Moving away from AMC's. Need some clarification.

[HVNY]

Spend 25 years in the business and almost go under once when the refinance bubble pops, recover, diversify, get a sense of entitlement, and then you can ignore the AMCs.

 

[Vermonter]

Additional certifications may seem helpful, but in the real world of private work (outside of litigation), nobody cares.

Define your service area, up your web presence and get friendly with local professionals in that area. Realtors, builders, local government, etc. The vast majority of private jobs, especially estate work is word of mouth.

Be the first to admit my web presence is painfully basic, but haven't really addressed it because pretty much ALL of my private work comes via word of mouth. Do an estate job for one person (and do it well) and they will recommend you over and over. Small, local realtors recommend me because I'm professional but friendly and "all the other appraisers are @$$holes".

I hear over and over again how difficult appraisers are to deal with and blame the mortgage lending environment. Most appraisers know nothing else. Learn how to perform a service politely while remaining professional and the work will find you.