How To Get On Banks Commercial Appraiser Panel

[dataman]

I decided to work for myself. I am a CGRE appraiser in NY and I am also an MAI.

Can anyone share any advice on how to get on appraiser panel list of banks.

I keep calling but cannot get to the person in charge. Mostly I get voicemail.

 

[Deleted member 152047]

That is a tough one. If you don't already have established relationships that you can call on, you are going to have a tough time getting on lists. I have never had success cold calling banks for work. It is typically the other way around. They have seen my work or been referred to me by a colleague. Best of luck, sorry I couldn't be more help.

 

[Gobears81]

I introduced myself to all of the commercial lenders in person that I had not met before. It takes a little more commitment to meet them personally and it seems to go a long way with many

 

[Meandering]

Join the local SBA. Go to their events. Meet the people looking to open businesses, by extension, you will meet the bankers. Stay involved in the local small business network. Write articles for their newsletters.

 

[BRCJR]

Go to the bank(s) where you have accounts, for starters.

For regional lenders:

Go open a savings account at a "new" bank and while there say, "by the way I am an Appraiser." Who would I speak to about getting on your approved panel? Most likely they will not know but will have to find out and you may be introduced to a few people up the line.

Find out who the Compliance Officer is or the Credit Administrator. Call them and ask for them specifically by name.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

No substitute for shoe leather. Personal visits. Loan department can direct you to the right party. Don't forget to visit FmHA office and Farm Credit banks if you have Ag experience. There is a huge shortage of appraisers who can do agri related business appraisals. Feed mills, grain docks, elevators, cattle auctions, composting facilities, CAFOs, intensive building farms (hog, chicken, dairy, feedlots).

FmHA hires on direct loans but usually backs loans made by banks. So you need to be aware of their expectations. Also, SBA has similarly special requirements and both want to be named as intended users usually...haven't done an SBA loan in a while.

 

[Financially Feasible]

In many cases, the chief (or regional) appraisers for banks are MAIs... use the AI's "Find an Appraiser" function. That's as good a start as any.

 

[NachoPerito]

Sounds like you know the person to talk to at the bank it is just a matter of getting them on the line. It is easier if you have met them, many of these folks you can find at Appraisal Institute meetings. Also helpful if you have friends in common. Keep trying, at some point the timing will be right where they decide they want to add to their list. Until that time, it is hard to get them to spend them time reviewing your application and sample reports.

 

[NachoPerito]

Another thing. Patience is key. I have worked the process for 1-2 years to get on a list. Other clients have basically approved me right away because someone at the bank recommended me or we have a common friend or they initiated contact because they needed an appraiser.

 

[nachocheesefries]

You walk into their bank and introduce yourself. Don't ask for the sale...just introduce yourself and make small talk. Tell them you are just getting started and you will hustle for them and turn reports quickly. My neighbor across the street is a commercial lender and about the only thing he ever complains about is turn times....use that.

Go golfing....all the commercial lenders I know go golfing..

Start an adwords campaign with only one, EXACT MATCH keyword [commercial appraiser] on a LOCAL campaign only. This will make your phone ring immediately

Do not call...that is super lame. You are a professional.