Hard to believe, but we’re already more than halfway through 2025. The fireworks are over, summer’s in full swing, and if you blink, it’ll be Q4.

 

This is the time of year I try to stop and ask: How am I really doing?

 

I aim to check in monthly or quarterly, but the halfway mark is a big one. And I’ll be honest, this past week’s been a whirlwind. Between work, family stuff, travel, and just general life chaos, it would’ve been easy to skip it. But not taking a moment to reflect would’ve been a disservice to my business. So I carved out the time — and I hope you will too.

 

Here’s what I’m looking at:

 

Appraisal Volume & Income Goals

At the start of the year, I set a goal: 375 appraisals at an average of $600 each. So far, I’ve knocked out about 210, with an average fee of $585. Not bad. A little under on the per-report average, but I’m ahead on volume.

 

Some of that’s due to quicker, lower-priced no-site-visit reports. They pay less, but have a better hourly return, so no complaints. I’ve also been prioritizing long-term relationships — doing jobs for agents and professionals who regularly send work my way. Sometimes that means cutting a deal, but I’m playing the long game. The lifetime value of a client is much more important.

 

The Referral Network
 I was aiming for 1,500 members by the end of June. We didn’t quite get there — but we did pass 1,100, which is still a big win. There’s room to grow, and we’ve got a few new ideas coming soon to boost membership even more.

 

More members = more referrals, more income, and a stronger network for everyone. If there’s someone you’ve been meaning to invite, now’s the time.

 

Brews & Appraisal Views Podcast

Goal: 18 episodes this year. So far: 6. I’m behind pace, but I’ve got one lined up next week with Josh Wallet, so we’re back in motion. It’s been awesome connecting with appraisers and professionals on the show, and I want to keep that going. If you’ve got a story, strategy, or weird client experience worth sharing, let me know. I’d love to feature more voices from the network.

 

One Last Thing

Even in the chaos, I’m still doing the little things — adding agents to my database, sending follow-up emails, making thank-you calls. Those touches matter. They keep you top of mind and help fill your pipeline when things slow down.

 

So take a few minutes this week. Look at your numbers. Ask yourself: Am I on track? What’s working? What needs a course correction?

 

And if you’ve fallen off the path, don’t stress — just get back on it. We’ve got six months left. Let’s make them count.

 

If you want support to finish strong, or you’re looking to grow your non-lender business, check out ReferAppraisals.com. Whether it’s referrals, marketing help, or just being part of a community of appraisers doing private work, we’d love to have you.

 

Every year, I set goals and hold myself accountable to them throughout the year. For my financial goals, especially appraisal volume, I track progress weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually. Each week, I jot down my gross volume on a notepad on my desk, breaking it down into week-to-date, month-to-date, and year-to-date totals. I also maintain detailed records in QuickBooks and Google Sheets. My advice? Know your numbers. Tracking your progress helps you identify growth opportunities and achieve your goals more effectively. If I notice I’m falling short of a monthly target, I push harder in the final week to close the gap.

 

Today, I’d like to share my 2024 appraisal results and invite you to share yours in the comments. This past year was both challenging and rewarding as I managed my appraisal business while launching the Appraisal Referral Network. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from fellow appraisers throughout this journey. Reflecting on the numbers, I completed 365 appraisals in 2024—an 8% decrease from 396 in 2023. However, my average fee rose from $507 in 2023 to $555 in 2024, a 9% increase. Despite the dip in volume, my income remained nearly flat year-over-year. While 2024 didn’t surpass my busiest year, 2022, I’m proud of what I achieved, especially considering the work involved in growing ReferAppraisals.com.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Using QuickBooks and Google Sheets, I categorize my work by client, referral source, and assignment type—a process that’s been a game-changer for my business. Here’s the breakdown for 2024:

 

Assignment Types:

  • 31% Divorce
  • 22% Estate/Tax Purposes
  • 21% Lending
  • 16% Listings
  • 10% Other Non-Lender Assignments

 

Referral Sources:

  • 20% from Google searches
  • 19% from BNI referrals
  • 20% from real estate agents (no single agent contributed more than 3% of my gross income)
  • 17% from three attorneys
  • 10% from direct lenders (each contributing less than 5%)

 

My top sources—Google and BNI—highlight key risks. A change to Google’s algorithm could jeopardize 20% of my business, and scaling back my BNI contributions could similarly affect my volume.

How Does Your Business Compare?

I’m proud to have built a diverse, recession-proof, and interest rate-proof business model. Sharing these results is more than a reflection—it’s proof that building a sustainable non-lender business is within reach. Appraising becomes far more enjoyable without lender pressures, endless revision requests, or the need to bid for assignments. If you want to grow your non-lender business, I’d love to help. If you’re looking to grow your non-lender appraisal business, I’d love to help.

 

The Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com is designed to help appraisers connect, exchange referrals, and grow their businesses. With free and paid membership options, a Business Growth Library full of resources, and education lessons tailored to building a non-lender business, we provide the tools you need to succeed. Take the first step toward building a business you love—join today and unlock your potential!