Appraisers who offer diverse and complementary services can attract more clients and business. Also, appraisers working with different types of clients like private investors, estate planning attorneys, or government agencies, stay better informed about the hot topics in the industry..
“Keep up with trends,” Dustin Harris, “The Appraiser Coach,” said. “Beyond appraisal forums, pay attention to what’s happening in commercial real estate, construction costs, and zoning laws. It helps you speak your clients’ language.
“Also, offer more than appraisals,” he added. “Services like appraisal reviews, consulting, or prelisting valuation can make you shine in client’s eyes and bring in extra income. It’s about solving problems, not just checking boxes.”
Estate planners, tax accountants, and real estate developers all need valuation expertise, Harris said; they just need to know appraisers are out there.
One way potential customers hear about appraisers is though customer reviews. That’s why customer service and reputation management are a smart investment choice for appraisers interested in a successful and expanded business,
Quick responses, clear communication, and accurate reports go a long way to protecting one’s reputation, Harris offered. One negative review online can hurt more than one thinks.
“Encourage positive reviews,” Harris said. “If a client’s happy with your work, ask them to leave a review on Google (or another platform). Those stars add up when future clients are searching for an appraiser.”
Knowledge and doing the “extra” regarding staying informed about the ins and outs of one’s profession is paramount to both success and having the ability to broaden your business horizons.
The appraisal profession is no different as it remains an ever-evolving industry requiring appraisers to continually refine his/her skills for long-term success.
“Keeping up with industry trends is crucial for staying competitive and informed in today’s dynamic real estate environment. Subscribing to newsletters and alerts from key organizations and local appraisal coalitions can provide timely insights into best practices, policy changes, and market developments,” McKissock Learning Appraisal Training and Development Manager Kevin Hecht said. “In addition, appraisers can benefit greatly from subscribing directly to updates from GSEs, as well as from the FHA and VA. These entities regularly release appraisal-related guidance, news on policy shifts, and valuable resources that impact daily work.
“Participating in online forums, webinars, and industry conferences also helps appraisers stay connected with peers and emerging trends,” he added. “Continuing education courses are another solid investment, not just for meeting requirements, but for staying sharp and informed. The more tapped-in an appraiser is to the pulse of the profession, the more confidence they can bring to their clients and reports.”
Aiden O’Brien, the director of government relations for ASA, said the organization is dedicated to ensuring appraisers have access to top-tier education, networking, and professional resources, keeping them at the forefront of industry developments.
“One of the best ways for appraisers to stay current is through continuing education courses, which not only keep skills sharp but also help maintain professional credentials,” O’Brien said. “ASA offers comprehensive educational programs and conferences that equip members with the latest knowledge in appraisal methodologies, regulations, and market trends.
“Diversifying services is another key to long-term success in the appraisal field, and ASA members have the tools and resources needed to expand into high-value specializations,” O’Brien added. “Appraisers can offer consulting services for investors and developers, providing them with data-driven valuation insights for strategic decision-making. Market trend analysis for real estate professionals is another growing service area, where appraisers can leverage their expertise to help brokers, lenders, and buyers understand property values. Expanding into litigation support and forensic appraisals, two highly specialized and well-compensated fields, is another way appraisers can differentiate themselves. ASA’s offerings in litigation and forensic valuation education ensure members are well equipped to handle these complex assignments.”
O’Brien also pointed out that building relationships with diverse clients can help appraisers secure a steady flow of work. Estate planners and attorneys require appraisals for tax and inheritance matters, while government agencies need valuation services for public projects and infrastructure development.
“Private investors rely on appraisers to guide them through potential acquisitions, ensuring they make sound financial decisions,” he said. “Maintaining a strong reputation is crucial in the appraisal profession, as it leads to more referrals and repeat business. ASA membership signals to clients and peers that an appraiser adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards, reinforcing trust and credibility. Online reviews are also essential for visibility and business growth, the more positive reviews an appraiser receives, the higher they rank in search results, increasing their chances of attracting new clients.”
