Non-negative, Non-doom & gloom honest request for help building this business in 2024

[Fernando]

Never a doubt

I feel sorry for your trainee if you ever were a mentor.

 

[Dublin ohio]

I feel sorry for your trainee if you ever were a mentor.

Actually my only trainee was pretty successful until her health took it's toll. She also took up taking photos for agent's listings. She is retired now in North Carolina

 

[Fernando]

Actually my only trainee was pretty successful until her health took it's toll. She also took up taking photos for agent's listings. She is retired now in North Carolina

My trainee after getting Certified later quit the profession. I didn't give out all my "tricks" in the trade.
Anyone can get the license. If no passion, won't stay for long term.

 

[Dublin ohio]

I didn't give out all my "tricks" in the trade

Neither did I. Because I had no "tricks" to give.

 

[Fernando]

Neither did I. Because I had no "tricks" to give.

I'd been slowly giving out my unorthodox appraisal ways. Still have more that I haven't disclosed.

 

[Dublin ohio]

I'd been slowly giving out my unorthodox appraisal ways. Still have more that I haven't disclosed.

Probably best kept to yourself. Reduced liability

 

[Fernando]

Probably best kept to yourself. Reduced liability

Yeah, some appraisers may not approve of what I did like how I grabbed appraisal assignments in the past.
College did taught me to think outside the box back then, not following the way what appraisers usually do. Doing the Fernando way.

 

[David S]

**Disclaimer***
Sometimes finding advise on here can be a little deflating. I get it, the industry's changing. We have to adapt. This whole "if you're under 55 and new to this, you better hit the road running!!!" gets so damn old. Please, for the Love of God, we get it. I don't think anyone that gets on this website is looking to just throw their hands up and act like its not worth their time.

I've seen so many posts asking for help as a new appraiser that seem like I could have typed them myself. So many of us are struggling to find work in this real estate economy, all while more banks sign up with AMC's everyday and farm out bid requests like its the best thing since sliced bread. New challenges in the industry will set the stage, and we have to learn how to overcome them to become successful.

So for those that actually want to discuss the wins and losses, what works and doesn't, please read on and feel free to contribute! If you want to respond to this disclaimer with your opinion of the industry, it will be ignored and/or deleted.

*this is NOT directed at anyone in particular*
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now that we have that out of the way, lets get down to business.

I, like many of you, have spent countless hours signing up for AMC's, calling and visiting banks, handing out business cards to realtors & brokers, and so much more. Where/who are you having success with getting continuous business from? I'm going to list the AMC's below that I've had success getting orders through as of 06/05/2024.

-Class Valuation
-New American Funding
-Nadlan Valuation Inc
-ACT appraisals
-UWM appraisals

**I've signed up (and been approved) to many other AMC's, but these are the only ones that are sending me work.**

My previous supervisor barely has enough work to keep himself busy. Are you able to still get work from your supervisor?

What banks/AMC's are you having success with, and where are you located?

How are you having success signing up with local banks in your area? How did you approach them?

What other avenues are you exploring to expand your marketing efforts?

How are you approaching people like divorce lawyers, credit unions, estate sale company's etc?

1 recent marketing win I can share is going onto a private facebook page for realtors in my area and asking who their favorite local lenders are that they've worked with over the past year. I'm currently in the process of reaching out to these realtors that responded to share my contact info and contacting the lenders they mentioned.

Another win I've had success with is offering a home measuring service to realtors and provide floorplan sketches for them. "ANSI standard compliant, interior measurements, completed by a CRA". If you want to see an example, shoot me a message. This is a good way to stay in front of your local realtors and supplement a little income too.

Please feel free to share anything that you've had success with recently!! I hope this thread can help us throw some ideas around we can take home to our own markets.

Thank you! Lets help each other out!

I signed up more than 100 AMC (Some of them closed last year and this year.) but only get a handful really sent me the work. A couple of their fee is too low. I dropped off as well. I am only have 2 or 3 AMC now. I also do some non lender through realtor referral. Maybe once a month probably.

 

[David S]

How to apply SRA? I am in California. Take some classes and take the test?

 

[David S]

"Adapt" and finding their own opportunities are both vague - I understand getting an SRA takes time, but it is one of the few realistic ways to increase chances of success with a residential-only license. There is also the possibility that joining the AI and mingling might provide immediate client leads or referrals as well.

How to apply SRA? I am in California. Take some classes and take the test?