An Oklahoma House Interim Committee is hearing how appraisers are appointed for Sheriff's Sales in Oklahoma. Tulsa Democrat Regina Goodwin wants the process changed. She told committee members, too often people appointed to the posts lack any real estate knowledge and are paid thousands of dollars for their services. The appraisers set the value of foreclosed property to be sold at public auction.
The appraisers are often political friends of the sheriff and are given the post as a payback for campaign contributions or other favors. Goodwin wants people with "real estate credentials" to be appointed to the post, especially in counties with other 65,000 people.
Any legislation would be introduced in the next legislative session, which begins in February.