Wells Fargo goes big at Valuation Expo.

Meet the Wells Fargo’s team at Valuation Expo, July 11-13^th, 2016. Rick Langdon, Chief Appraiser at Wells Fargo shared with us why he is so passionate about education and training. Rick has been an appraiser for 38 years and currently oversees a staff of 152 at Wells Fargo. Rick was the 2015 Valuation Visionary, nominated by his Collateral Risk Network peers.

Buzz: Rick, I don’t think you have ever missed a single Valuation Expo event. What is it about Valuation Expo that keeps you coming back?

Langdon: I have been to many of them that is for sure. I refuse to be that person who works in a vacuum. I meet too many appraisers that are isolated and have no outlet for information and education. Taking on-line education is not enough!!! You have to stay connected as there is so much going on with technology and data analysis. We have pending issues that could change the direction of this profession. If you don’t attend Expo you remain uninformed and have no voice. This is why I attend.

Buzz: What will be different about your participation this year in Baltimore, July 11-13?

Langdon: If appraisers want to see what we look for in a quality appraisal then they should attend. I, and my Team Leaders, will have one full day at the Expo to demonstrate real world applications and interact with them. Some of the topics will look and sound very familiar to them. These include market trending, supporting adjustments, complex valuations, quality control, valuation tools, etc. I think some of them will be surprised with what we have to share. I will say that a few new standards also will be discussed. What I want most from this day is their interaction with us on these topics and more.

Buzz: Rick, does Wells Fargo do any direct engagement business in addition to their network of AMC partners?

Langdon: Yes, we have a panel of appraisers that we directly engage for select assignments. To understand how we use our AMC’s and panel appraisers please seek out me or anyone of my team members. We will be available at our booth on the trade show floor.

Buzz: Appraisers can get CE anywhere, what will be different about the content you and your team deliver at Valuation Expo?

Langdon: Again, if appraisers want to know what we value in a quality appraisal assignment then they need to come. If they have always wanted to talk to us directly and ask that question…they know the question they want to ask! If appraisers want to hear the new standards we are now requiring on completing an appraisal assignment then they need to come. So what is different? We can provide the answers to their questions, and on-line courses cannot do that.

Buzz: Rick, what would you say to appraisers who claim to be too busy to attend Valuation Expo?

Langdon: Outside of the fact that my team plans on having a highly interactive and informative session with those that attend, this is the place to hear what and who is shaping our profession. This is also the place where you meet and network to advance your business. Bottom line – the people that you need to meet in this profession are at this event. I know that if I have not already met you, I would like to at the Expo. Learning is key to longevity in this business. Understanding appraisal and meeting those in the profession can enhance and extend your career through all the changes we are experiencing.

Buzz: Does meeting your team and other vendors at Expo really make a difference?

Langdon: Absolutely, never underestimate the power of face to face networking. Now is the time to meet and network with those who solicit appraiser services because when the environment changes those who have established business partnerships will have an advantage over those who just accepted orders. It’s just solid business advice for any profession. You must be diligent about always growing professionally.

Buzz: Einstein said, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. Rick, what can appraisers expect to take away that will be unique?

Langdon: I can honestly say we wish to learn as much from our interaction with attendees as they will learn from our training team. Feedback is important to us. We are committed to making a difference. EQUAL exchange of ideas!

Buzz: Rick, thank you so much for taking the time and discussing your plans at Valuation Expo in Baltimore, MD July 11-13^th. We look forward to seeing you there and meeting your team.

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