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Will I still have work?

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Real Estate Appraiser with Jeremy Cowin Appraisals

Yes, we are all aware that the market is changing....and quickly!  I have began to wonder and speculate and prepare for a slow down in work as the market plays out it's roll of the dice!  Yes I am doing all the marketing stuff: contacting existing clients and reminding them of my services as well as advertising and contacting new clients with doing cold calls, mailings, drop bys, making apointments, internet advertising, updating my web site, etc. 

But it also occured to me, that one way I can keep on top of my business and avoid serious down times as the market changes, is to continue to take classes that will expand my services.  Being that there are alot of forclosures happening, taking classes in REO/Foreclosures will broaden my knowledge and services and put me ahead of those that don't.  The same goes for Relocation Appraisals.  There are a lot of compnaies that relocate employees and it is an area that I can serve and market too.  Being an appriaser that specializes in or has experience in specific types of properties, such as those listed above or even historic properties, can put you ahead of the game and help keep the work flow going even when the market changes and slows down.   

It is not something we think about until its too late....i.e. the work slows or stops, etc.  Not sitting back and "fearing" the changes, but staying in-tune to what is happening in the market,  continuing to market to new clients and stay in contact with existing clients, and to take classes on an ongoing basis can help put you ahead of the game can make the changes in the market a bit less painful if the work/orders start to slow down. 

We all know that change is inevitable, and by staying in-tune and up-to date, it can be a bit less bumpy and not so fearful and can still bring in work.

As always, just my 2 bits!

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Sara Goodwin
Estimation Nation Corporation - Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon Appraiser

Hi Jeremy -

I'm right there with you... Although the requests for refinances have dropped, the ERC relocation & investment appraisals are picking up...

It's always good to have some sort of backup (er, exit?) plan -

 

Aug 08, 2007 08:51 AM
Robert Elfand
Oviedo, FL
RAA

Jeremy,

I too have diversified into the estate planning arena.  Marketing to CPA's and R.E. attorneys is a little different game because they don't normally have a really tight time line but they want to ensure that you know what yo are doing and have the credentials behind your work.  Education is key to most professions if you want to stay ahead of your competition.

Aug 08, 2007 08:58 AM