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When it comes to USPAP and state complaints, what is an appraiser to do? The first step is really clear: don’t do anything – yet. Why? Simply because you are in an emotionally unstable state. You’ve just been attacked personally by some stranger who has absolutely no clue how hard you work! You want to retaliate – to strike back fast and destructively. To scorch your attacker’s earth! Which is exactly why you should do nothing – yet.
But when it comes to USPAP and state complaints, there are steps you can take that in the end will protect you and help – rather than hurt – your cause. Your first step is to call your E&O people. You do this because this is what your policy calls for. You have read your E&O policy, right? Those folks will thank you, open a file, and ask you if you want legal help. Thank them for the offer, but tell them you’ll get your own counsel (which, by the way, within the limits of your policy), your E&O will pay for.
Your next call when it comes to USPAP and state complaints is to contact an administrative law attorney who is familiar with the workings of your state appraisal board. You can Google(r) this, or call the state bar and ask for a list of such attorneys. Once you have that attorney, they should contact the state and ask for an extension to the time limit the state gave you to respond. You and your attorney should ask for 30-days. You won’t get it, but you’ll probably get ten days.
Finally, when it comes to USPAP and state complaints, follow your attorney’s advice. This is a fight you cannot win all by yourself. Bring in the necessary experts to act as your champions!