ABC’s Appraisal Business Circles: Connecting Appraisers, Growing Businesses, and Strengthening the Profession

 

Appraising can sometimes feel like a lonely business. You’re out there grinding, inspecting properties, crunching numbers, and writing reports—often with little interaction with anyone who truly understands what you do. But what if we told you it doesn’t have to be that way? Enter ABC’s Appraisal Business Circles—a new initiative from the Appraisal Referral Network designed to bring nearby appraisers together.

What Are Appraisal Business Circles?

ABC’s Appraisal Business Circles are state or regional Zoom meet-up groups of appraisers, gathering quarterly or semi-annually to connect, collaborate, and strengthen the profession. Our goal is simple: to build a thriving community of appraisers who support each other, share knowledge, and create business opportunities. Best of all, it’s free to all members!

Why Join?

We know life can get busy, and time is money. So why carve out time for these meet-ups? Here are just a few reasons:

 

  • Referrals Between Each Other – Ever had to turn down an assignment because it’s out of your coverage area or you’re just too swamped? With ABC’s, you can get to know your peers better, and they can become trusted partners you can refer work to—and, in return, get referrals when they’re in the same boat. Win-win.

 

  • Learning from Your Peers – The profession is always evolving. Whether it’s changes in regulations, tech tools, or best practices, these meet-ups provide an opportunity to learn what’s working for other appraisers and stay ahead of the curve.

 

  • Expanding Service Offerings – Be the go-to appraiser for your network. Having colleagues who specialize in areas you don’t allows your business to offer these services through trusted colleagues—earning a referral fee while your colleague earns the appraisal fee.

 

  • Strength in Numbers – When new regulations, advocacy issues, or industry changes arise, a strong network of appraisers can collectively push for solutions that benefit the profession as a whole.

 

  • Building a Stronger Reputation – Being actively involved in a professional network makes you more visible and respected. It positions you as a go-to appraiser if you specialize in unique and complex assignments.

 

  • Boosting Confidence & Motivation – Let’s be honest—appraising can sometimes feel isolating. Having a group of like-minded professionals to connect with can boost morale, keep you motivated, and help you stay engaged in your business.

 

  • Collaboration on Larger Assignments – Some assignments are too big or complex to tackle alone. With an established network, you can find experienced appraisers to team up with when needed.

 

  • Grow Your Business – Learn what is working for colleagues and what isn’t. Sharing experiences about marketing strategies, client interactions, and business operations can help you refine your approach and avoid pitfalls. By networking with other appraisers, you gain insights into new opportunities, emerging trends, and proven methods to attract more business and increase profitability.

Ready to Get Involved?

ABC’s Appraisal Business Circles are launching soon, and we want you to be part of the movement. If you’re interested in joining, it’s as simple as becoming a free member of the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com.

It’s time to break out of the appraisal bubble and build a stronger, more connected profession. Let’s grow together!

I recently came across some eye-opening stats from the FHFA: a staggering 73% of U.S. mortgage borrowers have an interest rate below 5%, and 55% have a rate below 3.99%. As of mid-February 2025, Freddie Mac reports the average 30-year mortgage rate at 6.87%. With decreasing sales volume and an uptick in appraisal waivers, the result is a perfect storm of dwindling lender work for appraisers. What’s left is a small pool of orders that appraisers are scrambling over, undercutting each other for lower fees.

 

So, what’s an appraiser to do? Sit around complaining about the lack of volume with peers? Or, better yet, take action and do something about it?

 

January 2025 was one of my best months in years. My single-appraiser office grossed over $20,000—and 80% of that came from private work. I can already hear the naysayers: “We don’t have enough private work in my area. It’s impossible to survive without lending work.” To that, I say—nonsense.

 

Sure, I live in a densely populated area, which means more homes and more people needing appraisals. But that also means more competition. No matter where you are, people still pass away, requiring estate, probate, guardianship, and trust appraisals. Couples still get divorced, needing valuations for marital homes and pre-marital properties. Unmarried couples buy homes together, only to end up in partition litigation. Natural disasters strike, requiring before-and-after property valuations. Attorneys need appraisers as expert witnesses for a variety of litigation cases. Property taxes keep rising, leading to more tax appeal appraisals. Real estate agents, especially in slow markets, need help setting listing prices. The demand for private appraisal work is everywhere—you just have to tap into it.

 

No more excuses. If you want to keep working as an appraiser, you have to pivot from lender work to private work. That shift requires a new mindset, but I’m here to help—so is the Appraisal Referral Network.

 

By signing up as a free member, you’ll receive a 10-step guide to kick-start your non-lender journey and an engagement letter template. Plus, you’ll gain access to nearly a thousand other appraisers across the country, providing a space to exchange referrals. Accept a referral and quote your own fee. Send a referral to a peer and earn up to 12% of the appraisal fee. It’s the first referral network of its kind—helping appraisers generate passive income on assignments they’d otherwise turn down due to expertise, location, or time constraints.

 

Have a non-lender question or need appraisal help from a peer? Our free Q&A forum is here for you. Want even more resources? Our Elite membership includes training videos, a business growth library, preferred partner discounts, and—best of all—when your phone starts ringing with extra referrals, you’ll earn 12% on each successful one.

 

Join nearly 1,000 of your peers today at ReferAppraisals.com and start building your private appraisal business!

