Last week I talked about how agents can be one of your best referral sources. This week, Realtor.com backed that up with a new report showing that one in three homes in 2025 were bought with cash. That means a third of all buyers skipped the lender and the lender’s appraisal.

 

So, who is looking out for those buyers?

 

Even cash buyers want to make a smart decision. They may not need an appraisal, but they still want to know they are not throwing extra zeroes at the wrong property. A private appraisal gives them exactly what they need: confidence. It confirms what they are paying makes sense and gives them leverage if it doesn’t.

 

Smart agents already know this. Recommending an appraisal protects their client and protects them. If the property turns out to be worth less than what the buyer paid, that agent can point back and say, “I told you to get an appraisal.” That is not just good service; that is smart business and liability protection.

 

Here is the truth. Whether your value comes in low or high, most cash buyers will still close. They just want peace of mind before they wire hundreds of thousands of dollars. The appraisal is not a deal killer. It is a deal confirmer.

 

Now, not every agent gets that. Some avoid recommending appraisers altogether. And frankly, those probably are not the agents you want to partner with anyway. If their only focus is their commission check instead of helping a client make an informed decision, that tells you everything you need to know. The good agents, the ones worth your time, are the ones who value expertise and transparency.

 

Appraisers, get out there. Go start meeting agents. Go start educating them and let them know what a resource you can be to their business, and especially to their cash buyers. When agents understand how much value you bring to the table, you will start seeing more referral opportunities and stronger partnerships.

 

If you want to work with those kinds of professionals, join the Appraisal Referral Network. It is where appraisers across the country connect, share referrals, and build strong, non-lender businesses that do not rely on luck or loan volume.  Join today and start building the right kind of network that actually works for you.

When it comes to building a private appraisal business, your sphere of influence is everything. Referrals don’t usually come from waiting around for the phone to ring. They come from people who know you, like you, and remember what you do when the opportunity shows up.

 

Take my BNI chapter, for example. Every Wednesday morning, 40 to 50 professionals meet from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. to exchange referrals and grow our businesses. If you’re going to get results out of a group like that, you can’t just show up. You have to be all in. That means volunteering for roles, setting up one-on-ones outside the weekly meetings, and putting in the effort to strengthen relationships. I recently took on a leadership role again, and not only did it sharpen my skills, but it opened doors I didn’t expect. At one of the training sessions, I connected with a real estate agent from another chapter who needed help with an appraisal. That never would have happened if I wasn’t active in leadership.

 

Here’s the key. My referrals from BNI do not just come from the 40 or so people in my chapter. They come from their spheres too. Each person I build trust with is connected to dozens or even hundreds of others. That is where the reach multiplies, and suddenly you are not just tapping into your own network. You are being referred through theirs.

 

But your sphere of influence does not stop at networking groups. It is wherever you spend your time. I have had referrals come from being involved with the Boy Scouts. I have had referrals come from my neighbors, just because they knew what I did for a living. One time, when I was coaching my son’s soccer team, one of the parents, who turned out to be a big investor, ended up hiring me for several appraisals. Those opportunities did not come from ads or SEO. They came from simple, real-life connections where people knew who I was and what I did.

 

That is why I always tell appraisers to increase your sphere of influence, and the referrals will start flowing. It does not happen overnight, and it does not happen by accident. You have to show up, let people know what you do, and invest in those relationships.

 

Of course, I am not saying ignore your website, Google Business profile, or online marketing. Those tools are important, and they absolutely bring in work. But if you really want to grow a sustainable non-lender business, the most valuable tool you have is your relationships. Your sphere of influence will always be the number one driver of referrals, because at the end of the day, people hire people they trust.

 

Call to Action:
So here is my challenge for you. This week, take a closer look at your own sphere. Where do your referrals usually come from? Are you showing up in those spaces, or are you just hoping for calls to come in? Whether it is volunteering in a group, coaching a team, or just having real conversations with neighbors, put yourself out there. And if you have a story about a referral that came from an unexpected place, I would love to hear it. Share it in the comments or drop me a note. I guarantee it will inspire another appraiser to grow their own sphere.

I recently came across a post on one of the appraisal forums that asked: Is residential real estate appraisal a lucrative profession, or just a glorified side gig? It is a simple question, but one that always sparks debate. I thought it was worth writing my own response here, not just to share my perspective but to answer the question for myself.

