We just wrapped our first, Go Create Some Value, Two-day Workshop in Salt Lake City. Fourteen hours of positive instruction, plenty of appraiser interaction, and a whole lot of fun! But, what was most surprising to me was the difference in the attitude and caliber of appraisers in attendance. I have been to a fair number of appraisal classes, conferences, and other events over the last few years, but I have never been to anything like this before! And that was the exact feedback from many of the attendees . . . this was truly a unique experience.
First of all, these individuals had come to learn… not to fulfill CE credit requirements. From the beginning, it was clear that the goals and efforts put forth by the participants were not what you would find at most appraiser get-togethers. When I speak around the country on the topic of Mobile Appraising for example, I often ask for a raise of hands on who possesses and uses a tablet and a laser measuring device in the field. On average, I get between 2% and 50% who do. At the Go Create Some Value workshop last week, more than 85% raised their hands. What does this mean to me? I was in a room full of forward-thinking appraisers who are actively investing in themselves and their appraisal businesses.
During each and every break, the appraisers were either networking with other appraisers or they were lined up to ask questions of myself or my staff on why our office is so different from most. In other words, they were there to learn and get as many ideas as possible to take home to their own businesses. After the workshop ended, I was encouraged by the number and quality of positive testimonials which came in. Indeed, this was not your ordinary appraisal conference. In an industry full of gloom and despair, it was uplifting to be surrounded by so many enthusiastic and inventive appraisers all in one place.
As I have had a few days to decompress and reflect on the event, I am once again reminded that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Have we as appraisers been kicked in the teeth with HVCC, Dodd-Frank and the like? You bet! Is it harder to make a living now than it was in 2007? Sure. Does it get a little old dealing with some of the junk the AMC’s direct at us? Yeppers! There is no doubt that our lives have changed dramatically in the past several years. However, while many appraisers are complaining, dropping out of the workforce, or counting the days to retirement, a handful of us still love what we do and are looking for new ways to do it better. That is a better way of thinking!
Looking forward to seeing many of you at our next event in Vegas!
Now, Go Create Some Value!
Dustin Harris is a multi-business owner, but he has found most of his success as a self-employed, residential real estate appraiser. He has been appraising for nearly two decades. He is the owner and President of Appraisal Precision and Consulting Group, Inc., and is a popular author, speaker and consultant. He owns and operates The Appraiser Coach where he personally advises and mentors other appraisers helping them to also run successful appraisal companies and increase their net worth. His two-day workshop will be held on Nov 11-12, 2013 in Las Vegas. His principles and methodologies are also taught in an online, Mastermind group. He and his wife reside in Idaho with their four children.
For more information on this subject, please listen to The Appraiser Coach Podcast Episode:
