We are joined by Carole Henrysen of Zen Appraisals (PA & NJ). We dig into how she shifted to non-lender work, why saying yes to the tough assignments paid off, and how a simple monthly coffee meetup turned into real referrals and real community.

What you’ll hear:

• The exact habits that took 8 months to the first private lead
• How to talk to callers so they don’t reduce you to “fee and turn time”
• Starting a local appraiser meetup without overthinking it
• Using Google and social posts to make your phone ring

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, host Dan Lindeman dives into a big question appraisers wrestle with: Is getting a designation worth it? Dan is joined by three certified general appraisers with different perspectives:

Jack Lavoie (SRA, AI-RRS) – Residential specialist who earned his designations through the Appraisal Institute.

Ernie Ramos (ASA, IFA) – Chicago-based appraiser with ASA/IFA designations, focusing on residential, multifamily, and small commercial.

Carlos Rodriguez (MAI candidate) – Commercial appraiser in South Florida, currently deep in the MAI process.

They break down: The major designations (MAI, SRA, ASA, IFA, etc.). What the process looks like (courses, exams, demo reports, peer review, costs). How long it takes (3–5 years is common). The financial and time investment ($10k+ plus annual dues). Whether designations actually pay off in fees, credibility, and opportunities.

The consensus? Designations don’t guarantee success, but the process itself makes you a better appraiser, adds credibility in court/legal work, and opens doors to certain clients. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your goals and market.

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, Dan chats with Josh Walitt of Walitt Solutions about what’s ahead for appraisers—from AI tools changing how we analyze and write reports, to the new UAD format that’s going to shake up how we collect and present data. They also dive into Josh’s Learn Every Day platform, smarter ways to train new appraisers, and how to think beyond the traditional appraisal box. If you’re looking to future-proof your appraisal business, don’t miss this one.

We sit down with Steve to talk about referral income. As one of the earliest members of the Appraisal Referral Network, Steve shares how he’s been able to earn extra income by referring non-lender assignments to trusted colleagues in his market.

Ever had to turn down a job because it was outside your coverage area, outside your expertise, or just too time-sensitive? Instead of saying no, you could be turning those missed opportunities into referral income.

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, I sit down with Karen Johnson—powerhouse REALTOR®, commercial and residential expert, and NAR liaison for appraisal affairs. We dive into the agent-appraiser relationship, how we can bridge the communication gap, and why sharing information isn’t influence—it's just smart. Karen shares her journey from underwriting multi-million dollar portfolios to mentoring agents and advocating for industry-wide change. We also talk about appraiser involvement in NAR, technology’s impact (yes, we said AI), and what it takes to price like a pro in today’s market.

In this episode of Brews and Appraisal Views, host Dan Lindeman sits down with Chase Pursley, founder of Appraisal Inbox and JobsInAppraisal.com, to discuss unique career opportunities for appraisers. They dive into alternative jobs beyond traditional fee appraising, the importance of diversifying income streams, and how Chase’s job platform is helping appraisers find stable and high-paying positions. They also break down the latest data from the Appraisal Subcommittee, uncovering surprising insights about the number of active appraisers and industry trends. Whether you’re looking to explore new career paths or just geek out on appraisal stats, this episode has something for you!

In this episode of Brews & Appraisal Views, host Dan Lindeman sits down with networking and sales expert Manny Moussignac, managing partner of MG Moving Services. While appraisers and movers may seem like worlds apart, they actually target the same key referral sources—real estate agents, estate attorneys, and divorce attorneys. Manny shares his approach to building relationships, overcoming rejection, and making meaningful connections that drive consistent referrals.

Key takeaways include:

• The "Ford" Method: A simple way to start and sustain conversations (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams).
• Follow-Up is Everything: Why reaching out within 48 hours is crucial to making a lasting impression.
• Positioning Yourself as a Partner: How to shift from being "just the help" to becoming an indispensable resource for your referral sources.
• Networking Pro Tips: The importance of showing up, standing in an open stance at events, and making conversations about them, not you.

Manny’s proven sales and networking strategies can help appraisers build stronger relationships, generate more business, and feel more confident when marketing their services. Don’t miss this powerful episode full of practical advice!

Dan Lindeman sits down with Roy Meyer—an experienced appraiser, business coach, AI strategist, and innovator—to discuss the transformative power of AI in the appraisal industry. They explore how AI can help appraisers streamline their workflow, improve data analysis, and enhance report reviews using custom GPTs for tasks like regression analysis and narrative support. Roy also shares insights on the best AI tools beyond ChatGPT, including Claude and Perplexity, and offers practical tips on boosting efficiency, leveraging virtual assistants, and growing a non-lender appraisal business. If you’re an appraiser looking to future-proof your business and gain a competitive edge, this episode is packed with valuable strategies and expert advice.

In this episode of the Brews and Appraisal Views podcast, the host interviews short-term rental expert Garren Burton from iTrip Vacations. They discuss the growing importance of accurately valuing short-term rental (STR) properties for both residential and commercial appraisers. Garren explains key factors like occupancy rates, seasonality, and how amenities can influence nightly rates. He also covers common expenses (e.g., management fees and maintenance) and the varied licensing requirements across different municipalities. Garren highlights the use of data platforms (like AirDNA and specialized rate-management tools) to project annual revenue. Together, they provide practical tips and insights to help appraisers and property owners better understand the STR market’s complexities and potential.

In this episode, we’re diving into goal setting for both your personal life and business as we kick off the new year. Dan shares his approach to setting clear, measurable goals and why it's important to write them down. We’ll explore key areas of goal setting—family, career, social, financial, fitness, spiritual, and educational—and reflect on Dan’s own goal-setting journey, from his initial business goals to where he is now. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, improve work-life balance, or develop new skills, this episode will give you practical steps to create a path forward for 2025.