Networking or reaching out to other appraisers.

[Tom4value]

Hi, I've recently been thinking about reaching out to other appraisers for letters of recommendation to help when applying to banks and Federal Credit Unions. Maybe even to see if I can get on the VA. As a licensed appraiser, I was wondering if anyone has any advice to offer.

My opinion is forget other appraisers. What would my letter say? “As a VA appraiser, I recommend you use timelessgizmo instead of me.”

Instead, get qualified to do VA work and ask your clients to write you a letter of recommendation.

 

[J Grant]

Yeah… become a plumber, HVAC technician, auto mechanic, or an electrician.

Or for immediate hire, a corrections officer.
Sign on bonus of 5k plus, full benefits, overtime, and the crooks are behind bars instead of being the clients.

 

[Elliott]

Perplexity AI's 90-day Plan:

"A 90-day marketing plan to win bank appraisal panels focuses on rapid credibility-building, targeted outreach, and measurable relationship gains for a new appraiser.

Days 1-30: Foundation and Research
Identify 20-30 mid-sized banks/credit unions (e.g., via Nevada Bankers Association lists) and their loan officers using LinkedIn and bank websites. Build a professional one-page website or LinkedIn profile showcasing USPAP certification, sample reports, and 48-hour turnaround commitment. Compile a contact database in a free CRM like HubSpot, then send 10 personalized emails introducing services and offering free market snapshots. Track opens and responses; goal: 5 introductory calls.

Days 31-60: Outreach and Networking
Pitch to join 5-10 Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) banks use, submitting credentials via their portals. Attend 2 local REALTOR or banking events (e.g., Nevada Bankers meetups) to collect 15 lender cards; follow up with customized appraisal compliance checklists. Launch LinkedIn posts twice weekly on local housing trends, tagging banks, and cold-call 10 loan VPs weekly. Secure 2-3 panel applications; goal: 1 approval or pilot order.

Days 61-90: Conversion and Follow-Up
Deliver any early appraisals flawlessly, requesting testimonials and bank referrals. Email panel decision-makers with performance summaries and introductory rates (e.g., 10% off first 5 orders). Host a free 30-minute webinar for lenders on “Dodd-Frank Appraisal Best Practices.” Nurture all leads with bi-weekly value-add reports. Goal: 3-5 panel spots, 10+ monthly orders pipeline. Measure via 20% response rate and 10% conversion."

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When business was slow, I use to bake really good chocolate chip cookies and take them to title companies and lenders.....and just chat about the mortgage business. Appraising has been very very good for me. Someone will ask someone working at a title company who does appraisals, and your name pops up. That doesn't work with AMCs, except when the AMC reaches out to find an appraiser, they probably reach out to a local realtor or someone in the real estate business.

In the internet age, I notice how important 'revews' are. Virtually any service a person buys will follow up with a review request. If you don't have a 99% Ebay rating, most buyers won't deal with you.