Why I Love Being an Appraiser – A Valentine’s Day Tribute to the Profession

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love—whether it’s for family, friends, or, in my case, a career that has given me freedom, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. While some may be exchanging roses and chocolates today, I’m taking a moment to reflect on why I love being an appraiser.

1. The Freedom to Build My Own Business

One of the greatest gifts of the appraisal profession is the ability to be my own boss. I set my schedule, choose my clients, and decide the direction of my business. Whether it’s focusing on private appraisals, lending work, or expanding into new markets, the flexibility is something I truly cherish.

2. The Variety—No Two Days Are the Same

Every property has a story, and every day brings something new. One day, I might be appraising a waterfront mansion, and the next, I could be valuing a run down property at the end of its useful life. The ever-changing nature of the job keeps things interesting and engaging.

3. Helping People in Meaningful Ways

Appraisers play a crucial role in some of life’s biggest transitions—whether it’s helping a family settle an estate, guiding a couple through appraising their home in a divorce, or assisting a homeowner in understanding their property’s value. Knowing that my expertise helps people make informed financial decisions makes this career deeply rewarding.

4. The Challenge of Problem-Solving

Appraising isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about uncovering the truth. Every assignment is a puzzle, requiring me to analyze data, compare properties, and interpret market trends. I love the intellectual challenge that comes with determining fair market value.

5. The Camaraderie of the Appraisal Community

The appraisal industry may seem like a solo profession, but I’ve found an incredible network of colleagues who share insights, support, and mentorship. Whether it’s through professional groups, conferences, or my own Appraisal Referral Network, I love being part of a community that helps each other grow.

6. The Ever-Evolving Nature of the Market

Real estate is constantly shifting, and as an appraiser, I’m always learning. Market trends, economic factors, and property values change, keeping me on my toes. Staying informed and adapting to these changes makes the profession exciting.

7. The Independence & Earning Potential

Unlike traditional 9-to-5 jobs, being an appraiser allows me to control my income based on how much or how little I want to work. The ability to scale my business and explore new opportunities—like referral appraisals, private work, or expert witness testimony—makes this career even more rewarding.

Conclusion

On this Valentine’s Day, while others are celebrating love in different ways, I’m taking a moment to appreciate a profession that has given me so much. The ability to work independently, solve complex problems, help people, and continuously learn makes appraising more than just a job—it’s a passion.

Want to Experience More Love for Being an Appraiser?

Head over to the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com and join a thriving community of nearly 1,000 appraisers who love sending and receiving non-lender referrals. Expand your business, grow your network, and fall in love with appraising all over again!

Unlocking Non-Lender Appraisal Opportunities with Estate Work

 

As the largest generational wealth transfer in history unfolds, appraisers have a unique chance to tap into a booming market. The impending “Silver Tsunami” is not just a demographic shift—it’s a gateway to non-lender appraisal opportunities tied to estate work.

 

As appraisers continually seek to diversify their business beyond traditional lender work, estate appraisals stand out as a source of non-lender income. For me, estate work comprises about 15-20% of my non-lender business, highlighting its consistent demand and growth potential. Recent research from Freddie Mac highlights a compelling trend that appraisers should not ignore: the Baby Boomer generation is set to transfer an unprecedented amount of wealth to their heirs, creating a surge in estate-related appraisal needs.

 

The “Wave of Wealth” Is Here

 

According to Freddie Mac, Baby Boomers—Americans born between 1946 and 1964—hold half of the nation’s home equity, amounting to an astonishing $17.3 trillion. This vast accumulation of wealth translates into a significant demand for estate appraisals, as families will require professional valuations to manage inheritances, settle estates, and ensure accurate tax reporting during this massive generational wealth transfer. With 65 million Boomers accounting for 36% of all homeowner households, the impending generational wealth transfer, often referred to as the “Silver Tsunami,” represents an unparalleled opportunity for appraisers specializing in estate work.

 

In a recent survey, 75% of Boomers indicated they plan to leave either their home or the proceeds from the sale of their home to their children or family. This massive transfer of wealth will trigger a significant increase in the demand for estate appraisals, as heirs will need accurate valuations for probate, tax reporting, and equitable distribution.

 

Why Estate Work Is a Smart Move for Appraisers

 

Estate appraisals offer several advantages for appraisers looking to grow their non-lender business:

 

Consistent Demand: Unlike lender-driven markets that fluctuate with interest rates, estate work is consistent. Life events such as inheritance are not tied to economic cycles.

Diverse Client Base: Estate appraisals connect you with attorneys, financial planners, and executors, expanding your professional network beyond real estate agents and lenders.

Higher Fees: Estate appraisals often command higher fees due to the detailed reporting requirements and the critical nature of the work.

Positioning Yourself for the Boom

 

Appraisers can position themselves to capture this growing market by:

 

Building Relationships: Connect with estate attorneys, probate courts, and financial advisors.

Marketing Your Services: Highlight your expertise in estate appraisals on your website, social media, and local networking events.

Continuing Education: Stay current with estate and tax laws to offer informed, credible appraisals.

 

Join the Appraisal Referral Network

 

At the Appraisal Referral Network, we see referrals for estate appraisal and many other types of non-lender work. Now is the perfect time to expand your non-lender business and tap into this growing market. Whether you’re a seasoned appraiser or just starting to diversify, estate work can be a cornerstone of your growth strategy.  If you’re not a member yet, we offer both free and paid memberships to suit your needs. Join our community today and start receiving referrals that can transform your business at ReferAppraisals.com.