I want to share a quick real-world example that I think a lot of appraisers will recognize.
Over the past year, I sent two separate appraisal referrals to the same appraiser. One was a vacant land appraisal for listing purposes. The other was a divorce appraisal.
Both times, the initial response was essentially the same:
“I’m too busy right now.”
Fair enough. We all get busy. No issue there.
But here’s where it gets interesting.
On the second assignment, I followed up and let him know the job wasn’t urgent. That’s when the real answer came out:
“I don’t do divorce appraisals.”
Now that is a perfectly acceptable answer.
In fact, it’s the right answer.
But why did it take a follow-up to get there?
The Problem Isn’t Being Busy
Let’s be clear—this isn’t about workload.
This is about communication.
If you don’t do certain types of work—divorce, litigation, expert witness, vacant land, whatever it is—that’s completely fine. In fact, knowing your lane is a strength in this business.
But when you default to “I’m busy,” you’re doing two things:
- You’re creating confusion
The person referring you assumes timing is the issue, not scope or competency. - You’re damaging trust
It feels like a brush-off instead of a professional response.
And here’s the bigger issue…
This Doesn’t Just Hurt Referrals — It Hurts Your Reputation
The way you respond to another appraiser is the same way you’re likely responding to agents, attorneys, and clients.
If your go-to response is vague, delayed, or dismissive, that pattern doesn’t stay hidden. It follows you.
People remember:
- Who responds quickly
- Who is clear about what they do
- Who is reliable
And just as importantly…
They remember who isn’t.
The Other Side of This: Ignored or Declined Work
I’ve been seeing this more and more lately:
- Referrals going unanswered
- Appraisers taking days to respond (or not at all)
- Assignments declined with no explanation
- Or worse—just ghosted
So what’s going on?
Are appraisers truly that busy?
In most cases… no.
What I’m seeing is a mix of:
- Being overly selective
- Avoiding work outside comfort zones
- Poor communication habits
- And yes, sometimes just plain lack of motivation
And here’s the reality…
If you don’t want the work, that’s fine. But say it clearly and quickly so it can be reassigned.
Because every delayed response slows down the entire chain—client, agent, attorney, and the referring appraiser.
How to Handle This the Right Way
If you get a referral, there are only a few acceptable responses:
- Yes, I can take it
Give a timeline and move forward.
- No, but here’s why
“I don’t handle divorce work.”
“I don’t cover that market.”
“I’m not comfortable with that assignment type.”
Simple. Honest. Professional.
- I can take it, but not right away
Give a realistic timeline and let the referring party decide.
That’s it.
No vague responses. No disappearing acts. No “I’m busy” as a default excuse.
Final Thought
Referrals are not just extra work—they’re opportunities.
They’re a reflection of trust from another professional who could have sent that assignment anywhere else.
If you don’t want it, pass it clearly.
If you can’t do it, say why.
If you take it, treat it like your own client.
Because how you handle referrals says everything about how you run your business.
Want More Private Work Like This?
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