainer.
MANAGING THE CLIENT ON SITE.
Taking control - how NOT to be managed by the client. Come well prepared with all necessary aids and tools. How to make certain you get paid. Asking for a deposit, retainer or pre-payment on site.
DELIVERING BAD NEWS:
U.S. GRANT DIDN’T SLEEP IN THIS BED!
When and how to tell the client the results of the appraisal/consultation are not what they expected/hoped for; Softening the blow, cool but not saleable”, bad condition, not authentic, etc. How to make certain you get paid. Delivering the document and collecting payment. Billing the client for payment.
The ASA comprises many different fields of expertise, from Real Property to all variety of Personal Property, Business Valuation, and Technical Specialties. Dealing with clients is one of those things we all must handle professionally, and that is why, even as different as we are in our discipline expertise, this program will benefit all of us.
Please give some thought to the issues above, and come to the meeting prepared to discuss and share.

Thanks for letting me introduce our new company "Garnier Group and Associates, LLC", providing equipment leasing, appraisals, and asset disposition. We are headquartered in Poway and specialize in technology equipment located in clean rooms or high security areas. Our targeted industries include Biotechnology, Defense contractors, Healthcare, and Electronics. We are a Veteran and minority owned enterprise, certified by the SBA and other agencies.
Prior to founding the company, I was a VP of Sales with GE Capital and Comdisco Inc. As a member of the ASA, I've embraced the USPAP format for appraisals. We use the format as a reporting method to provide clients information to evaluate buy versus lease, especially operating leases. We do not appraise equipment we lease. However, to assure our clients a qualified appraiser is chosen at the end of lease we stipulate, in our Lease Agreement, the appraiser must be a current member with the American Society of Appraisers.

Congratulations, Christine on the birth of this lovely child! We wish you much love, joy, and happiness.
Christine specializes in the valuation of fine art and Asian art providing both appraisal and consultation services. She brings to her appraisal practice a working knowledge of valuation science, and an extensive background in art education, as well as curatorial and collections management. She is an Accredited Member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), with a designation in Personal Property and specialty in Asian art. She is pursuing further studies for accreditation in fine arts. Her background, education and appraisal experience spans all aspects of Asian art, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Khmer, Thai, Burmese and Indian ancient to contemporary art, as well as American and European 19th, 20th and 21st century painting, sculpture, watercolors, prints and drawings, photography and mixed media. She travels internationally, attending art and antique fairs, exhibitions, and auctions as well as viewing private collections to keep current with the values and trends in the field of fine art.

Upon the completion of my fourth (non-consecutive) term as San Diego Chapter President, I am delighted to share the great news that the San Diego Chapter has once again been awarded the ASA BEST CHAPTER NEWSLETTER AWARD (for a small Chapter).
Congratulations to Jan Giamanco and Margy Ashby who each served for half a term as our Chapter Newsletter Editors during the 2003--2004 term -- and to Georgie Stillman, who with other Chapter Board Members successfully established our new ASA Chapter website!
The constant striving to improve our professional organization has been one of the distinguishing hallmarks of the San Diego Chapter. I commend all of the volunteer staff who have served -- and I encourage new members and candidates who have not yet become more involved to attend our Chapter Board meetings, and bring your fresh vision and crisp ideas to the board!
It has been a privilege to serve our San Diego Chapter ASA members. Congratulations, once again!
Charging Ahead, Paul Golubovs, ASA

Did you know that ASA offers some courses in audio and online learning formats? Both formats afford you the opportunity to meet your educational needs without having to travel away from home and work.
For a list of upcoming classroom courses, please visit our Education page.
If you are involved in a community activity, special event, interesting assignment, or know of courses being offered, please let us know.
Contact Georgie Stillman, ASA
Here is my contact information:
Peter Butler, CFA, ASA
Manager Financial & Valuation Services
Hooper Cornell PLLC
250 Bobwhite Court, Suite 300
Boise, ID 83706
pbutler @ hoopercornell.com
208-344-2527
All is going well here. I am working for a partner who is a good guy and is very knowledgeable. We have been pretty busy so far.
Fall is in the air, as the trees are turning a variety of colors. I guess winter is around the corner. We are building a new house which should be ready by the end of November. Needless to say, the relative cost of houses here is very nice.
Say hello to all for me...Pete
Don't miss that next prospect! Update your email information NOW.
Update information on the San Diego Chapter website by contacting Jan Giamanco - 619-781-8588
The ASA International website requires that you login to their Member Only area to update your information. Once logged in, click the Update Membership Record button on the left.
For details about the ASA San Diego Chapter, contact information for Chapter Officers or to locate/contact an ASA designated appraiser to meet your needs, please visit our web site at SanDiegoAppraisers.org or call 1-619-781-8588.
| President | Georgie M. Stillman, ASA | 619-563-9000 |
| 1st Vice President | George LeBaron, ASA | 619-898-4936 |
| 2nd Vice President | Kim Ufford, AM | 619-238-1077 |
| Secretary | Jo Ellen Cole, Candidate | 760-758-8315 |
| Treasurer | Pamela Bensoussan, ASA | 619-420-7782 |
| Immediate Past President | Paul Golubovs, ASA | 619-804-0434 |
| Governor, Region 9 | Lee Ackermann, ASA | 818-956-6616 |
| District Deputy Director, Region 9 | Georgie M. Stillman, ASA | 619-563-9000 |
This newsletter is published monthly (September through June) as a service to the ASA Members and the community it serves. If you would like to receive this publication, please contact Georgie Stillman - 619-563-9000.
Newsletter Editor - Georgie Stillman, ASA
Newsletter Published by G-Force Services