Expanding beyond traditional mortgage-related appraisal work is a great way for appraisers to open up new streams of business, while offering a broader range of services, according to Hecht. This not only helps bring in different types of clients but also showcases the depth and flexibility of an appraiser’s skill set.
“One of the most valuable non-lender services is the pre-listing valuation. These valuations can give sellers confidence and help Realtors market properties more effectively,” Hecht said. “It’s also a way for appraisers to build strong relationships with listing agents and position themselves as trusted experts outside of lender channels.
“Other complementary services might include appraisal reviews, property tax appeal support, estate planning valuations, or expert witness services for litigation cases. Some appraisers even offer market consulting to investors looking to make informed purchasing decisions,” he added. “By diversifying services, appraisers create more stability and reduce dependence on any one client type. It also gives clients more reasons to turn to a trusted appraiser throughout different stages of a property’s life cycle.”
Hal Humphreys, STORYBOARDEMP’s partner and director of education, noted that appraisers can stay current by attending conferences and simply reaching out to meet people.
“Talk to other appraisers like they aren’t competitors. Join forums,” Humphreys said. “And on diversifying your services, do estate work. Divorce cases. Bankruptcy. Art. Machinery. If it exists, someone needs to know what it’s worth. Be the one who knows. Again, specialize.”
Also, Humphreys brings up a key to expanding an appraiser’s business involves working with different client types that includes attorneys, investors, and even municipalities.
“They all need appraisers who don’t flinch at paperwork. Get on their radar and stay there. Five non-lending clients can make a business,” he said.
And is customer service and reputation worth investing in?
“Absolutely,” Humphreys said. “Be kind, punctual, and clear. You’re a unicorn if you can do all three. People will notice. This is a point we try to drive home daily. Follow up. Respond to questions. Be the appraiser who takes great care of your clients. They will come back, and they will talk.”
In a field like appraisal, where trust and professionalism are everything, customer service isn’t just a nice bonus — it’s a major part of what sets one appraiser apart from another, according to Hecht.
“Simple things like returning calls promptly, meeting deadlines, and explaining the process clearly can make a big impression on clients. These everyday efforts help build a reputation that leads to repeat business and referrals,” he said. “Reputation management also means keeping an eye on what people are saying online. Responding thoughtfully to reviews — whether they’re glowing or more constructive – shows that the appraiser cares about the client experience.
“Over time, that consistency builds a solid online presence that speaks volumes before a potential client even picks up the phone. Investing in service and reputation is a long-term strategy that pays off. It’s about showing up, being reliable, and earning trust with every assignment.”
Hecht also revealed expansion to other types of clients can help appraisers grow their business.
“Private investors, for example, may look for fast, insightful opinions on value to help guide their decisions. Estate planning attorneys need clear, well-supported valuations to handle sensitive family or legal matters. Government work comes with its own set of expectations, often focused on precision, documentation, and compliance,” he said.
“These types of clients also tend to return for future assignments when they find someone they trust. Building those relationships not only helps grow the business, but it also keeps things interesting and sharpens skills by exposing appraisers to a wider range of property types and valuation scenarios.”
Finally, Hecht shared his thoughts on reviews.
“In many cases, a review is the first thing a potential client sees. Whether someone is searching online for a pre-listing valuation or looking for an expert in estate work, those five-star testimonials can be the deciding factor in who they choose to contact,” he said. “Reviews act like word-of-mouth referrals in the digital age. They build trust, show consistency, and provide social proof that the appraiser delivers reliable, professional service. Encouraging happy clients to share their experiences on platforms like Google, Yelp, or even real estate forums helps boost visibility and credibility.
“For appraisers looking to expand into non-lender spaces, where relationships and personal reputation matter even more, collecting positive feedback is more than just a nice-to-have — it’s a key part of building momentum and standing out in a crowded market,” Hecht added.
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