Don Martin, Chief of the Appraisal Unit for the Illinois Department of Transportation, joins Brandon Chasteen and Nathan Alberson to share lessons from a lifetime in the appraisal profession. A fourth-generation appraiser, Don discusses his unexpected entry into the industry, memorable property inspections, historic Frank Lloyd Wright homes, and the human side of determining fair market value.
The conversation explores eminent domain, fair and just compensation, property-owner concerns, public trust, and why listening may be the most important skill an appraiser, landman, or right-of-way professional can develop.
Don also explains why land professionals should learn from surveyors, title researchers, inspectors, negotiators, and others throughout the acquisition process...and why there is never truly “nothing to do” when there is more to learn.