Private Appraisals and Websites

[Surf Cat]

My Business card that I gave to anybody and everybody helped a lot in securing non-lender work aka Pvt work. Cards are cheap. I gave then out to anybody who would take it.
I left a business card at every house I appraised. well almost every house. Realtors give their cards out to everybody they meet.

I used to do this in the mortgage broker days. I'd show up to the Thursday new listing showings, quickly peruse the house taking a look around.

There was a tray where everyone put their cards in. I'd always put my card outside of the tray on the table as I was typically the Lone Wolf appraiser at the showing. Sometimes I'd hobnob with the Realtors who would rib me about killing their deals and I make fun of the photos on their cards stating that they used their High School pictures or that they were imposters. It was all in good fun, verbal swordplay. I used to get quite a few gigs in doing this.

Appraising was the most profitable and most fun back in the mortgage broker days.

 

[Fritz in NY]

I have stopped giving out or leaving a Biz card. I have now even omitted my address from the card for fear (I would be tracked down and stalked forever) if a deal went south. People are crazy when we talk about their property. Giving out a card with a phone # and email address is an EZ way for anyone that doesn't like you to haunt you. No More Biz Cards.
But, yes Surf Cat, it was great to hand out cards to everybody 1988-2007. Then, only a select few (Atty-CPA etc.) could send you Biz. WE cannot "market" ourselves to the general public anymore. Who took that away?, (other than Cuomo).

 

[Functional Obs]

No More Biz Cards.

The agent's assistant puts you on their list. First, you get spam for their open houses. Then you get spam for other agents at the same company's open houses. And who knows who they sell your number to. No more business cards for sure!

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Many forget that private appraisals have their drawbacks too. I just through with a email exchange with an individual that did not like my private appraisal value and pretty much said I stole his money. I stayed professional and told him I fully expect some people to not like my opinion of value, but my opinion is based on analysis of factual data and not emotions. I added some market trend data for his subdivision over the past five years showing it is down from 2021-2023, I would have done that in the report (I gave a one year market trend graph) and I had no idea what kind of value he was looking to get. His next email was an apology saying it was lower than he expected and he knew I was just doing my job. I told him no apology was needed and there is nothing that says he cannot sell his home for more my opinion of value. Especially in the volatile market.

I smoothed that one out, but sometimes you can't make anybody happy. Then you may or may not have to deal with the social media backlash of he said/she said.

 

[Functional Obs]

Many forget that private appraisals have their drawbacks too. I just through with a email exchange with an individual that did not like my private appraisal value and pretty much said I stole his money. I stayed professional and told him I fully expect some people to not like my opinion of value, but my opinion is based on analysis of factual data and not emotions. I added some market trend data for his subdivision over the past five years showing it is down from 2021-2023, I would have done that in the report (I gave a one year market trend graph) and I had no idea what kind of value he was looking to get. His next email was an apology saying it was lower than he expected and he knew I was just doing my job. I told him no apology was needed and there is nothing that says he cannot sell his home for more my opinion of value. Especially in the volatile market.

I smoothed that one out, but sometimes you can't make anybody happy. Then you may or may not have to deal with the social media backlash of he said/she said.

Private clients are typically not regular readers of appraisal reports, and like homeowners, buyers, and sellers, they can be emotional. They want a number. That's the main reason for getting the $$$ up front. It seems like you eventually got him on the same page by offering him additional support, and more than that--explaining it to him.

 

[Vernon Martin]

I began my independent practice 19 years ago soliciting private lenders, actively contacting them. I promised enhanced due diligence, as private lenders often get the borrowers who have been rejected by traditional lenders due to credit problems or property problems that they are not disclosing. If you can show that you understand the lender's needs better than most appraisers, that might get you some business, and if you do it right, their loyalty.

As an example, in a recent appraisal I found that the building had no certificate of occupancy and fire damage had not been disclosed. The other appraiser assumed that 100% occupancy could be reached at the end of one month. Private lenders lend their own money and want to know the truth, so let them know if you will go the extra mile to protect them. Do not confuse private lenders with mortgage brokers.

 

[Carnivore]

I just recently had my website redone, in hopes to get more local private business. Do you think my website does the trick or should I change anything?

Check it out here and let me know please. All comments welcome:

Trusted Real Estate Appraiser in Fresno CA | Expert Real Estate Appraisal Company in Fresno County | Property Appraisals | Home Appraisers Near Me

Wulf Appraisal Corp is a top real estate appraiser in Fresno, California. We provide residential real estate appraisals on properties in & around Fresno County.

www.wulfappraisal.com

What your asking is what every appraiser should have be doing all along. Marketing! There are several social web sites i.e

Yelp
nextdoor
google


Yelp Ad is designed for a Retail store.. but if you call them they will design your ad as a service provider. The danger with yelp is the consumers will write a review of your business that includes both sides...1. Your the best appraiser or you are the worst appraiser on the entire planet.

 

[Carnivore]

Business Card... Don't make it to busy looking Hand it out to everyone you meet. Leave it at every listing you appraise. Go to realtor luncheons and give a card to every realtor. These realtors will ask you to measure their listing. Oh, I know your an appraiser not a house measurer. Money is Money.

I am a prostitute. I will measure a mansion or a tiny home.

Turn up the heat Market your self during a county re-eval.



Go visit every law firm...give them your card .

Some business is better than no business. aka some money is better than no money

 

[jay trotta]

Yes, this! GBP is low hanging fruit that any appraiser seeking private work needs. I wrote up a guide last year on how to set this up:

Boost The Visibility Of Your Appraisal Business with Google Reviews | Appraisal Inbox

Learn how to set up a Google Business Profile, accept reviews, and seek client feedback to enhance your real estate appraisal business's online presence.

www.appraisalinbox.com

If I were still in it, that is some great leadership for market growth and would definitely take you up on this. Also, appreciate your input on the "how to" aspect, after all, this is the place to be for sharing insights to fellow appraisers
Best of luck to all

 

[Carnivore]

I almost forgot something.... Get a Home Inspector License But your in California

No, California does not require home inspectors to be licensed by the state. While there's no formal state-sponsored licensing, California does have regulations in place to govern their practices, primarily through a trade practice act. This act prohibits certain unethical practices, such as repairing properties that the inspector previously inspected.

I am in NC and we have state licensed home inspectors
North Carolina requires home inspectors to be licensed and regulated by the NC Home Inspector Licensure Board (nchilb.com). Anyone performing a home inspection for a fee in North Carolina must be licensed. The licensing process includes completing a 120-hour approved course and passing a licensing examination.