Benefits of the Network Archives - Appraisal Referral Network

A lot of appraisers say they need to do more networking.

Usually what they mean is they need to meet more people, attend more events, connect with more people on LinkedIn, or collect more business cards.

But that is not really the goal.

The goal is to build relationships with people who actually know what you do, trust you, and think of you when someone needs an appraiser.

That is a big difference.

I recently read a Forbes article by Rekha Thomas titled “Guide To Strategic Networking: How To Build Connections, Not Just Contacts.” One of the main points is that networking should be measured by the quality of your relationships, not the size of your contact list.

That idea applies perfectly to appraisers trying to grow non-lender work.

You probably do not need another 500 LinkedIn connections.

You need 20, 30, or 50 people who actually remember your name.

Start Before You Need the Referral

One of Thomas’ recommendations is simple: build the relationship before you need something.

This is where a lot of appraisers get networking backward.

They call an attorney when they want attorney work. They contact a real estate agent when business is slow. They reach out to an accountant because tax season is coming.

That feels like prospecting because it is.

Instead, start talking to people when you do not need anything from them.

Send an agent an article about a market trend in their area. Congratulate an attorney on an award. Introduce an accountant to someone who might be useful to them. Answer a valuation question without immediately turning it into a sales pitch.

You are putting deposits into the relationship before asking for a withdrawal.

And yes, sometimes you will help someone and get absolutely nothing in return.

That is networking.

Look for Common Ground

Thomas also recommends finding shared interests.

This does not have to mean discovering that you both love golf, IPAs, or arguing about property taxes.

Professional common ground works too.

Maybe you and an estate attorney both deal with complicated inherited properties. Maybe an agent works heavily with divorce clients. Maybe a financial planner regularly advises clients with substantial real estate holdings.

Those shared problems create natural conversations.

Instead of saying:

“Hi, I am an appraiser. Please send me referrals.”

You can have an actual conversation about the clients and problems both of you deal with.

That is a much easier relationship to build.

Quality Beats Quantity

This may be the biggest lesson.

You do not need to know everybody.

You need the right people to know you.

An attorney who sends you four assignments a year is more valuable to your business than 1,000 people scrolling past your LinkedIn posts.

A real estate agent who trusts you enough to bring you into difficult pre-listing situations can become a referral source for years.

A CPA who understands that you handle estate and date-of-death work can keep your phone ringing without you spending another dollar on advertising.

Spend more time developing those relationships instead of constantly chasing new ones.

Stay in Touch Without Being Annoying

Thomas recommends creating regular touchpoints with your network.

For appraisers, this does not need to be complicated.

Maybe you send an email every few months.

Maybe you grab coffee twice a year.

Maybe you comment on their LinkedIn posts.

Maybe you invite them to lunch.

Maybe you send them something useful when you come across it.

The point is simply to stay visible.

Because referrals often come down to timing.

Someone may know three appraisers. When a client suddenly needs an appraisal, who gets the call?

Usually the person they remembered first.

If they have not heard from you in three years, that probably will not be you.

Make It Easy for People to Refer You

Another great point from the Forbes article is to make it easy for people to help you.

This is huge for appraisers.

If someone asks what kind of appraisal work you do and your answer is:

“Pretty much anything.”

You are making their job harder.

Be specific.

“I specialize in divorce, estate, pre-listing, and other private appraisal assignments in the Chicago area.”

Now someone knows exactly when to think of you.

The easier you make it for someone to describe what you do, the easier it becomes for them to refer you.

Your website, LinkedIn profile, Google Business Profile, email signature, and even your elevator pitch should reinforce that message.

Nobody should need to conduct an investigation to figure out what kind of work you want.

Your Network Should Work Both Ways

The strongest referral relationships are not one-sided.

You should be asking yourself:

Who can I introduce this person to?

What information could help them?

How can I make them look good in front of their clients?

Where can I send them business?

That is how you stop being another vendor asking for referrals and start becoming part of someone’s professional network.

And when you become useful to people, they tend to remember you.

Funny how that works.

Build Connections, Not a Collection

Thomas concludes that strategic networking is about depth rather than breadth, and I think that is especially important for appraisers.

You do not need to become a networking machine.

You do not need to attend four events every week.

And you definitely do not need 10,000 LinkedIn connections.

Start with the people already around you.

Pick a handful of agents, attorneys, accountants, financial professionals, past clients, and other appraisers.

