If you’re an appraiser who’d rather measure a house than mingle at a networking event, this one’s for you. Most of us didn’t get into this business because we love small talk or self-promotion. We like research, accuracy, and data. We’re professionals, not performers. But here’s the catch: if you want steady non-lender work, you have to find ways to let people know you exist.

 

I recently came across an article by Ashley Harwood published by the National Association of Realtors called “3 Marketing Ideas for Introverts.” It was written for real estate agents, but honestly, it could have been written for appraisers too. She talks about focusing on deep relationships, authentic social media, and direct mail. All three of those fit perfectly for appraisers who want to grow private work without pretending to be someone they’re not.

 

Here’s how to make those ideas work in our world.

Build deeper relationships

Forget networking events where you collect 30 business cards and never follow up. Instead, build real connections with people who can actually send you business: attorneys, real estate agents, financial planners, and past clients.
 If you complete a divorce or estate appraisal, send a short thank-you email afterward. Stay in touch a few times a year. That consistent follow-up keeps you top of mind when their next client needs an appraiser.

Use social media your way

You don’t have to make reels, dance on TikTok, or post every lunch you eat. Just be present. Share what you know. Post about how an estate appraisal works, or how a pre-listing appraisal can help a seller avoid pricing mistakes. Even one or two thoughtful posts a week can help people realize you handle private work, not just lending assignments.

Direct mail still works

If the idea of cold-calling attorneys makes you cringe, send them a letter instead. A simple one-page letter explaining who you are, what types of appraisals you do, and how you can help their clients goes a long way. Old-school? Maybe. But it works.

 

The truth is, introverts can actually have an advantage here. We’re good listeners. We think before we speak. And when we tell someone we’ll get the job done right, we mean it. That reliability builds trust faster than any flashy marketing campaign ever could.

 

If you want to learn more about growing your non-lender business, finding marketing strategies that fit your personality, and connecting with other appraisers who are doing the same, join us at ReferAppraisals.com. The Appraisal Referral Network is full of appraisers helping each other succeed, one quiet professional connection at a time.



When it comes to building a non-lender appraisal business, your ability to analyze comps and write airtight reports will only get you so far. Attorneys, accountants, CPA’s, and even past clients do not hire you just because you are “the smartest appraiser in town.” They hire you and keep referring you out to clients because they like working with you. That is where emotional intelligence (EQ) comes in.

 

Ivan Misner, founder of BNI, wrote an excellent piece on how emotional intelligence impacts networking (“Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Networking”). He points out that EQ is what helps us build, manage, and sustain relationships. It is not about IQ, which is fairly fixed. EQ can be improved and developed, and in business networking, it can be the difference between being forgettable and becoming the “go-to” professional everyone calls.

 

So how does this apply to appraisers trying to land more divorce, estate, probate, or other private work?

 

  1. Develop a networking style that stands out.
    Walking into a room full of attorneys is not about handing out cards like Halloween candy. Misner calls this “being deliberate, consistent, and finely developed.” For appraisers, that means being clear about who you help and how. Instead of saying, “I do appraisals,” you might say, “I work with family law attorneys to provide defensible appraisals for divorce cases.” That is memorable and referral-friendly.
  2. Read the room.
    A high-EQ appraiser knows when it is time to pitch and when it is time to listen. If you are at a networking lunch, maybe the attorney across the table does not need to hear your elevator pitch right away. They may need someone who listens to what they are frustrated about. Show them you understand before you ever hand them a card.
  3. Follow through like a pro. Here is where a lot of appraisers, and businesspeople in general, fall short. If an attorney gives you five minutes of their time, follow up. Send a quick thank-you email, or even better, share an article or resource that connects to something they mentioned. Misner emphasizes that skilled networkers never miss an opportunity to follow through, and the same holds true for appraisers trying to build lasting referral relationships.
  4. Do not ignore client loyalty.
    Many appraisers chase new business and forget that their best source of non-lender work is repeat clients and referrals from past ones. High-EQ professionals find creative ways to show appreciation. Maybe you send a handwritten thank-you note after an attorney referral closes. Maybe you schedule coffee with a CPA who has sent you multiple estate cases. Those touches keep you top-of-mind and earn long-term loyalty.

