"The secret of getting ahead is getting started" Mark Twain. The only place success comes before sweat is in the dictionary.  Many of us being commercial appraisers for many years have had the luxury of barely breaking a sweat.  However, due to the commoditization trend of our appraisal product (even for those who don't do bank work), many of us have had to step up our game in order to remain competitive.  I believe it's time for an appraisal "boot camp."



According to Whitson Gordon of Lifehacker, "exercise can also help you feel more accomplished and social. Even if you don't see immediate results in your body that effort will make you feel better and a bit of confidence can go a long way."  Lifehacker - Top 10 Reasons to Exercise Regularly

So for today's reading, I will be your coach and today's workout is... commercial appraisal report writing. By my guesstimate, I would say 80% of commercial appraiser's struggle with starting, implementing and actually executing a solution. The searching for the trees instead of the forest that's embedded in our DNA is one of our biggest hurdles. We constantly strive for perfection and glom onto way too many details (trees) which ultimately results in failing to understand Mr. Twain's sage advice.

My good friend who is an Air Force pilot says that you need both "vector" and "thrust", meaning direction and motivation to get to where you're going. As with any new workout, you must take it in stages. I recommend the following workout schedule for appraisal report writing.

Beginner level
Typically involves using a fully functioning summary template used for "real" appraisal production.  The appraiser will notice getting reports done in a shorter period of time and a much reduced feeling of word processing exhaustion by moving away from the "old-school" cut-and-paste routine.

Intermediate level
The appraiser will experience significant increase in appraisal production and has tweaked the templates to their liking.  The appraiser is starting to "get it", understand that separating the appraisal process into individual components leads to substantive efficiencies.  Report errors decrease, commission checks get bigger.  

Advanced level
When the appraiser clicks merge and the data flows from Excel to Word, there is very little time spent on final edits. Often times this appraiser incorporates other SPIOT (Sustainable Process Improvement Over Time) tools like voice dictation software, multiple screens, outsourced exhibit creation, E-Myth systems, changing the obsolete owner/appraiser relationship and appraisal work-flow applications. This appraiser has reached rock star production while retaining report quality.

Are You Ready for the Boot Camp Challenge?