Stay in touch.

Help them when you can.

Learn what they do.

Make sure they understand what you do.

Then keep showing up.

That small group of real relationships can produce far more appraisal work than a giant database full of people who barely remember meeting you.

Your network is not the number of people in your phone.

It is the number of people who would actually answer when you call.

So take a look at your own network. Are you collecting contacts, or are you actually building relationships?

And if you are an appraiser looking to grow your non-lender business and build more referral relationships, join the Appraisal Referral Network at referappraisals.com.

Most appraisers do not need a giant network.

They need a useful one.

There is a difference.

A lot of people think networking means shaking hands at events, collecting business cards, and pretending to enjoy small talk. That may work for some people, but most appraisers would rather measure a crawl space in August than work a room full of strangers.

The good news is that building a referral network does not have to be complicated. It does not have to be fake. And it definitely does not require you to become the loudest person in the room.

For appraisers, especially those looking to grow non-lender work, networking is really about staying visible, being useful, and making sure the right people know what kind of work you handle.

Here are the first four places appraisers should focus.

1. Start With the People Who Already Know You

Before trying to meet a bunch of new people, look at the people who already know you.

Past clients. Real estate agents. Attorneys. Accountants. Financial planners. Property managers. Other appraisers. Former co-workers. People you met at classes, conferences, or local real estate events.

There is probably more opportunity in your existing contact list than you realize.

The issue is that many of those people may not know what you actually do today. They may know you are an appraiser, but they may only think of you for lender work. They may have no idea you handle estate appraisals, divorce work, pre-listing assignments, tax appeal work, litigation support, consulting, or other private appraisal assignments.

That matters.

People cannot refer work they do not know you want.

A simple check-in can go a long way. You do not need to send some awkward “just circling back” message that sounds like it was written by a robot or AI. Just be direct.

Let people know what types of assignments you are taking. Tell them what areas you cover. Remind them when an appraisal may be helpful.

Sometimes the best referral source is not a new contact. It is an old contact who simply forgot what you do.

2. Make Sure Your Online Presence Explains Your Work

When someone hears your name, there is a good chance they are going to look you up.

What will they find?

An updated website? A clear LinkedIn profile? A business page that shows you are active?

Or will they find a website that looks like it was built when flip phones were still a thing?

Your online presence does not need to be fancy, but it does need to be clear. People should be able to quickly understand who you help, what services you offer, where you work, and how to contact you.

This is especially important for non-lender work.

Most private clients do not know exactly what type of appraisal they need. Attorneys, agents, accountants, and property owners may understand they have a valuation problem, but they may not know the appraisal language.

So spell it out.

Explain that you handle estate appraisals. Divorce appraisals. Pre-listing appraisals. Tax appeal work. Private mortgage removal. Litigation support. Date-of-death valuations. Whatever services fit your business.

If someone has to guess, they may move on.

Your website and profile should make it easy for the right person to say, “This is who I need to call.”

3. Get Around the Right People

Not every group is worth your time.

A room full of people does not automatically mean opportunity. Sometimes it just means a room full of people.

For appraisers, the goal is not to meet everyone. The goal is to be around professionals who regularly come across valuation problems.

That may include estate attorneys, divorce attorneys, real estate agents, accountants, financial planners, investors, property managers, and other appraisers.

The “other appraisers” part is important.

Appraisers can be some of your best referral sources. A residential appraiser may get a call for a commercial assignment. A commercial appraiser may get asked about a single-family divorce appraisal. An appraiser may receive a request outside their coverage area or outside their comfort zone.

When you know the right people, those calls do not have to die on the vine.

You can refer the assignment to another qualified appraiser, help the client find the right person, and possibly earn referral income depending on the arrangement.

That is a much better outcome than saying, “Sorry, I do not do that,” and letting the opportunity disappear.

4. Build Relationships Outside Your Usual Lane

It is easy to stay in your own circle.

Residential appraisers talk to residential appraisers. Commercial appraisers talk to commercial appraisers. Appraisers talk to appraisers. Everyone nods politely and complains about forms, fees, and revision requests. A real bonding experience.

But if you want more opportunity, you need relationships outside your usual lane.

Residential appraisers should know commercial appraisers. Commercial appraisers should know residential appraisers. Appraisers should know attorneys, agents, accountants, investors, and other professionals who deal with real estate decisions.

Those relationships can open doors you would never find on your own.

