Don’t Forget to Say Thanks
Why a little gratitude can go a long way in your appraisal business
When was the last time you thanked someone for referring you? Not just a casual “Oh yeah, I appreciate it,” but a real, intentional thank you?
One of the simplest and most overlooked ways to grow your non-lender business is to consistently thank the people who send business your way. That gratitude—whether it’s a quick phone call, a text, or a conversation in person—makes people want to keep referring you.
Here’s how I handle it in my own business: on every engagement letter, I include a question: Who referred you? If I forget to ask on the initial phone call, I make sure it’s captured before the job starts. And as soon as I find out who the referral came from, I reach out.
Let me give you a few quick examples.
A forensic accountant recently referred me a divorce case. Actually, it was two appraisals for the same client. As soon as I got the referral, I called them up. “Hey, I just wanted to say thank you for thinking of me,” I said. Simple, quick, and meaningful.
Another time, a real estate attorney I’ve worked with introduced me to another attorney, who ended up referring me to a new client. I happened to bump into that first attorney at an event, and I made sure to say, “Hey, thank you so much for that introduction. It led to a great client, and I truly appreciate it.”
And of course, real estate agents. I’ve found they love a quick call or text. One agent sent me a client for a pre-listing appraisal. After wrapping it up, I followed up with him directly: “Thanks for thinking of me. I really appreciate the trust.”
It’s also worth remembering that when someone refers you, they’re essentially putting their reputation on the line. They’re saying, “This is someone I trust.” That’s a big deal. So it’s not just about doing a good job for the client—it’s about making the person who referred you look good too. I treat referral clients the same way I’d treat someone I’ve worked with for years, because I want the person who sent them to feel confident they made the right call. It should be a win-win for everyone involved.
These are small moments, but they add up. A few words and a little effort go a long way. That’s how you stay top of mind the next time they need someone.
So this week, think about how you can build more gratitude into your business. Who can you reach out to? Who deserves a quick thanks for sending business your way?
And as always, if you’re looking to grow your non-lender business and get more of those referrals in the first place, check out the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. We’ve got both free and Elite memberships. Elite members get access to educational content, a resource library, and higher referral payouts. Once your business starts growing, those referrals start flowing.
All the best,
Dan Lindeman
ReferAppraisals.com