Need To Increase Volume!

[Johnny Knucks]

I have been a licensed appraiser for seven years, certified for three. I have been part-time in the industry, looking to go full-time now, so I need to increase volume and soon.

I realize I won't be able to get the non-lender clients quickly; that will take time and effort. I'm willing to work with AMC's, if the work is local, the delivery system is user-friendly, and they are not too picky with stips. $200 is my bottom dollar for these, and they'd better be local cookie cutters for that much. Otherwise, I can drive motor coach to AC to bridge the money gap.

Any suggestions on how to get restarted? I have a couple good AMC's now who pay $300-350 per, and are good to work for. I need a few more of those, and some non-lender work. I work with a couple of investors, and would like to continue in that direction as well. Sometimes I get 2 or even 3 appraisals on the same property. Nice easy money there, when I get it.

 

[HF Mudd]

$200 is WAY too low for an appraisal.

I'll leave the more strident responses to my peers.

 

[EddieB]

Hold yourself and your profession in a higher esteem. You will be grateful one day that you didn't pimp yourself out to the lowest bidder.

Us full timers would appreciate it if you avoid falling into their trap. If $200 is your bottom today, might $175 be next weeks???

I do wish you success, be persistent!!

 

[Johnny Knucks]

I agree that $200 is too low. I want the $300-350 I'm getting now. If you know of any AMC's which are paying that, pass them on. They don't grow on trees. I'm lucky to have the couple that I've got (Actually 3). However, I need to double or triple my volume. After all, my creditors don't want to hear "I'm worth more than that". They want their money. True, I won't be vacationing in Aruba, or buying that Lexus, but I won't get tossed out of my home either.

 

[CANative]

But you will take the $200 if they promise volume?

 

[Roy Courtney]

I did a final inspection on a property today and my charge was $150. That was just for the final, no recert.... I would do it for $145. if they promised volume! :new_all_coholic:

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Keep pushing for your $350. The $200 clients are junk, not worth the trouble, and the better ones are out there.

 

[factsandtruth]

I received a final inspection order today for $140. Averaging $375-400 per appraisal. It's too hot, time consuming and risk....your fees are too low. Gas, internet, insurance, car fees, software, cell phone, supplies, continuing education etc.

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

You are exactly what the AMCs are looking for because no seasoned appraisers will work for lower fees and they can use appraisers like you to drive the market down. Forget AMCs, the percentage of good ones is very low and dropping every day.

 

[Johnny Knucks]

I guess the next question is where do I find AMC's? Is there a list somewhere?



When I say $200 is my bottom dollar, I'm not saying I want to work for that long-term. I have to pay the bills for now. I have three which pay $300 or better, but the volume is not there. If they sent me ten a month that would be fine, but it's not even half that. Until I find decent AMC's or non-lender work, I need something to just get by.