A divorce attorney may need a reliable appraiser. An agent may need help with a pre-listing valuation. An accountant may have a client dealing with an estate. Another appraiser may have a job outside their area and need someone they trust.

That is how referral work happens.

Not from blasting people with sales messages. Not from begging for leads. Not from posting “I’m here for all your appraisal needs” once every six months and hoping the internet does its thing.

It happens because people know you, trust you, and understand when to call you.

Close

Appraisers do not need to overcomplicate networking. Start with the people who already know you, make sure they understand what type of work you handle, and build relationships with professionals outside your usual lane. That is how more referral opportunities get created.

A strong referral network helps the client, helps another appraiser, and keeps you connected to opportunities you otherwise would have missed. That is exactly why we built the Appraiser Referral Network: to help appraisers refer non-lender work, connect with qualified colleagues, and stop letting good leads fall through the cracks.

If your phone is already ringing, your network should be working for you. Join the Appraiser Referral Network and start turning more missed opportunities into real referral relationships.

A lot of appraisers hate networking. Not because they dislike people, but because most networking advice feels fake. Walk the room. Hand out business cards. Pitch yourself. Follow up with a canned email that sounds like it was written by a LinkedIn motivational speaker.

That approach usually does not work well for appraisers anyway.

Most appraisers are naturally more analytical, observant, and relationship-focused. That is actually an advantage when it comes to building non-lender work. You do not need to become the loudest person in the room to build strong referral relationships. You just need to become someone people remember and trust.

I recently came across a Forbes article discussing how professionals can network without that “icky” feeling. A lot of the advice applies almost perfectly to appraisers, especially those trying to grow private work with attorneys, agents, accountants, estate planners, and other professionals.

One of the biggest takeaways was to stop treating networking like a sales event. Most people can spot a transactional conversation almost immediately. You know the type. Someone asks what you do, nods for three seconds, then starts scanning the room looking for their next victim. Nobody enjoys that experience.

The better approach is curiosity.

Instead of trying to impress people, ask questions. Learn about their business. Find out what problems they run into. An estate attorney may struggle finding appraisers who can explain complex valuation issues clearly to clients. A real estate agent may need someone who can help with pre-listing pricing issues without creating unnecessary drama. A CPA may need retrospective appraisals completed quickly for tax purposes.

You do not need a polished elevator pitch for those conversations. You just need to listen.

Ironically, appraisers are usually already good at this. We spend a large part of our job interviewing property owners, agents, attorneys, and market participants. We ask questions for a living. The difference is that many appraisers forget to use those same communication skills when building relationships outside the report itself.

Another point from the article was focusing on one or two meaningful connections instead of trying to meet everybody. That is especially important for introverted appraisers. You do not need to “work the room.” Honestly, most people pretending to work the room are exhausting themselves anyway.

One good conversation with the right attorney or agent can lead to years of referrals. One solid connection is worth more than collecting 27 business cards that end up buried in your center console next to expired insurance cards and ketchup packets.

The article also talked about leading with value first, and that may be the most important part for appraisers.

If you want better referral relationships, stop thinking only about getting work and start thinking about helping people solve problems.

Sometimes value is as simple as answering a quick question without immediately turning it into a sales pitch. Sometimes it is connecting someone with another professional. Sometimes it is explaining market conditions in plain English when everybody else is speaking in not USPAP appraisal jargon.

People remember helpful professionals.

The other reality is this: networking does not only happen at networking events.

Some of the best referral relationships are built through normal business interactions. A smooth appraisal assignment. A difficult conversation handled professionally. A quick follow-up call. Showing up on time. Being easy to work with. Not disappearing for five days after someone leaves a voicemail. The bar is honestly lower than people think.

A lot of appraisers assume they need to become marketing experts to grow non-lender work. Most do not. They just need to become more intentional about relationships already sitting in front of them.

The appraisers building strong private-client businesses are usually not the flashiest marketers. They are the ones people trust. They communicate well. They stay visible. They make the process easier. And when people need an appraiser again, their name comes to mind first.

That is networking. It just does not feel gross when you do it right.

If you are looking to grow your non-lender appraisal business and build stronger referral relationships, join the Appraisal Referral Network. Connect with appraisers across the country, exchange referrals, learn from other professionals, and build a business that is not fully dependent on lender work. Free and paid memberships are available depending on your goals.

