What is Fair Compensation?
Feb 15, 2026
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what “fair compensation” really means—especially when hiring or partnering with another appraiser. This question comes up constantly, and every time my answer starts in the same place: it depends. Not because I’m trying to dodge the question, but because compensation should always be rooted in one thing—value.
I’ve run enough interviews and onboarding conversations to know that every professional walks in with a different mix of skills, experience, and work ethic. At the same time, every company or team leader offers something different in return. Maybe you provide office space, software, MLS access, and admin support. Maybe you're simply offering a brand name and a steady stream of work. Those differences matter—a lot.
When someone asks whether a 60/40 or 50/50 split is fair, the first thing I want to know is what each side brings to the table. If I’m supplying everything except the final appraisal expertise, that leans one direction. If the appraiser is essentially operating independently under my umbrella, that leans another. I’ve seen splits as wide as 80/20 work beautifully when the value exchange is balanced.
Money is just a representation of value. We don’t get paid for hours or tasks—we get paid for the expertise, the efficiencies, and the trust we bring into the relationship. So when I think about compensation, I don’t start with a number. I start with a question: what value are we exchanging?
Answer that honestly, and the split becomes surprisingly clear.
Check out The Appraiser Coach Podcast for more info on this topic:
