Have you ever received one of those letters that makes your heart drop? The ones that seem to carry more weight than your usual revision requests or complaints? I recently had one of those moments. At first, I thought it was just another revision request, but as I read between the lines, it became clear this was something bigger.

So, what do you do when you get a letter like that? The first thing I did was pick up the phone and call my E&O insurance company. I know it might sound a little overcautious, but trust me, notifying them early—whether through a call or email—won't raise your premiums. It’s better to be safe than sorry. After that, I reached out to someone I trust deeply in this industry—Tim Andersen, the Appraiser's Advocate. Even though we’re friends, I called him as a client, asking for his guidance.

Tim’s advice was simple yet powerful: Ask for an extension. At first, it might sound like overkill, but taking the time to process the situation is invaluable. It gives you the opportunity to think clearly, consider all angles, and avoid rushing into a response that you might regret. Plus, asking for an extension signals that you’re taking the matter seriously and not just firing off a hasty answer.

Next time you face one of these challenging situations, take a moment, slow down, and ask for that extension. It could make all the difference in how things play out.

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

(Podcast # Name Here)    AUDIO    VIDEO

We would love to hear your comments on this blog!
Easily verify your identity through Facebook, X, Google, Microsoft or Apple
Then share your comments with us below.