 

The responses in the forum ranged widely. Some believe the industry is on its last legs, with fees declining, AI creeping in, and AMCs controlling too much of the work. Others said it works well as a part-time option or second career, especially if you do not depend on it as your primary income. And then there are those who acknowledge what many of us know: this profession has never been easy money, and it demands effort if you want it to be rewarding.

 

The truth is straightforward. Appraisal is what you make of it. If you treat it like a hobby, it will perform like one. If you treat it like a business by building relationships, marketing consistently, diversifying your client base, and adapting to changes, it can be both stable and lucrative.

 

I’ve been the sole provider for my family for nearly twenty years, and this career has supported us very well. My market has plenty of people and homes, but also plenty of appraisers to compete with. Has it been challenge-free? Not even close. There are slow seasons and plenty of stressful days. But that’s no different than what real estate agents, attorneys, or contractors face. The ones who make it are the ones who adapt and keep moving forward.

 

It is also important to acknowledge that the days of easy lender work and high fees are gone. That model may never come back. The path forward is in treating appraisal as a true business, expanding into non-lender work like estates, divorces, and tax appeals, and committing to the long-term relationships and marketing efforts that bring in consistent clients.

 

So, is appraising lucrative? Yes, it can be. But only for those who approach it as a profession, not a side gig.

 

If you are ready to grow beyond waiting for the phone to ring, the first step is connecting with other appraisers who are doing the same. That’s why we built the Appraisal Referral Network: a place to share referrals, build your non-lender business, and create more opportunities. You can join for free, or choose a paid membership for added perks. Visit ReferAppraisals.com to get started.

This week I came across a Facebook post in one of the appraiser groups that caught my attention. It was from an appraiser, not a newbie, who said they were working to shift their business model from mostly lender work to mostly non-lender. They were already doing some private work but wanted to make it the core of their business. Here’s a paraphrased version of what they said:

 

“I’m working on transitioning my appraisal business to focus more heavily on non-lending assignments. I currently do some, but I’d like to learn more. If anyone has experience and would be willing to hop on a call, I’d appreciate it. I have general questions about what’s included in non-lender reports, what’s left out, and how to market for this type of work.”

 

It was a simple and honest post. And it’s exactly how a lot of appraisers get started with private work.

 

What followed in the comments was a mix of encouragement, warnings, and strong opinions. Here are a few that stood out:

 

  • “Non-lending work can be good and it can be just as bad as lending work. Private clients shop for price just as much, if not more. And yes, you are more likely to be pulled into a lawsuit.”

  • “It’s hard to get volume with private work only.”

  • “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Private work can be excellent, but it takes a lot of effort. Higher complexity, higher fees, and a higher pain-in-the-ass factor.”

  • “Sometimes you do get higher fees, but too many people pretend private work pays whatever the appraiser wants, which is just fantasy.”

  • And one encouraging voice said, “Yes, it can be done. I’m 30 years in, love what I do, and I’m 100 percent private work.”

That’s the reality. There’s a wide range of experience out there.

 

Some appraisers are thriving with private work. Some aren’t. And some struggle because they don’t approach it like a business.

 

Here’s what I see. Lender work has its pros and cons. So does private work. Neither one is perfect. But when you diversify your income streams, you create more stability. When rates jumped from 2.5 percent to 7.5 percent, lender volume dried up for a lot of people. But those of us who had built up our non-lender pipelines? We kept working.

 

The big difference is that private work requires you to market yourself and run your business like a real business. You can’t just wait for orders to show up in your inbox. You need to build relationships with attorneys, agents, fiduciaries, and past clients. And yes, some people will price shop, especially from your Google profile. That’s fine. I’m not trying to be the cheapest appraiser in town. I don’t need to be. When someone is referred to me by someone they trust, they usually aren’t calling anyone else. And if they do, they often come back even if I’m more expensive. Because trust matters.

 

I ended up giving that appraiser my number, and we spoke for about 20 minutes. I shared what’s working for me, what’s not, how I handle reports, and how I market. I didn’t sugarcoat it. I just told them what’s been real for me.

 

If you’re thinking about making the shift, or if you just want to sharpen your skills and create more options, start with a question. Join the Appraisal Referral Network. Make connections. Reach out to others who are doing the work.

 

This side of the business has been good to me and my family. It’s why I write these articles. And if you want help getting started, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned.