The bottom line? Building a thriving non-lender practice is not just about valuation skills, it is about people skills. Your EQ may be the deciding factor in whether an attorney calls you again, whether a past client recommends you, and whether your name gets passed along at the next networking event.

 

Misner put it well: You might be known in the marketplace for your IQ, but you will be referred and promoted because of your EQ. For appraisers, that is the difference between waiting on lender work and building a steady stream of private referrals.

 

If you want to strengthen your networking skills and learn how to bring in more private appraisal work, join the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. It is a place where appraisers connect, share referrals, and get practical strategies for marketing their services in the non-lender world.

The other day, I got a call from a potential client. Nothing unusual—until I asked the usual question: How did you find me?
 His answer? “Perplexity.”

 

At first, I thought he was describing his mood. But no, he meant the AI-powered search engine, Perplexity.ai. He had typed in something like “Who’s the best appraiser in Deerfield Beach?” and there it was—Empire Appraisal Group right at the top. Here’s what he showed me:

 

Recommended Appraisers in Deerfield Beach and Broward County
 Empire Appraisal Group – Serving Broward and Palm Beach Counties
 With over 20 years of experience, Empire Appraisal Group specializes in residential appraisals for refinancing, estates, and divorce settlements. Chief Appraiser Daniel Lindeman has completed over 10,000 appraisals and is known for professionalism and accuracy.
 Contact: (561) 441-9298

 

It’s both cool and a little wild to see how search is evolving. We’re entering a time where your next client might not be coming from a Google search. It could be ChatGPT. It could be Perplexity. Or it could be whatever the next AI assistant your client is using to make decisions for them.

 

So, how do you stay visible in this new world of AI-powered search? Simple answer: content.

 

If you want AI tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT to know you exist, you’ve got to give them something to work with. That means:

 

-Posting regularly to your blog

-Staying active on your social channels

-Writing articles or LinkedIn posts

-Keeping your website fresh

-Sharing insights, tips, and case studies wherever you can

The common thread? You need to be putting out original content. AI doesn’t crawl your business card. It pulls from websites, articles, and online conversations. If you’re not creating anything, there’s nothing for it to find.

 

We’ve spent the last 15 years optimizing for Google. But in the next five, your referral pipeline might depend on how well you show up in chat-based search.

 

So my message to appraisers is this: content, content, content.
 Because when your next client asks AI who the best appraiser is in your area, you want it to say your name.

 

If you’re serious about growing your private appraisal business, join the Appraisal Referral Network. It’s free, and it’s built to connect appraisers like you with more non-lender work and more opportunities—no matter how clients are searching.
 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.

 

This week was a networking whirlwind. Monday kicked off with a coffee meeting with an IT professional who regularly sends me attorney referrals (he works with dozens of them). Tuesday, I met with one of those attorneys, a probate and estate specialist—and the meeting couldn’t have gone better. Thursday, I am connecting with a real estate agent interested in listing appraisals and possibly having me speak at his office. And Friday? Golf tournament. Alzheimer’s Foundation fundraiser. Networking with a side of sunscreen and slicing.

 

But today, I want to zoom in on that Tuesday coffee with the estate attorney, because it reminded me of something important for every appraiser trying to grow their non-lender work: relationships are everything.

 

A lot of appraisers get nervous about reaching out to attorneys. I get it. It feels formal, intimidating even. But here’s the trick: don’t go into it trying to “sell” your services. Just be yourself. Seriously. Our meeting was early in the morning, halfway between her office and mine. No pressure, no pitch—just coffee and conversation. We talked about her family, where she used to live, her practice, and a few of her current cases. I shared a little about what I do, how I help with probate, estate, divorce, and listing appraisals.

 

But the real magic? Connections. She mentioned wanting to meet real estate attorneys, movers, and concierge moving services. I knew people in all those spaces and was able to connect her with them. That gave her immediate value, something that has nothing to do with appraisals but everything to do with building trust and rapport.

 

So don’t treat coffee meetings like transactions. They’re not one-and-done. They’re the start of something longer. This attorney now knows exactly how I can help her clients, and I now have an ally in her office. And it all started with a simple cup of coffee and some genuine curiosity.

 

If you’re looking to grow your non-lender business, get out there. Set a meeting. Show up. Be yourself. Be curious. And bring value, whether it’s through your appraisal services or your network.

