Statistics show that most appraisers either work on their own or have one other helper who might work with them.  Very few residential appraisal offices have more than one appraiser and even fewer could be considered a true appraisal “firm” with many employees and contractors all working to grow the...

Well folks, I just had what I call a “kneecap to kneecap” meeting with one of my key employees. This is an individual who has been with me for a while. I love her to death because she is wonderful in so many ways, but it was time to do some auditing. Those who’ve taken my Go Create Some Value worksh...

If you’ve not read “Good to Great” by Jim Collins yet, then I highly recommend that you do so. It’s been a few years now since I read it myself, but the lessons this book contains have really stuck with me.

In the book, Collins does multiple case studies of two, similar companies who work in the s...

One of the things I get questioned about most often by my fellow real estate appraisers is my use of virtual assistants (or ‘VAs'). It’s common knowledge in the industry that I use VAs, and I tend to get the same few questions over and over again: ‘why do you use them’, ‘how do you do it?’ and ‘is i...

I recently found myself, once again, away from home at—yet another—appraisal conference.  Unfortunately on this trip however, I found myself not feeling well.  This was different than the normal flu or cold.  However, I am stubborn (hey, I’m a guy) and did not want to see a doctor or the inside of a...

I stood in their yard in the unusual spring warmth and enjoyed visiting with my elderly neighbors.  While my 4-year old tugged on my arm and repeated the mantra, “Dad, when are we going to go home?” I just kept talking.  “How have you guys been feeling lately?”  Their answer was upbeat, but there wa...