The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Bob Dillon is a real estate broker and a licensed appraiser. Bob started in the real estate business in 1976 with Shawgo Realty in Burlington, IA. He received his broker's license in 1977 and then started his own business. In 2000 Bob became a Certified Residential Appraiser. When asked why he went into this type of business, he said, "I saw a need and recognized an opportunity for a good business". And apparently he was correct in his choice, because he says the real estate business is good and the appraisal business is booming. People are buying and selling because of the low interest rates on mortgages.
"I do a great deal of the appraisals for all the lending institutions in Warren, Henderson and Hancock counties. I enjoy my work because it's challenging, rewarding, and I get to meet people in their own environment",
Bob stated. Bob's real estate and appraisal office is in the basement of his home. He has a large collection of dalmation figurines, a fish tank, and a modern work area to make his office comfortable and efficient.
Bob feels the economy in the area is good and there is a steady market, unlike some of the surrounding areas. He feels that Stronghurst is a good area to live and to raise a family.
Bob has an associate, Megan Wolf, working with him in the afternoons.
Megan lives in the former Scottie Green home and has a five year old daughter. She is training under Bob while she is getting her real estate sales person's license.
Bob explained that to do an appraisal takes several steps.
He has to inspect the interior of the building being appraised, takes pictures of the building and then goes to the courthouse to compile the legal data on the building and the land it encompasses.
He takes this back to his office and puts this data in the computer program that is strictly for appraising. All appraisals must have 3 comparable like-sells in order to come up with the figure.
These sells must have taken place in the last 12 months. Bob keeps records in his computer of sells around the area plus pictures of them. Therefore, his records must constantly be updated in order for him to keep current.
He reconciles all of this data to come up with the figure for the estimated market value of what he is appraising.
The appraisal normally belongs to the lending institution because they usually request them, but the owner can certainly request an appraisal also.
When you receive an appraisers license and/or a real estate license, they are good for the state in which you apply, but a reciprocal license can be applied for in an ajdoining state also.
Bob is married to Carole and they have a combined family of 5 girls, 1 boy and 9 grandchildren.
Bob is happy to be here in Stronghurst and appreciates the business from the area residents.