 

And hey, if you need help marketing, networking, or building relationships like this, reach out. That’s exactly what the Appraisal Referral Network is here for. Visit us at ReferAppraisals.com and let’s grow your business together.

If you’re an appraiser looking to grow your business beyond lender work, here’s a hard truth: generalists get passed over — specialists get chosen. In today’s evolving real estate landscape, the most successful appraisers are those who own a niche and become known for it.

Whether you’re aiming to do more divorce, estate, pre-listing, immigration, or partition appraisals, the secret to building a thriving business lies in niche domination.

 

Step 1: Identify Your High-Value Niche

Not every niche is worth your time. Choose one that aligns with your skills, has consistent demand, and is known for paying well.

Ask yourself:

  • Which types of clients do I understand best? (Family law attorneys? Listing agents? Probate attorneys?)

  • What assignments do I actually enjoy doing?

  • What sets me apart from other appraisers in this space?

Your niche should be specific enough to position you as the expert — and broad enough to support long-term growth.

 

Step 2: Build Authority in Your Niche

Once you’ve picked a niche, go all in.

Your goal is to be the first person people think of when they need that type of appraisal. You do this by:

Crafting a clear expert message: “I specialize in private appraisals for divorce, estate, and pre-sale purposes.”

Creating a signature service: Flat-fee, fast turnaround, or court-compliant reports — tailor it to your audience.

Becoming visible: Attend attorney networking events, connect with agents, and post regularly on LinkedIn or social media.

Sharing your wins: Talk about successful outcomes (anonymously), offer insights, and educate your market.

Remember: visibility builds trust — and trust drives referrals.

 

Step 3: Build a Referral & Lead System

Even the best niche won’t grow without a system behind it. You need a reliable way to generate consistent leads and referrals.

Start with:

  • Email marketing: Monthly updates with niche-specific insights or FAQs

  • Lead magnets: Free resources like “What Attorneys Need to Know Before Ordering an Appraisal”

  • Partnerships: Build referral relationships with attorneys, agents, and financial planners

  • Scarcity-based calls to action: “Only 4 private appraisal slots available this month — reply YES to reserve yours.”

Put simply: your business should make it easy to refer you, easy to work with you, and easy to trust you.

 

Quick Action Plan

Want to start now? Here’s a fast-track blueprint:

✅ Define your niche
✅ Clarify your expert message
 ✅ Post weekly content that speaks to your audience
 ✅ Use a strong, limited CTA to spark action (not “maybe later”)

 

Pro Tip: Visibility Wins

If people in your market don’t immediately associate you with your niche, you’re not marketing it enough. Be so clear, consistent, and confident that no one else stands a chance.

 

Ready to Grow?

Join the Appraisal Referral Network and connect with real estate agents, attorneys, and homeowners actively looking for appraisers like you.

Set up your free profile and start getting private referrals today: referappraisals.com

The past couple of weeks have been jam-packed. You know the kind, appointments, follow-ups, reports, rinse, repeat. But Monday morning, I had a one-to-one scheduled with a probate and divorce attorney. She was introduced to me by my CPA, who knows I’m always looking to connect with professionals in the legal world.

 

Let me pause right here and say this: your CPA may be a goldmine of referrals, if you ask. Don’t assume anyone is going to send people your way just because they like you or know what you do. You’ve got to ask. Be specific. People are happy to help, but they’re not mind readers.

 

Anyway, I wasn’t exactly pumped about an early Monday breakfast meeting. But I showed up because relationships don’t build themselves.

 

And guess what? It was a fantastic conversation. We talked about our kids, our marriages, growing our businesses, and where we see things going. Outside of divorce work, she was surprised to learn what other types of appraisals I did like listings for agents, partition cases, etc.  She literally said, “I didn’t even know appraisers did that!” By the end of our avocado toast and coffee, she told me the next time she needs an appraisal, I’m the guy she’s calling.

 

That’s the magic. Not some fancy pitch. Just a real conversation with a real person.

 

Fast forward a couple of days, and I’m doing a pre-listing appraisal for an agent who’s been hiring me for years. I first met him four years ago, and now he sends me every listing, 10 to 20 appraisals a year, easy. He’s also referred me to multiple agents in his office. After the inspection, we stood in the driveway and talked for 30 minutes—not about work, but about life. Classic cars, health stuff, mutual friends… Just two people catching up. That’s not just a client, that’s a friend who happens to be an agent.

