How to get business?

[Joe Flacco]

I am in a different market.
Every December I go around to the local banks, credit unions, cpas, attorneys, real estate brokers, and township assessors. I give them a little gift.
One year was a mouse pad, next was a key chain, then $10 gift card to a local restaurant... anything, and something.

It is not much, but the fact you were there.

You probably gotta be in a small town to do stuff like that. Can't just show up at places unannounced. You have to make appointments.

 

[andrew81]

Why not? Do they not want to make loans? Someone from the mortgage loan department is available.

 

[Joe Flacco]

Have to make some friends in the business. In person or online. Most of the clients I have worked with I found out how to get on from people on this site. But at the same time the clients need to have a need to add to the panel. So need to network and get a little bit lucky by being in front of right people at the right time.

 

[J Grant]

Most small banks and credit unions assign over a portal like Merucry or use an AMC. The days of walking in and talking to a loan officer are gone - ( for the most part) Loan officers are not allowed to assign appraisals so what is the point of talking to one - the advice here is dated and unrealistic from some - RE brokers can use or refer an appraiser but probably at best that generates a sprinkling of assignments. CPAs and lawyers have their pick of SRA and experienced appraisers to choose from. Not trying to be Debbie Downer but there is a reason many res appraisers are starving when the market slows, there is simply not enough private work out there to sustain most people - unless they are highly qualified or have a niche such as Right of Way,

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Expand your market area to the outlying areas that other appraisers don't want to go. Once they start using you for those areas, they will start using you for your area too. AMCs and lenders are always looking for appraisers to go to certain outlying counties. Don't accept paltry fees for those areas either.

 

[Joe Flacco]

Why not? Do they not want to make loans? Someone from the mortgage loan department is available.

I think most loans are done online these days.

My mentor used to make the rounds visiting clients but that was back in like 2006. Chevy Chase Bank / BF Saul mortgage was a big lender around here then and we walked over to the HQ and to the floor packed with LOs. Those were days before online mortgages.

 

[gorillakimchi]

I am in a different market.
Every December I go around to the local banks, credit unions, cpas, attorneys, real estate brokers, and township assessors. I give them a little gift.
One year was a mouse pad, next was a key chain, then $10 gift card to a local restaurant... anything, and something.

It is not much, but the fact you were there.

I wish I could do like you but I'm too shy...

 

[gorillakimchi]

I had mouse pads printed with my logo and website to give out. I also had several nicknacks and a rubber stress ball shaped like a house is another good Xmas gift.

That's very nice idea!

 

[Dublin ohio]

Most small banks and credit unions assign over a portal like Merucry or use an AMC

I have lost 3 rural banks and 6 credit unions when they went to AMCs. Had personal relationships with all of their loan departments. Most of the people in the loan departments were none to happy when they went to AMCs.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I still get the occasional call from old clients who found out their AMC cannot fill the order - usually a commercial building, large land tract, or Tribal home.