Most appraisers spend years focused on getting better at the technical side of the job. They refine their comp selection, tighten up adjustments, and produce solid reports. That’s all important, but it’s not what consistently brings in non-lender work.

What actually drives growth is a lot less technical and a lot more human. It comes down to relationships.

I recently read an article that laid out 15 networking tips for small business owners, and it reinforced something that applies directly to this profession. Networking is not something you do when business is slow. It is one of the main ways you build a steady pipeline, especially when you’re working outside of lender assignments.

The part most appraisers miss is that they’re already sitting on a network. You don’t need to go out and “find” people. Past clients, real estate agents, attorneys, investors, even homeowners you’ve worked with before, those are your best opportunities. They already know how you work. A simple check-in or staying visible can turn into more business faster than chasing brand new contacts who have no idea who you are.

That said, there needs to be some intention behind it. If you don’t have a plan, networking turns into a bunch of random conversations that don’t lead anywhere. The better approach is to decide who you actually want to work with and focus your time there. For most appraisers, that’s going to be agents, attorneys, and private clients. You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to show up consistently in the right places, whether that’s in person or online.

Another piece of this that gets overlooked is how you explain what you do. If someone asks and you give a long, technical answer, you’ve already lost them. People aren’t looking for a breakdown of your process. They want to understand it quickly. Something simple and relatable works a lot better, like explaining that you help people understand what a property is worth before they make a big decision. That sticks.

Where most people fall off is after that first interaction. Meeting someone is easy. Staying in touch is where the business actually happens. A quick follow-up, a message a few weeks later, or sharing something useful keeps you in their world. Most opportunities aren’t lost because someone else is better. They’re lost because someone else stayed top of mind.

One of the biggest shifts, and one that takes some discipline, is focusing on creating value first. Instead of immediately looking for business, look for ways to help. That might mean referring a good agent to a client, giving insight on a situation, or connecting two people who should know each other. When you do that consistently, you stop having to chase work. It starts coming back to you.

Staying visible also plays a role here. You don’t need to overcomplicate it or try to become some kind of content creator. Just share what you already know. Talk about real scenarios, market observations, or how you approach certain assignments. It keeps your name in front of people, and that matters more than most realize. The same goes for writing. When you consistently put out useful information, people begin to associate you with being the person to call.

Another thing worth paying attention to is how people prefer to communicate. Some people will answer a text in five minutes and ignore emails for a week. Others are the opposite. Some want to meet in person. Adjusting to that makes your communication feel more natural and less forced, and it usually gets better responses.

As your business grows, your approach should evolve with it. Early on, you might lean heavily on agent relationships. Over time, you may find more consistency working with attorneys or private clients. The key is paying attention to what is actually producing results and doing more of that. There’s no perfect formula, and the people who grow the most are the ones who adapt.

At the end of the day, networking is not about collecting contacts or handing out business cards. It’s about building real relationships over time. In the non-lender space, those relationships are the business. When you get that right, everything else becomes a lot easier.

If you’re looking to build that kind of business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Join over 1,600 appraisers who are sharing referrals, building relationships, and learning how to grow in the non-lender space.

Check it out at ReferAppraisals.com

If you want more non-lender work, you don’t need better software, a new logo, or to spend hours tweaking your website. What you actually need is a stronger referral pipeline.

That’s really what it comes down to.

There was a recent article from Florida Realtors talking about how agents build consistent business through referrals. Different side of the industry, but the same exact principle applies to appraisers. The ones who stay busy are not constantly chasing work. They’ve positioned themselves so work comes to them.

In the appraisal world, referrals aren’t random. They’re built over time through visibility, trust, and consistency. If people don’t think of you, they can’t refer you. If they don’t trust you, they won’t refer you. And if you go quiet for long stretches, they’ll forget about you altogether.

A lot of appraisers assume referrals will just happen naturally. Sometimes they do, but the steady ones come from being intentional about relationships. That usually starts with the right people. Think about who is already in conversations where an appraisal is needed. Divorce attorneys, estate attorneys, CPAs, financial planners, and real estate agents are all dealing with situations where your service fits right in. Your goal is to be the person they think of in that moment.

This doesn’t require some big marketing plan. In most cases, it just comes down to showing up. Answer your phone. Follow up after assignments. Check in with people every so often. Stay visible, whether that’s through email, social media, or just keeping in touch. People tend to refer those they remember, not necessarily the ones with the fanciest branding.

