Recently, I had an interesting lunch experience that made me think about how we, as valuation professionals, can improve our services by simplifying processes and systems. I walked into a steakhouse for a quick solo lunch, and they had something called the "executive lunch." It was a simple, three-item meal that was efficient and perfectly designed for a busy midday crowd. In just about 25 minutes, I was seated, ordered, ate, and back on my way. The whole experience was smooth and effective—something I really appreciated given how hectic my day was.

Now, what does this have to do with appraising? Well, the restaurant had created a system that worked for most customers. They didn’t complicate things by offering too many choices; instead, they focused on what the majority of people wanted. And this got me thinking—could we do the same in our own businesses? Could we streamline our appraisal services in a way that offers a simplified, fast, and effective solution for common clients, like homeowners looking to sell their property without an agent?

Of course, every appraisal is unique, but much like the "executive lunch," there’s value in having a product that’s quick, easy, and suitable for the majority of your clients. Simplifying our processes can save us time and make the experience better for our clients. At the same time, we can always add customizations for those who need something special.

I’m going to explore this more in my own business. Maybe it’s time to simplify some things and make it easier for my clients to get the appraisals they need. How about you?

Check out The Appraiser Coach Podcast for more info on this topic:

(Podcast # Name Here)    AUDIO    VIDEO

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