 

All the best,
 Dan Lindeman
 ReferAppraisals.com

People often ask what it’s like running a mostly non-lender appraisal business. The short answer? No two days are the same. It’s rewarding, unpredictable, and occasionally exhausting. But it also gives you more flexibility, better pay, and a stronger sense of control over your schedule and your business. Here’s what a recent week looked like for me.

 

Monday: Collaborative Law Meeting and Catch-Up

I started the week with a collaborative divorce meeting. For those unfamiliar, collaborative law is a family law process where both parties work together with attorneys and professionals like appraisers to resolve disputes without going to court. I still need to do some digging to see if it’s common outside of Florida, but it’s a great niche.

 

This case involved a home that had just been purchased and gutted when the divorce began. The couple couldn’t agree on the value, and their accountant asked me to attend the meeting to answer questions in real time. I was there before, during, and after their meeting with the attorneys. It was a valuable use of my time, and I was paid over $300 an hour. The couple reached a tentative settlement during the session, and it was great to see it come together.

 

In addition, I got to meet a new family law attorney who said she would begin using me for appraisals going forward. Another solid connection made by simply showing up and being helpful.

 

After that, I caught up on a few reports I hadn’t finished over the weekend.

 

Tuesday: Lending Job and CRA Assignment

Tuesday started with a lending assignment. I still take on lending work, and about 20 percent of my business comes from it. I like keeping a mix.

 

Later that day, I worked on an appraisal for a nearby city’s CRA. It came through an attorney who had been referred by another attorney. The property was essentially a teardown—so rough that I had to meet a police officer on site, and we couldn’t even go inside due to safety issues. Still, it was an interesting job and a good example of the kind of variety that comes from referral work.

 

Wednesday and Thursday: Divorce and Pre-Listing Work

Midweek, I had another lender job and a divorce assignment from an attorney I regularly work with. I also had a high-end pre-listing job referred by a real estate agent who sends me consistent business. Both paid well and came from trusted referral partners. This is where the long game of building strong relationships really pays off.

 

Friday: Desktop Appraisal and Marketing Day

Friday included a desktop appraisal for a cash buyer. I had lots of MLS photos, a great floor plan, and an inspection report. I gave him two options: a full inspection for $595 or a desktop report for $450. He went with the desktop, which saved him money and saved me time. Win-win.

 

The rest of the day was all business development. Every two months, I set aside time to schedule all my outbound marketing: emails to attorneys and agents every 10 days, holiday-specific messages, blog posts, and social media content. It takes me about three to four hours, but it keeps me visible and keeps the pipeline full. I even created a training video on how I do it. It’s not exciting work, but it’s necessary if you want consistent business.

 

The Takeaway

Non-lender appraisal work is real business ownership. You have to market, network, quote jobs, take some calls, and turn some down. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. The fees are better, the work is more varied, and the business is far more resilient. If interest rates shoot up tomorrow, it won’t derail my schedule or bottom line.

 

If you’re looking to grow your non-lender business and get more of this kind of work, check out the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. We’re here to help you build a smarter, more sustainable appraisal business—one connection at a time.

 

Referrals: The Secret Weapon for a Thriving Appraisal Business

 

If you ask any successful real estate appraiser where their most stress-free and profitable work comes from, it’s often not the AMC treadmill. It’s referrals. Solid, trusted referrals—especially from attorneys, real estate agents, and past clients—can become the foundation of a consistent, profitable non-lender business. But here’s the catch: a steady stream of referrals doesn’t just appear because you’re certified and competent. It comes from being memorable, helpful, and intentional.

 

Whether you’re new to private work or trying to level up your appraisal business, these strategies will help you build a referral pipeline that feeds itself—without chasing down cold leads or hoping another AMC remembers your name.

 

Why Referrals Matter (Even More for Appraisers)

Referral clients come pre-loaded with trust. Whether the lead comes from a probate attorney, divorce lawyer, Realtor, or past client, the endorsement carries weight. According to the American Marketing Association, referral-based leads convert 30% better and require less persuasion. That’s gold when you’re dealing with time-sensitive estate work or emotionally charged divorce appraisals.

 

Even better, building a referral-based appraisal business means fewer phone tag games with lenders and more direct connections with clients who value your expertise. One good referral can lead to a stream of future assignments—if you know how to nurture the relationship.