Another thing that often gets overlooked is how easy you are to refer. Even when someone wants to send you business, they may hesitate if they’re not sure how to explain what you do or what types of assignments you handle. The clearer you are, the more likely it happens. When people understand that you handle things like divorce, estate, or pre-listing appraisals, it removes friction and makes that referral decision simple.

The part that surprises most appraisers is how referrals build over time. One good connection might only send a deal or two at first, but as trust grows, so does the volume. Over time, that single relationship can turn into a steady stream of work. It’s a completely different model than constantly chasing one-off assignments.

And once you’re active in that space, other appraisers become a valuable referral source as well. Whether it’s coverage gaps, scheduling issues, or conflicts of interest, having a network you can both give and receive from creates a level of consistency that most appraisers never experience.

At the end of the day, if your business feels unpredictable, it’s usually not a skill issue or even a market issue. It’s a pipeline issue. And pipelines are built through people.

If you want to grow your non-lender business and be part of a network that’s actively passing referrals, join over 1,500 appraisers across the country at ReferAppraisals.com. It’s a place where appraisers connect, share opportunities, and build the kind of business that doesn’t rely on waiting for the next order to come in

Most appraisers think marketing means two things:

Updating their website every three years
Posting “Another appraisal completed” on Facebook

That’s not a strategy. That’s activity.

If you want to grow your private appraisal business, you need a plan. And it starts the same way every successful small business does.

Step 1: Know Exactly Who You’re Trying to Attract

Before you touch social media, redesign your logo, or run a Google ad, ask one simple question:

Who is my ideal private client?

Not “homeowners.”
Not “anyone who needs an appraisal.”

That’s too vague.

In the private space, your real audiences are usually:

Divorce attorneys
Estate and probate attorneys
CPAs
Realtors needing pre-listing valuations
Individuals in tax appeal situations
Financial planners

Each one hires you for a different reason. Each one values something different.

If you’re serious about growth, define them clearly.

Example: Divorce Attorney “Buyer Persona”

Give this person a name.

Susan, Family Law Attorney

Overwhelmed with cases
Needs reports that hold up in court
Hates unclear communication
Values responsiveness and credibility
Refers experts who make her look good

Now ask yourself:

Does your website speak to Susan?

Does your LinkedIn profile?

Does your marketing?

Or does it just say “Certified Residential Appraiser – FHA/Conventional/VA”?

That’s lender language. Susan does not care about FHA overlays.

She cares about defensible reports and court credibility.

Step 2: Clarify Your Message

Most appraisers describe what they do.

Very few explain why they matter.

There’s a difference.

Instead of:

“Providing accurate and reliable real estate valuations.”

Try:

“Helping attorneys and families resolve complex property disputes with clear, defensible valuations.”

See the shift?

You’re no longer a form-filler. You’re a problem-solver.

Ask yourself:

Why does your private appraisal business exist?
What problem do you solve better than most?
What makes you different? Speed? Litigation experience? Clarity? Communication?

And here’s the hard truth:

If your messaging sounds exactly like every other appraiser in your city, you’re invisible.

Step 3: Pick the Right Marketing Channels (Not All of Them)

You do not need to be everywhere.

In fact, trying to be everywhere is how most appraisers burn out and quit marketing altogether.

Here’s how to think about the core digital channels for private appraisal work.

1. Social Media (Especially LinkedIn)

If you want attorney work, LinkedIn is your gold mine.

Not Instagram reels.

Not TikTok dances.

LinkedIn.

Post content that answers real questions:

“How appraisals are used in divorce mediation”
“What judges look for in expert testimony”
“Why listing price is not market value”

You don’t need 10,000 followers.

You need 20 local attorneys to recognize your name.

Consistency beats volume.

2. Email Marketing (Massively Underrated)

If you meet attorneys, agents, or CPAs and you are not building an email list, you’re leaving money on the table.

A simple monthly email can:

Keep you top of mind
Educate referral partners
Position you as the expert

This is not about blasting promotions. It’s about staying relevant.

Even a short “Private Valuation Insight” once a month is enough.

3. Content Marketing (Blog, Podcast, Videos)

Content builds authority.

If someone Googles:
“Appraisal for divorce in [Your City]”

What do they find?

If the answer is “nothing,” your competitor just won.

Write articles answering real-world questions:

“What happens if both spouses hire separate appraisers?”
“How retrospective appraisals work in estate cases”
“What makes an appraisal court-ready?”

