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Where's the Work?

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Real Estate Appraiser with Jeremy Cowin Appraisals
So for a month now I have had no work.  Everyone I know hasn't had any consistant appraisal work either or none at all as well.  Not that I haven't been working, but I haven't had an appraisal order/assignment for over 1 month.  Now, the real esate market is significantly slower and its only been 2 days since the Feds stepped in to try and help its citizens/eceonomy (?) however, I, still have not had any work.  I have spent my time doing marketing, which nobody is responding to due to the current RE market (I actually had a lady call me from my recent mailing and online advertising, that she REALLY wanted to use me but they just laid off 75% of their staff from agents, underwriters, reviewers and inhouse appraisers andshe wanted me to know how sorry she was she couldnt' give me any work.  Thoughtful, I s'pose), so I think that maybe that was a waste of time and money.  I also have cleaned my office, gotten all of my billing and collections in order, cleaned my office, backed up my computer and files, cleaned my office, have signed up for more continuing education and, did I mention, I cleaned my office?  UGH!  I can handle a busy schedule and I enjoy being busy. What I don't handle well is not doing anything.   I will actually create something to do to avoid having to sit still and do nothing.  Maybe I'll die early, as a result of this character trait, but I don't really care.  I like being busy.  But this lull in work and not having work has really exhausted my creative juices in trying to find something to do.  I am almost out of ideas and funds and will probably have to start moon-lighting at some fast food joint soon just to stay a-float (God I really Hope not!).  Why not go back to Physical Therapy, some of you are asking?  For one thing, if I am in a hospital or clinic and get a call from a client or a prospective client, its not like I can drop my patient and run to a computer and process an order or answer any questions or take care of anything they need, and by not being readilyy available I risk loosing a client or potential client.....So going back to PT is really not an option and besides,  I really don't want to.

Right now I am assisting on a photo shoot production.  I have never done production before and can't say that I love working in the entertainment world, but I do have a new respect for and admire those that can multi-task with scheduling, clients, agents, art directors, the "creative types," and also deal with fussy actors and models.  It's enough to push anyone over the edge.  BUT!!!!! The pay is good!  It pays more than Physical Therapy! and it pays more than what I make as an appraiser. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to leave the profession, but maybe the real question isn't "where's the work?"  Maybe the real question is "where's the money?" and slumming to get it!

This too shall pass!  
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Sara Goodwin
Estimation Nation Corporation - Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon Appraiser

I just spoke to one of my main clients yesterday who informed me that there are only two of them left in the office.... The owner and the Office Manager - She said that everyone went back to their former jobs (which I remember included quite a few sales positions in the car industry).  She also sounded optimistic which is how I feel.  The Feds have lowered rates and people are educating themselves on different loan programs... feeling more comfortable with them and realizing that preditory lenders are all but missing from the scene. 

I have certainly been taking advantage of the slow down and been working on some house projects (just to remind myself that I should really leave that stuff to the professionals).  Although I've been getting a spattering of work, I could have pretty safely left town this week and no one would have noticed. 

Best of luck to all -

Sep 21, 2007 04:31 AM
Richard Kimball
Keller Williams Realty New Orleans - New Orleans, LA
I can definitely relate as a fellow appraiser. Not only do we have the national market affecting us here in New Orleans, but we also have the hurricane recovery slowing us down.  
Sep 26, 2007 02:25 AM
Alisa McKeel Willson
Appraisal Pros in Texas - Huntsville, TX
Certified Res. Appraiser

I think many of us can relate...I think you are doing the right things, continuing education, upgrade your license if you need to, clean your desk (that was cute, smile) and work on your advertising.  Next week I am going to do some cold calling...I believe it is more effect than mailing a flier.  Go visit offices and

leave your information...that is what I am going to do.  I just took my upgrade test on Saturday and made myself commit to this...

Keep in touch with other appraisers especially if they are in other areas ... remind them to send leads your way for areas they might not cover.  Sign up for free appraiser listings.

Wish I could offer something new.

 

 

Sep 26, 2007 04:44 PM
Jeremy Cowin
Jeremy Cowin Appraisals - Altadena, CA
Sara - It would be nice to be able to leave town, but with little income coming in its hard to justify and actually I don't think anyone noticed that I was still in town.

Richard - I bet that not just appraisers, but all employment is suffering at some level there in New Orleans.  My best to you and to all that are there!

Alisa - thanks for your post.  I think we are all doing what we feel needs to be done!  Stayingin touch with my fellow appraisers and mentors is really a great way to stay motivated, re-assured and connected!


Oct 09, 2007 03:35 PM
Mike Young
203kOnLine.com, covering the USA - Hickory, NC
FHA 203k Consultant 916-758-1809 cell direct

don't leave town, shift gears. I used to do a lot of appraisals for the court. Have you contacted family law attornys and left your card? No, do so. Use this slow down or "valley" in your business to market to broaden your customer base. Also drop your card off at all of the Bail Bond companies. They are always looking for good appraisers with quick turn around. 

We had one job that I was able to get five appraisal orders from as they tried to cover the bail bond. In the mean time another project had three appraisals for a divorce and when they presented the appraisals from the wife's side of the divorce, the husbands attorney indicated they wanted to get their own appraisals done. Do you see it doesn't matter which side of the deal you are on there are a lot of appraisals out there. 

BTW once the judge looked over my appraisals he told the other side they didn't need another appraisal as it was clear these apprasials were well thought out and presented... he, the judge called me, and asked if we would do appraisals for his court... it was a great day.

Your great day is ahead of you, and very close to you. Sometimes it is just a little hard to see. Try this.

Jul 27, 2012 01:49 AM