 

10 Referral Strategies That Actually Work for Appraisers

1. Ask With Confidence

Whether you’re talking to an attorney after delivering an airtight retrospective report, or chatting with a Realtor post-closing, don’t be shy: “If you ever need another appraiser or know someone who does, I’d love the opportunity.” It’s not pushy—it’s professional.

2. Turn Every Assignment Into a Future Lead

A successful appraisal is a win—don’t let it be the end of the conversation. Include a small “Thank You” note or follow-up email that says, “I appreciate the opportunity to work with you. If you ever know someone who needs an appraiser for estate, divorce, or private work, I’d be glad to help.”

3. Follow Up Like a Human

Send a thank-you card. Drop an email 6 months later with an article or update that might help them. Reach out with something of value—local market data, appraisal tips, or a reminder that you’re still in the game.

4. Join a Referral Network (Like ReferAppraisals.com)

A shameless plug? Maybe. But platforms like ReferAppraisals.com were built for this purpose—connecting appraisers who can refer out-of-area, out-of-scope, or time-sensitive assignments and get paid for it. Why say “no” when you can say “I’ve got a great appraiser for you”?

5. Create “Talk-Worthy” Moments

Be the appraiser who’s remembered. Show up early. Send a clean, readable report. Bring donuts to the attorney’s office. Hand-deliver a copy if the client is local and stressed. People refer the professional who made their life easier.

6. Be the Expert Others Can Rely On

Host a lunch-and-learn for local family law firms. Create a one-page PDF explaining appraisal timelines for probate cases. Offer free value estimates for Realtors. The more you teach, the more you get called.

7. Turn Local Pros Into Advocates

Connect with real estate agents, title companies, financial advisors, and estate planners. They all have clients who will eventually need an appraiser. Lead with this: “If you ever need an unbiased, certified opinion of value for a client, I’m your person.”

8. Treat Every Interaction as a Reputation Builder

You never know who someone knows. Even if you’re just giving advice or answering a quick question, treat it like a job interview. Be the appraiser they’re excited to recommend—even if they never use your services directly.

9. Show Up in Your Community

Volunteer. Speak on a panel. Join a local business group or nonprofit board. People refer who they know—and the more visible you are, the more likely you are to get that call when someone says, “I need an appraiser.”

10. Give First, Then Ask

Want referrals? Send them. Introduce an estate attorney to a Realtor. Recommend a home organizer to a downsizing client. Help others grow and the favor will come back naturally.

 

Best Practices for Asking (Without Sounding Desperate)

  • Be specific: “If you know a family law attorney who could use a reliable appraiser, I’d love an introduction.”

  • Time it right: Ask after a successful delivery or a positive testimonial.

  • Make it about them: “Your referrals help me work with more great people like you.”

  • Follow up with gratitude: A handwritten thank-you still beats a Starbucks gift card.

Final Thoughts

Referrals aren’t magic—they’re the result of showing up well, staying top-of-mind, and consistently delivering value. Appraisers who master the referral game don’t just survive—they build lasting, profitable businesses with fewer headaches and more meaningful work.

 

So stop waiting for the next random call from a lender or AMC. Build your own pipeline—one relationship at a time.

 

Ready to grow your private appraisal business? Join 1,000+ appraisers nationwide at  ReferAppraisals.com and turn “not a fit” into income.



Q1 Recap: My Non-Lender Appraisal Business Breakdown

All right, Q1 of 2025 is in the books, and I figured I’d share some numbers from my corner of the appraisal world. Most of my work is non-lender these days, and this quarter was no different—77% of my assignments were non-lending. That leaves 23% from lender work, which, thankfully, just isn’t my bread and butter anymore.

 

Some of the non-lender assignments I completed this quarter included divorce appraisals, estate work, pre-listing, partition, immigration, some cash sales, and a one expert witness appearance fee. By far, divorce appraisals took the top spot—35% of my work in Q1. Not sure if it’s the “New Year, new life” crowd filing in January, but attorneys were definitely ringing my phone soon after.

 

Next up: 20% of my business came from listing appraisals. These were split between agents hiring me directly and homeowners who found me on Google. My listing appraisals always include a range of value, a single-point opinion of value, and a recommended listing price. I also include anticipated days on market. This combo helps sellers and agents love it because it helps head off pricing drama before it starts.

 

Estate work made up 17% of my Q1 assignments. These ran the gamut—date of death valuations, families looking to sell inherited properties, some going through probate, others just divvying things up. It’s a category that keeps growing.