This content works 24/7, even when you’re not.

4. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

You don’t need to become an SEO expert. But you do need:

Pages specifically for divorce, estate, tax appeal services
Clear location keywords
Strong meta descriptions
Internal links

If your website only says “Residential Appraisal Services,” you’re invisible in the private market.

5. Paid Ads (Only After Messaging Is Clear)

Do not run Google Ads until:

You clearly know your target audience
Your website speaks directly to them
Your messaging is dialed in

Paid ads amplify clarity.

They also amplify confusion.

Test organically first. Then invest.

Step 4: Treat Marketing Like a Series of Experiments

Most appraisers quit too soon.

They post three times on LinkedIn.

Send one email.

Write one blog.

Then say, “That didn’t work.”

Private work is relationship-driven.

Marketing here is farming, not hunting.

Try this instead:

Commit to 90 days of consistent effort
Pick 1–2 channels only
Track responses
Adjust based on what gets engagement

If attorneys respond to posts about expert testimony, lean into that.

If agents engage with listing strategy posts, expand that.

Let the data guide you.

Step 5: Build a Simple Marketing Plan

You don’t need a 30-page document.

You need clarity.

Your plan should answer:

Who are we targeting?
Example: Family law attorneys and estate attorneys in our county.
What is our core message?
Clear, defensible private valuations with strong communication.
What channels are we using?
LinkedIn + monthly email + one blog per month.
What does success look like?

3 new attorney relationships in 6 months
5 private assignments per month
One referral source becoming recurring

Simple. Measurable. Realistic.

The Real Takeaway

Growing a private appraisal business is not about “doing more marketing.”

It’s about:

Getting clear on who you serve
Speaking directly to their problems
Showing up consistently
Testing what works
Doubling down on what gets traction

Most appraisers never get past step one.

If you do, you’re already ahead.

And if you want the non-lender work everyone talks about but few actually build, this is where it starts.

Clarity first.

Then consistency.

Then scale.

If you want help growing your non-lender business, join the Appraisal Referral Network. We have over 1,500 appraisers nationwide focused on private work, referrals, and real-world strategies that actually produce results.

Mindset Matters: The First Step to Growing Your Non-Lender Business

Recently, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern among some appraisers, and it’s not helping their success. The first step to creating a thriving non-lender business is adopting the right mindset. Unfortunately, I see too much negativity about the future from appraisers. Personally, I’m optimistic about my business and the opportunities ahead.

Yes, lender work is slow, but you have a choice. You can either dwell on the downturn or take proactive steps to change your circumstances. The reality is, relying solely on lender work hasn’t been sustainable in recent years. So, what’s your next move? Complain about the situation—or take charge and make changes?

After launching the Appraisal Referral Network, I’ve had appraisers from across the country reach out to me. One asked, “Does this network really help appraisers get non-lender business?” While I appreciated their curiosity, they seemed to expect an automatic flood of work just for signing up. Let me be clear: that’s not how the non-lender business works.

Joining a network like ours is a great first step, but success requires effort. Completing your profile is essential, as is connecting with nearby appraisers, sharing your specialties, and building relationships. When you take these steps, your chances of receiving referrals increase significantly.

Beyond referrals, we provide 30+ lessons on how to grow your business. These lessons are packed with actionable strategies, but they’re only valuable if you actually apply them. The resources are there—you just need to put in the work!

Pessimism Won’t Help Your Business Grow

I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook forums. On the positive side, I enjoy seeing what my peers are up to and learning from insightful discussions. However, the negativity and defeatism I often encounter are disheartening.

For example, I recently saw a post from an appraiser nearing retirement who primarily does lender work. Their attempts to break into private work had been unsuccessful, and they were seeking advice. While I sympathized with their struggles, many of the comments were along the lines of “Just retire and give up.”

This defeatist attitude isn’t going to help anyone grow their business. In contrast, I offered to help them directly, encouraging them to join the referral network and even letting them know I had a couple of referrals in their area I could send their way. Their response? Silence. It seems they weren’t ready to make a change—and that’s the harsh reality: misery often loves company.

The Path to Success: Time, Commitment, and Consistency

Growing a non-lender business isn’t easy. It requires time, commitment, and consistent effort. You’ll need to step outside your comfort zone, embrace change, and treat your business like a business. Nothing will be handed to you—but with the right plan and determination, success is within reach.

