Dear Readers,

After a recent conversation with 71-year-old appraiser Alexander “Sandy” Grice,
it is safe to say that this individual, who has spent almost a half century in the
profession, has seen it all with assignments that have taken some very interesting
and unusual turns.

Homes with history attached to them fills Grice’s resume. One particular job dealt
with property, as history would prove, belonging to a witch.

“Having appraised dozens of historic houses, I have gotten pretty good at dating the
structures, by looking at how the timbers were cut/milled and the fasteners holding
everything together,” Grice, a Virginia resident, told Valuation Review. “It appeared
that the two-story structure I valued was built in 1740 but the foundation appeared
to be much older, around 1690, or so. I surmised it was originally constructed as a
one-story structure, rebuilt later as a two-story one. Less than wealthy landowners
would have ‘recycled’ as many structural and architectural elements as possible.”
That’s how things were done “back in the day,” according to Grice, who said that
the comp photos and data of today wasn’t so readily available to the appraiser
including comps for those “unique” properties.

He said valuing unusual properties requires creative thinking with regards to what
would be a unit of comparison that is not so visible. It could include square feet,
or acres, but those couldn’t be applied to an oil tank farm, a coal terminal or a
lighthouse. So, the ability to think fast on his feet has enabled Grice to stay in the
game and thrive.

The appraisal profession is certainly one that is aging, but as Grice proves one is
never too old to keep looking to determine a solution resulting in a credible value.
To this day, he loves all challenges of the profession, including those unique and
unusual properties. His philosophy is one that all workers, especially those in the
valuation profession, should take to heart.

“As a wise man once said, do what you love, and you will never work a day in your
life,” Grice said.

Be sure to read our follow up story with Grice soon to be available at www.
valuationreview.com. Please continue to keep me updated on topics of interest
to you. We are here to help you and your business. And let me know about the
interesting people that keeps the appraisal industry moving forward.

Stay safe and healthy!
Your valued editor,
Mike Holzheimer
Editor, Valuation Review