How to get business?

[Zoe]

I have been certified for a little over one year. I purchased an AMC list, and I also signed up with all the AMCs on this site. I have three AMCs that send me requests for bids, but I get very few orders. Not even two a week, and the fees are very low. For the record, I have had better luck with the AMCs on this site than the ones in the purchased list.

I have read about non-lender assignments, but I don't know how to get them. There is a coaching website that has a program to teach you how to do them and get them, but I'm not sure it is worth $300. The only reason it might be worth that much to me is that it provides templates for these reports. Since I have very little experience in this area, I could use the templates. I don't know what comments and addendums would be required for these types of reports.

Any ideas to keep from starving?

The business is out there. VA has to put you on panel to get orders from them. VA operates totally different than any other program. They don't operate like FHA. FHA operated more like VA years ago.

However, you have many good suggestions from people that want you to do well. AMC world is one of hardest worlds to do well. The bank may be charging borrower $1,000 or more and the AMC is paying you a small portion of that.

 

[Zoe]

If you want to stay independent fee appraiser, you have to go out there and knock on doors so to speak. You'll find good clients if you work hard enough at it.

You would have to apply with VA for the panel. I don't know how close you are to a big military base. I have no idea how many appraisals VA does in your area.

 

[Zoe]

One more thing I will share with you on VA panel. Lender does not engage you. VA engages as the client. Lender is still your client also but VA engages you on their appraisal assignments.

Your appraisal assignments come directly from VA.

You might say that is not important, but trust me who your client is that engages you makes a big difference as you know by now.

 

[Tom Foster]

Many here will not reveal their secrets because you could be considered competition .

Got to keep your head clear if you wanna win.

Going to go where you've never been and Focus !!!

There has been a technological change in appraising that started 35 year ago. I, myself have the the desire to remember the past and then be disappointed. I strongly feel that the current generation of new appraisers would not appreciate the dirty past.

 

[Zoe]

Always remember lender is your client. AMC is not your client.

The AMC is not loaning the money. Understand?

 

[Ryder]

The business is out there. VA has to put you on panel to get orders from them. VA operates totally different than any other program. They don't operate like FHA. FHA operated more like VA years ago.

However, you have many good suggestions from people that want you to do well. AMC world is one of hardest worlds to do well. The bank may be charging borrower $1,000 or more and the AMC is paying you a small portion of that.

I would love to be on the VA panel, but I don't qualify right now. You have to be licensed for 5 years, and you need recommendations from two panel appraisers. Also, I have been told that since the slowdown, VA is not adding appraisers to their panel. They don't have enough work to keep the their current panel busy.

I completed many VA appraisals as a trainee. They are the easiest ones I did.

 

[Tiffany Gibbons]

I would love to be on the VA panel, but I don't qualify right now. You have to be licensed for 5 years, and you need recommendations from two panel appraisers. Also, I have been told that since the slowdown, VA is not adding appraisers to their panel. They don't have enough work to keep the their current panel busy.

I completed many VA appraisals as a trainee. They are the easiest ones I did.

Your letters of recommendation don't have to be VA fee panel appraisers. When I worked at a fee shop we all wrote letters to recommend each other. I tried every year for 15 years. Only 3 of us made the panel. 2 of us were CGs and the other worked in Arkansas. Years later after I moved to another location in TN, I had to wait 5 years and got 2 MAIs to write my letters since I was doing commercial then. You never know when someone might croak. Especially if you have experience doing VA. I had previously worked under 2 VA appraisers before I was a trainee. I like VA because they are no nonsense.

 

[Zoe]

Your letters of recommendation don't have to be VA fee panel appraisers. When I worked at a fee shop we all wrote letters to recommend each other. I tried every year for 15 years. Only 3 of us made the panel. 2 of us were CGs and the other worked in Arkansas. Years later after I moved to another location in TN, I had to wait 5 years and got 2 MAIs to write my letters since I was doing commercial then. You never know when someone might croak. Especially if you have experience doing VA. I had previously worked under 2 VA appraisers before I was a trainee. I like VA because they are no nonsense.

I had 3 appraisers that knew me well for many years. I asked if they would sign the letter if I wrote it for them. I tailored each letter based on how the people knew me. Only one was on VA panel. It is more like a character reference letter. Just someone that recommends you to serve on the VA panel. It could be banker, lawyer, friend, etc.etc.

VA called me out of the blue one day while I was out working on an assignment and the guy asked me a few questions and I answered the questions. He said well your on. Give me a day or two to get you installed in the system.

They don't just add people to the panel if they don't need anybody in an area.

They do their own background checks before they ever notify you that you have been selected to serve on the panel.

They will tell you quick that you are getting an email from them. Study that VA lenders handbook very well.

They will tell you the ins and outs. VA is your boss. Make no mistake about it.

In other words, you do it their way or the highway. Forget what lender tells you or anybody else. VA is the boss.