 

Another call this week, another agent I’ve worked with for years—same story. We talked about Easter plans, family life, and everything in between.

 

This business is not about transactions—it’s about relationships.

 

If you’re an appraiser trying to grow your private work, my advice is simple: start building relationships. Not just handing out business cards or spamming emails, actual, meaningful conversations. Show up. Be real. Follow up. Be helpful. That’s how you build a network that lasts.

 

If you want to dive deeper into this kind of relationship-building, marketing, and referral strategy, check out ReferAppraisals.com. It’s where appraisers go to stop flying solo and start growing smarter—together.

Think Outside the Toolbox: How a Mover Helped Me Market My Appraisal Business

Last week, I found myself sitting on a panel at a Keller Williams office, surrounded by real estate agents and fellow service pros. On the panel with me? A pest control expert, a home inspector, a painter, an A/C technician—and moderating the whole thing was my buddy Manny, a mover and marketing wizard.

 

The goal of this panel was to equip agents with a team of trusted, vetted professionals they could refer to their clients. In other words, we weren’t just pitching ourselves—we were offering a value-packed solution agents could take straight to the listing table. When an agent can say, “I’ve got a whole team ready to help you prep your home,” they immediately stand out from the competition.

 

And the only reason I had a seat at that table? Manny invited me. He doesn’t just market to homeowners or attorneys—he markets to agents, and we’ve been teaming up on a few outreach efforts. This panel was one of his ideas, and let me tell you—it worked. It positioned each of us as reliable, go-to resources, and it gave the agents in the room a serious advantage when pitching to sellers.

 

So, what’s the takeaway here for fellow appraisers? Think beyond postcards and business cards. Think beyond solo marketing. Collaborate. Partner up. Find a mover, a handyman, a home inspector—any professional who serves the same audience you do—and build something bigger than just your business card. By working together, you not only build credibility, but you also increase the odds of getting in front of new clients in new ways.

 

The best part? That panel led to over $400 in new appraisal business—just from showing up, sharing value, and being part of a team. Two hours of my time turned into actual income—and probably long-term referral relationships.

 

If you’re an appraiser looking to grow your private work, don’t try to do it all alone. That’s exactly why I created the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com. We offer multiple membership options to help you build referral relationships, improve your marketing, and get more non-lender business. Whether you need help with networking, strategies, or just want to start earning from referrals you’d normally turn away—we’ve got you covered.

 

Reach out to me anytime if you want to talk shop, swap ideas, or learn more about how to get started. Let’s grow your appraisal business—together.

When it comes to growing a non-lender appraisal business, networking isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation of long-term success. But here’s the catch: relationships don’t turn into referrals overnight. It takes time, consistency, and follow-ups to establish trust and prove your value.

 

Let me share two real-world examples that highlight just how long (and how rewarding) this process can be.

 

About six months to a year ago, I met Michael, a family law attorney. We had a casual coffee meeting, talking about business, life, and just getting to know each other. Around the same time, I met another family law attorney, Kristen, and had a similar meeting with her. After those initial conversations, I made sure to follow up. I sent a quick email thanking them for their time, and then I added them to my contact management system (I use Constant Contact). Every holiday, and about every 10 days, they receive an email from me—some are simple greetings, others highlight how an appraisal can benefit their clients during the family law process.

 

Fast forward to now: Michael recently started sending me referrals—two in just the past couple of weeks. It took less than a year, but the consistent follow-ups and staying on his radar paid off. As for Kristen, she just sent me my first referral this week. But even before that, she had already introduced me to several other attorneys, expanding my network even further. One coffee meeting led to multiple connections, which are now turning into actual business.

 

The key takeaway? You can’t expect instant results. Building trust takes time, and people need to feel confident in referring you to their clients. This is why you need to make networking a habit. Set a goal to connect with at least one new person every week—whether that’s an attorney, a real estate agent, a CPA, or any other professional who might need appraisal services. Schedule a coffee, a lunch, a Zoom call—whatever works. Then, follow up. Add them to your contact system, check in periodically, and stay visible.

 

It won’t happen overnight, but if you stay consistent, referrals will come. And when they do, all that time and effort will have been well worth it.