I’ve designed the Appraisal Referral Network to help appraisers succeed in growing and diversifying their businesses. If you’re ready to make changes and take control of your future, visit ReferAppraisals.com. Let’s build your success together.

Growing Your Non-Lender Appraisal Business

In June, I launched the Appraisal Referral Network with one primary goal: to help appraisers grow their non-lender business. Through my own experience, I’ve identified three critical ways appraisers can expand this side of their practice:

Connecting with fellow appraisers
Sending and receiving referrals
Learning actionable strategies through short education lessons

The Appraisal Referral Network was created to address these needs and provide appraisers with the tools, resources, and connections to thrive in a competitive and evolving profession.

1. Building Connections with Peers

Let’s face it—appraising can be a solitary profession. While there are national associations and coalitions, not every appraiser is involved in these groups. That’s why the Appraisal Referral Network includes a membership map, which allows appraisers to see who is nearby and make meaningful connections.

Connecting with peers isn’t about competition; it’s about collaboration. Whether you need advice on a challenging assignment or want to share insights on effective marketing strategies, having a network of appraisers to turn to is invaluable.

Personally, connecting with peers has been a game-changer for my business. By talking with other appraisers, I’ve learned new techniques, avoided common mistakes, and even discovered profitable opportunities. One connection with a peer across the country led me to a lender that brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars in business. That’s the power of collaboration.

2. Leveraging Referrals to Grow Your Business

One of the key features of the Appraisal Referral Network is its referral system. The idea is simple: if you can’t take on an assignment—whether it’s outside your area, beyond your expertise, or simply not a good fit—you can pass it on to another appraiser. In return, you earn a referral fee.

This system isn’t just for active appraisers. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for those nearing retirement. Retired appraisers can refer assignments they still receive to active peers and earn passive income, keeping them connected to the profession while enjoying their retirement.

I modeled the referral system after my own experience. For years, I referred work to others without asking for a fee, hoping the favor would be returned. But it rarely was. That’s why I started charging referral fees—because I spent the time and money to bring in the client. The Appraisal Referral Network takes this concept a step further by streamlining the process. Referrals are tracked, updated, and payments are automated, eliminating the hassle of chasing down fees or assignment updates.

3. Real-World Education for Appraisers

The third pillar of the Appraisal Referral Network is education. While there’s plenty of training on different types of non-lender appraisal assignments, there’s a lack of resources that show appraisers how to get the business.

That’s why I created micro-lessons—short, actionable videos that share real-world examples of what has worked (and hasn’t) in my own practice. From networking with agents to hosting events and using social media, I’ve tried countless strategies to grow my non-lender business. Some were successful; others were learning experiences.

For example, I once spent $3,000 on a booth at a divorce attorney education event, hoping to make connections. While I met several attorneys and added them to my email list, I didn’t land any new clients. It was an expensive lesson, but it taught me to focus my efforts elsewhere.

These lessons, along with a growing resource library of templates, emails, and marketing tools, are available to Elite Members of the network. My goal isn’t to claim I know everything—it’s to share what’s worked for me and help appraisers find strategies that fit their markets and goals.

Why the Network Was Created

For more than 10 years, I’ve been growing the non-lender side of my business, which now accounts for 80% of my work—roughly 300-400 appraisals a year. I’ve learned firsthand that building a non-lender business takes persistence, trial and error, and a willingness to try new things.

The Appraisal Referral Network is here to help appraisers on that journey. Whether you’re looking to:

Connect with peers for advice and collaboration
Send and receive referrals to grow your income
Learn actionable strategies to market your business

…this network is designed to support you.

Membership Options

Joining the network is simple and flexible:

Free Membership: Access the referral map, connect with peers, send a referral and a 3% referral fee, receive a referral and set your own fee.
Elite Membership: For $20/month or $199/year, gain access to exclusive micro-lessons, the resource library, and increase your referral fee earnings to 12%.

The best part? Membership is scalable. Whether you’re just starting out, actively growing, or looking for passive income in retirement, the Appraisal Referral Network has something for you.

Ready to Grow Your Business?

The Appraisal Referral Network is more than a platform—it’s a community designed to help appraisers succeed. Whether you’re ready to build connections, grow your client base, or learn new marketing strategies, the tools and resources are here to help you thrive.

Join us today and take the first step toward growing your non-lender business!