How do you market your appraisal business?

Question

I am trying to get new clients for my appraisal business and have tried everything from direct mail, going door to door and internet marketing. I have the internet aspect covered but would like to attract more local customers. I do go door to door from time to time passing out flyers and cards. Any ideas? What works for you?

Thanks!

Answer 1

The major stumbling blocks I have with appraisers is having them take too long and having the appraisals overturned on review. If you have a 24 hour or less turnaround time, and a high acceptance rate, I would use them as your unique selling points with mortgage brokers around town. And yes, do door to door with fliers.

Answer 2

Just getting your name out there will be key. Not many people know of an appraiser, so many will call the first name they see. Order custom imprinted products - magnets, pens, etc. and get them into the real estate and lenders' offices. Talk to the local real estate agencies, strike up a relationship, and they will throw business your way. You may also be able to get them to put signs up along with their for sale signs. Also, I know I tend to call the people with the biggest and most professional looking ad in the phone book as it makes them appear successful. Offering a guarantee on turnaround time or partial refund if the appraisal is rejected would go a long way, too.

Answer 3

You could go to your local realtors and give them business cards along with your flyers. When I purchased my home my realtor actually gave me three business cards for mortgage lenders in which I was able to find a better mortgage. And once the house was purchased my realtor referred me to a good appraiser so that I could fence my property in. Another thought would be to advertise in your local yellow pages as that is where many people first look. Alot of older folks have no clue as to how the internet works, so you need to reach those folks through the yellow pages. You could also send out faxes of your flyer to local businesses. Alot of business people don't like to be bothered by salesmen as they are busy and stressed. So faxing them your flyers monthly would not be so bothersome and reminds them of your services. Another thought would be to ask local diners if you can leave behind business cards and flyers for any potential customers as diners have alot of repeat customers and are usually small and family oriented. You could also give discounts for referrals as word of mouth is the greatest advertising out there. Another thought would be to get your business involved within it's community. Support local schools, businesses and sports teams. Get to know the people in your community. People have pride for their communities and do their best to support them. All it takes is for one satisfied customer to talk, just one, and they will sell your services for you to their friends and family. When handing out your business cards you could always hand out pens, rulers, calenders or letter openers with your company info on them as people love free stuff. Plus they will remember you if they ever need your services. In my business we give out nice pens with our info on them. We have gotten alot of positive feed back as customers have called me just for more pens. I get alot of those things from our vendors which I appreciate and enjoy. I tend to remember those vendors when I need their services more so because they "buttered" me up. Now that's not to say I don't use a company if they don't give me something, it's just I remember them. Especially when I'm writing with their pen or using their pocket calenders. Good Luck & God Bless!