Expert witness work looks glamorous from the outside. People imagine suits, confidence, and commanding the courtroom like you’re delivering the season finale of Law & Order: Appraiser Unit.

Reality?
Some days you’re fully prepared with a packet of questions and a clear roadmap. Other days you’re showing up to trial like, “So… what are we talking about today?”

This past week I had two Zoom trials scheduled an hour apart, and they were perfect examples of the extremes. If you ever wondered what expert work really looks like, here’s your inside view.

 

Case 1: The Attorney Who’s the Prepper

 

Monday night, after hours, of course, I get an email from the attorney. Attached was a PDF titled Exhibit I, containing a full outline of the questions she planned to ask me.

Every foundational question was listed and organized, from my background to the appraisal dates to the methodology behind the two valuations.

 

Here are some examples from her list (from Exhibit I PDF) :

  • “What licenses or certifications do you currently hold?”

  • “How long have you been working as a real estate appraiser?”

  • “Have you previously testified as an expert in court?”

  • “What was your opinion of value on February 18, 2025?”

  • “What is the value as of November 6, 2025?”

  • “How did you come up with the value on Nov 6, 2025?”

  • “In your expert opinion, is the property worth $1,115,500?”

If you ever want an appraiser to sleep well the night before trial, this is how you do it. Structure. Clarity. Direction. I could review, prepare, and walk in ready.

 

Case 2: The Attorney Who Thinks Prep Is Optional

 

A week before the trial, the husband in the case calls me directly:

“Yeah, I’m going to need you at trial.”
 Cool. Totally normal.
 I tell him, “Have your attorney reach out so we’re aligned.”

Silence. For days.

Then, the day before trial, less than 24 hours out, I finally get an email. The entire thing:

“Yes, are you available tomorrow at 10am? Zoom?”

No list of questions.
 No pre-trial call.
 No outline.
 No “Here’s what we’re discussing.”

This is the part of expert witness work that nobody warns you about. Some attorneys prepare like they’re defending the Constitution. Others… well… they remember you exist the day before trial.

 

Why This Matters for Appraisers

 

Expert witness work is unpredictable. Some attorneys send detailed questions. Others send a one-line email. Your preparation needs to be consistent even when theirs isn’t.

Your job is to stay composed, know your report cold, and be the calmest person in the virtual courtroom.

 

What You Can Learn From These Two Cases

 

  1. Treat every trial like you’re getting zero prep.
     Because sometimes you will.
  2. Create your own internal prep system.
     Dates, adjustments, comps, reconciliation — know it all cold.
  3. Build relationships with the attorneys who prepare well.
     They value your work and bring you back.
  4. Don’t let lack of prep shake you.
     Judges recognize professionalism.

Final Thought

 

Expert witness work is one of the highest-value services an appraiser can offer. It can be stressful, unpredictable, and occasionally chaotic, but once you learn to handle both extremes, it becomes a powerful part of your non-lender business.

Some attorneys give you a roadmap.
 Others give you 12 hours’ notice.
 Either way, you’ll be ready.

 

Want to Learn More About Expert Witness Work?

 

If you want to grow this part of your business or learn how other appraisers handle testimony, preparation, and the curveballs attorneys throw, join the Appraisal Referral Network. We offer both free and paid memberships, so you can choose whatever fits your goals and experience level.

You’ll get real-world guidance, community insights, and access to appraisers who are already doing this work every week.  Join us at ReferAppraisals.com.

When I first started appraising, my wardrobe was what you might call “functional.” Shorts and a polo shirt were my daily uniform. I was in and out of houses, peeking in attics, and sweating through inspections, so comfort came first (I’m in South Florida).

 

But as I started shifting into private and non-lender work, I realized something important: how you present yourself shapes the kind of clients you attract. If you want to work with attorneys, agents, and private clients, you need to look like the professional they expect to hire.

 

Now, my go-to look is simple. Khakis, boots, and a collared shirt with my company logo. It’s comfortable for the field but still looks sharp. Sure, my khakis pick up a stain or two from time to time, but that’s part of the job. The key is showing up looking like you take your work seriously.

 

Early in my career, I didn’t think much about how my appearance mattered. But once I made a conscious effort to look a little more polished, I started to notice a difference. Homeowners and attorneys treated me with more trust and respect, and that professional image carried over to how they talked about me afterward. Appearance really does play a role in the kind of business you attract.