 

If you would like to learn more about networking and marketing, please visit the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com . We have both free and paid memberships to suit whatever needs you have.

Was your appraisal volume lower than expected? Did your income take a hit compared to last year? If 2024 felt like a struggle for your business, here’s the good news: it can only get better from here. As we enter a new year, the big question is: What are you going to do differently in 2025 to make it a success?

 

Sometimes, tackling a tough appraisal assignment means figuring out what a property isn’t worth before you can determine its value. The same principle applies to your appraisal business. If your volume in 2024 wasn’t where you wanted it, it’s clear that your current approach isn’t working. But that’s okay—it gives you a starting point for change.

 

I’m not here to sell you an “easy button” that will magically make 2025 your best year. Instead, I want to provide you with actionable strategies to grow your non-lender business. The reality is, appraisers can no longer rely solely on lender work to survive. To thrive, you need diversification.

 

Goal: Diversify and grow your appraisal business by focusing on non-lender and private work. Define what success looks like for you, and use this step-by-step marketing plan to make it happen.

2025 Marketing Plan

Q1 (Jan/Feb/Mar): Build Your Digital Presence

  • Professional Website: Create a user-friendly site showcasing your services and client testimonials. Include a blog as well.
  • Social Media Profiles: Establish profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to engage with clients and share insights.
  • Google Business Profile: Optimize your listing with photos, post updates, and seek reviews.
  • SEO: With your website use relevant keywords to improve online visibility.
  • Stay Consistent: Post weekly and update your website and profiles regularly, and respond promptly to inquiries.

Q2 (Apr/May/June): Build Connections and Network

  • Industry Events: Attend conferences and networking events to build relationships.
  • Networking Groups: Join professional groups to expand your connections.
  • Partnerships: Collaborate with real estate agents, attorneys, and other professionals.
  • Appraisal Referral Network: Connect with appraisers nationwide for referral opportunities.
  • Advertising and Sponsorships: Consider online ads or local sponsorships like the Bar Association or Realtor Associations to increase visibility.

Q3 (July/Aug/Sept): Marketing and Communication Strategies

  • CRM System: Use tools to manage clients and send targeted emails.
  • Email Campaigns: Share value-driven emails, newsletters, and updates.
  • Tailor Marketing Materials: Highlight your expertise in non-lender work through brochures and ads.

Q4 (Oct/Nov/Dec): Order Management, Tools, and Client Retention

  • Innovative Tools: Invest in technology like lasers for faster and more accurate sketches.  Utilize software to support adjustments for more credible reports.
  • Appraisal Software: Go mobile to increase efficiency, streamline workflows and reduce errors.
  • Differentiate with Technology: Showcase your advanced tools to highlight accuracy and efficiency.
  • Financial Tracking: Monitor income, expenses, and tax liabilities with software.
  • Order Management: Use systems to track orders and client details efficiently.
  • Client Retention: Follow up with past clients, offer additional services, and use CRM tools for reminders to maintain relationships.

A Final Note

Throughout the year, focus on personal development. Commit to reading one book a month, whether physical or audiobooks. This habit will inspire new ideas and foster a growth-oriented mindset.  At the same time, professionalism and customer service remain non-negotiable. Maintain a polished appearance, communicate clearly, and deliver error-free, high-quality reports on time. Address disputes professionally, set clear expectations, and actively listen to your clients’ needs.  Also, broaden your expertise with these specialized non lender appraisal types like divorce, probate, estate, and tax appeal appraisals. If needed, invest in additional training to refine your skills and expand your service offerings.

 

The secret to a thriving non-lender appraisal business lies in diversification and action. Take this marketing plan, tailor it to your goals, and commit to making meaningful changes. The lender-driven model alone is no longer enough. With new forms, increased appraisal waivers, and growing regulatory pressures, diversification isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.  This year, I’ll close out with over $200K in gross income as a single-appraiser shop. Could I have made more? Sure, but that’s not my focus right now. Your goals may be different—so aim high and start by doing something new.

 

If you’re ready to grow and want to connect with like-minded professionals, join the Appraisal Referral Network at  ReferAppraisals.com. We offer free and paid memberships to help you succeed and grow your non-lender business.

 

2025 is yours to shape—let’s make it the year your appraisal business thrives.