 

The rest? A good mix of rental schedules, expert witness work, a cash purchase or two, one immigration case, and even a landlord-tenant sale negotiation.

 

Now, let’s talk about where my work is coming from:

 

  • 22% from Google searches (people request quotes, I close the deal)

  • 16% from family law attorneys I work with regularly

  • 12% from BNI referrals

  • 38% from “Other” (repeat clients, one-offs, random happy surprises)

  • 12% from real estate agents I’ve built relationships with

  •  

As you can see, my client base is diversified—which I love. No single client or source owns too big a slice of my business. That said, I do keep an eye on Google. If they change their algorithm, that 22% could evaporate overnight. But beyond that, I’m getting steady referral work from past clients and professional partners, which is exactly how I like it.

 

So, that’s my Q1 breakdown. What about you? How’s your business doing?

 

I’m sharing this to give you a peek into what your non-lender appraisal business could look like. If you want help growing your non-lender work, check out the Appraisal Referral Network at referappraisals.com. You can join for free—no strings attached. We’ve got over a thousand appraisers hanging out and swapping referrals.

 

And if you’re ready to level up, the Elite Membership gives you access to higher referral fees, educational lessons, a resource library, and other tools to help you grow. We’re always adding new features to keep it valuable.

 

Got questions? Reach out. I’m always happy to help fellow appraisers build their non-lender empires.

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!

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.

Last Monday, January 6th, marked “Divorce Day,” the unofficial start of divorce season. This time of year sees a noticeable uptick in divorce filings and consultations with family law attorneys. The reasons for this phenomenon are multifaceted: Many individuals use New Year’s resolutions as a chance for a fresh start, addressing unresolved marital issues or pursuing happiness outside of strained relationships. Others delay initiating divorce proceedings to avoid disrupting the holiday season for their families. Year-end financial and tax planning also play a role, as many people wait until January to begin the divorce process. Additionally, the new year serves as a psychological marker for change, motivating individuals to take action on decisions they’ve been contemplating. As an appraiser, understanding these trends can help you prepare for and capitalize on this busy season.

 

Building a niche in private appraisal work is crucial for growing your business, and divorce appraisals offer a unique opportunity. Over the years, I’ve found this niche to be my specialty, with divorce-related assignments accounting for over 30% of my appraisal work in 2024. These assignments are often needed when one spouse is buying out the other’s share of the marital home, when the home’s value becomes central to settling the case, or when the home was a premarital asset and multiple valuation dates are required. I’m typically hired either before mediation, to help parties reach a settlement, or after mediation, when disputes about the home’s value remain unresolved.

 

To succeed in the divorce niche, you need to understand the divorce process so you can communicate confidently with family law attorneys. Mastering the nuances of divorce-specific appraisals, including appropriate forms and how to handle assumptions and hypothetical conditions, is essential for ensuring your work is credible and defensible. Be prepared for challenges, such as clients stretching the truth to achieve their desired outcomes, and have a plan for maintaining integrity and professionalism in these situations.

 

Building strong relationships with family law attorneys is key to success in this niche. Most of my divorce appraisal work comes from attorney referrals. To build similar relationships, network proactively by sending emails, making calls, and scheduling coffee meetings to introduce yourself and your services. Once you’ve established a relationship with one attorney, they’re likely to refer you to others. Additionally, optimize your online presence by advertising divorce appraisal services on your website and leveraging Google to attract clients. When a spouse hires you, it’s also an excellent opportunity to connect with their attorney.

 

A common concern among appraisers is the possibility of their work being scrutinized in court. However, only a small percentage of divorce appraisals end up in court. Even if it happens, remember that you are the expert—your appraisal knowledge surpasses that of family law attorneys. Preparation is key: be thorough in your work and confident in presenting your findings to excel in court if called to testify.

 

Appraisers, the busy season for divorce appraisals is here. Embracing this niche is a fantastic way to diversify your business. If you’re looking for guidance, join the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. We offer both free and paid memberships to support your growth. Sign up today and receive a free engagement letter template and our “10 Steps to Grow a Non-Lender Business” guide—yours free just for joining. Don’t miss out on these valuable resources to elevate your appraisal business. Visit ReferAppraisals.com now and take the first step toward success. Prepare now and take advantage of the opportunities divorce season brings!