Making AMCs Work for You by David Brauner, Editor Here’s a story about one appraiser who makes working for AMCs work for him. Many appraisers choose not to work for Appraiser Management Companies (AMCs) because, they complain, the top priority of AMCs is getting appraisals fast and cheap– with quality a distant second. This story...…
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Pros and Cons: Lowering Fees in Slow Times This time of year inspectors agonize whether to lower fees to make it through the traditionally slow winter months. Appraisers are facing similar issues in this slowing real estate market. Some inspectors drop fees to generate business using “coupons” and “seasonal specials,” but seasoned pros say lowering...…
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Editor’s Note: This story is one in a three-part series: Pressure: Dealing with It; Comp Checks: Learning to Live Without You and Getting Full Fees. Find more at www.workingre.com. Comp Checks: Learning to Live Without You According to most appraisers, the only way to “move on” when it comes to comp checks is to make...…
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Editor’s Note: E.J. Frank discusses techniques to make us better business people by being happier and less stressed. Better Appraising from the Inside Out by E.J. Frank There is good news and I want to share it with you. It’s not like any of us need to be reminded of the multitude of changes from…
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The home inspection business is different than any other business because you typically don’t meet your client until after he/she hires you. This means that growing your business is almost all marketing and very little sales. A key part of successful marketing is your home inspection brochure. Since your client won’t get to meet you…
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Editor’s Note: In these competitive times, appraisers must grow and develop business continuously. But author and long-time appraiser Doug Smith cautions that the success of your firm depends on knowing which business to take on and which to turn down. Every bad debt starts with the granting of credit. Here are some guidelines for growing...…
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Fresh Air = Fresh Business Like many inspectors, Jack Leith, owner of A+ Inspection, takes the mold issue very seriously. He has completed numerous training courses to learn how to inspect for mold so he can provide a more complete inspection for his clients. But he had a problem. And as is often the case,...…
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20 Reasons to do Business with You! Editor’s Note: The following was written by a home inspector in response to a client’s question about why they should do business with them. How do you measure up? 1. We answer our phone during the day. 2. We work weekends by appointment for your convenience. 3. We call…
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Growing Business with Existing Clients By Ken Rossman Here’s a riddle: how do you grow your business without adding new clients? The answer is, you grow business by cultivating your existing client base. Here are a few simple ways to add to your bottom line without spending time and money chasing new clients. The appraiser...…
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Appraiser Cleans House By Christie M. Bond I own and operate a two-appraiser firm in a small, under-served town in West Michigan. I have worked very hard to build a good reputation for my firm and myself. Fed up, burned out and tired of the day-to-day struggle to maintain that reputation and keep a steady cash flow, I have decided to take drastic measures with my current and future clients…. I fired them all. After six years in...…
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