As an appraiser, you sometimes encounter calls that raise red flags. Today, I want to share an experience that highlights the importance of screening potential clients carefully to avoid challenging or risky assignments.
Recently, I received a call from a person who found my business on Google. They immediately asked about my appraisal fee, and, as usual, I followed up with questions to understand the assignment before providing a quote. First, I asked for the property address and the purpose of the appraisal. The caller responded vaguely, saying it was a townhouse in Margate but didn’t provide an exact address. When I asked for the purpose of the appraisal, she avoided a direct answer and simply said, “I just want to know.” I clarified, asking if she was looking to sell, obtain a loan, settle a divorce, manage an estate, or handle a foreclosure. Still, she stuck to, “I just want to know.”
Having been in the appraisal business for over 20 years, I know people typically don’t get an appraisal “just because”—there’s always a reason. After realizing she wouldn’t be transparent, I declined the assignment and ended the call.
This experience serves as a reminder of common red flags when fielding calls for appraisals. When a potential client avoids giving a property address or is reluctant to share the purpose, it’s a warning sign. If a client isn’t open about the basic details, there could be hidden motivations, and the assignment may come with unexpected challenges. Knowing the purpose of the appraisal is essential for providing an accurate quote and ensuring you’re well-prepared for the assignment.
Gathering detailed information upfront is critical for both accuracy and protecting yourself as an appraiser. If a caller is withholding key details, consider walking away—sometimes the best business decision is saying “no.” For those interested in learning more about private work or connecting with other appraisers to exchange referrals and earn extra income, join us at the Appraisal Referral Network at ReferAppraisals.com.
Dan Lindeman
Appraisal Referral Network
Comments (4)
How can you quote on an assignment without knowing the address? Car mechanics do not quote a certain price when they don’t know the problem.
Exactly. I think the caller is trying to trap you into a quote if they don’t share it
When confronted with this type of situation I state that my fee varies depending on the complexity of the property and I cannot quote without a property address or identifier such as Tax ID number or map and tax lot. I quote in writing with a “proposal” that spells out fee and turn time for a specified intended use. I do find that often people do not understand what they are asking for or what they need so I will spend time trying to understand the intended use and user(s); however, I only quote in writing after preliminary research to understand the complexity level of the property and the intended use. If a person cannot or will not provide adequate information for me to understand the nature of the property then I thank them for the call and say goodbye.
Interesting, I usually just give verbal quotes when speaking with them (after looking up some quick property details). Sometimes they ask for it in writing though after the call. 100% agree with your last sentence!!!