Courtroom Clothing: When First Impressions Count

Earlier this week, I had an in-person trial at the courthouse. Another appraiser was there too, testifying on the same case. He did an earlier appraisal, and mine was more recent, one for the husband and one for the wife.

 

That morning, I had an appraisal scheduled before court, so I showed up in my usual khakis and polo. I packed a suit for later. When I got to the courthouse, I realized my khakis actually matched the jacket pretty well, so I swapped the polo for a dress shirt and tie, added the jacket, and went in.

 

Standing next to the other appraiser, who was dressed in a collared shirt and khakis without a tie or jacket, I started wondering if it really mattered. Does what we wear in court make a difference? Personally, I think it does.

 

A week before that, I had a Zoom court appearance, and even though I was testifying from my office, I wore a suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie. I could have easily just thrown on a collared shirt and called it a day, but I wanted to look professional, even through the screen. The judge and attorneys were all dressed appropriately, and I wanted to reflect that same level of respect for the process.

 

In both cases, I felt more confident and prepared because I looked the part. And if wearing a tie and jacket adds even a small amount of credibility to my testimony, that’s a trade I’ll take every time.

Why It Matters

Looking professional isn’t about vanity. It’s about reinforcing credibility. People make quick judgments, whether they realize it or not. The way you present yourself tells clients, judges, and attorneys that you take your work seriously and that your opinions carry weight.

 

Just like a clean and well-organized report builds trust in your analysis, a professional appearance builds trust in you as the expert. And in a business that runs on reputation and referrals, those small details matter more than most people think.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need designer suits or expensive shoes to look professional. You just need to look like you care. Whether you’re at a site inspection, a client meeting, or testifying in court, your appearance sets the tone before you ever speak a word.

 

So what do you think? What do you wear on your appraisal appointments? And how do you approach court appearances, whether in person or on Zoom? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

If you’re serious about growing your appraisal business and connecting with other professionals who take their careers seriously too, join the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. It’s a community of appraisers who share referrals, support each other, and help build stronger private appraisal businesses.

 

Because professionalism isn’t just about what you wear. It’s about how you show up.

I came across an article on Entrepreneur.com called Why Networking Still Matters in Business, and it hit home. It’s a good reminder that relationships still drive business, no matter how digital or automated things get. And if you’re an appraiser trying to grow your private or non-lender work, this couldn’t be more true.

 

Let’s be honest. Most of us didn’t get into appraising because we love working the room. We’re data people. We like comps more than cocktail hours. But the appraisers who build strong referral networks with attorneys, real estate agents, and financial professionals are the ones who stay busy when others slow down.

It’s Not About Selling Yourself

Networking isn’t about being pushy or pretending you’re something you’re not. It’s about staying visible and useful. When someone you’ve met needs an estate appraisal or a divorce valuation, you want them to think, “Oh yeah, I know an appraiser I trust.”

 

That only happens if you’ve taken the time to get to know people, not just at appraisal events, but outside of them. Try showing up where your referral partners are. Attend bar association meetings, real estate offices, or local business mixers. You don’t have to work the room. Just start a few real conversations. Ask what they’re seeing in their business. Offer to be a resource. That’s it.

Follow-Up Is Where the Magic Happens

The biggest mistake most appraisers make? We meet someone once, exchange cards, and then disappear. Real networking happens in the follow-up. A quick email saying, “Nice meeting you, here’s that market trend I mentioned,” or checking in a month later to see how things are going, makes all the difference.

It’s not complicated. It just takes consistency.

Build Before You Need It

If you’re waiting until your phone stops ringing to start building relationships, it’s too late. Networking is like insurance. You don’t buy it after the accident. Build your network now while things are good. That way, when the market cools, your name is still being passed around by the people who know and trust you.

Final Thought

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about collecting trust. One solid connection can lead to years of steady work. So if it’s been a while since you’ve put yourself out there, take this as your sign to start again.  Grab a coffee. Attend that luncheon. Say yes to the invite. You never know which conversation turns into your next referral source.

 

And if you’re looking for a place to start, join the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. It’s a community of appraisers helping each other grow, share referrals, and stay connected in the profession. Because the best kind of networking is with people who actually get what you do.