"James Stafford takes us on a journey through resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving real estate market."

In this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose,” I had the pleasure of sitting down with James Stafford, a veteran appraiser whose journey through the 2008 financial crisis offers critical lessons for today’s market.

James shares how his deep dive into short sales and REO valuations helped him not only survive, but thrive during one of the toughest downturns in recent memory. Rather than fear economic challenges, he seized the opportunity to specialize, building a short-sale valuation desk that processed 35 properties a day.

James’s message is clear: in today’s slow market, opportunity lies in specialization. By mastering niche areas like distressed property valuations, appraisers can carve out new pathways to success. His insights are a roadmap for appraisers looking to future-proof their careers.

Tune in to this episode of “Appraisers on Purpose” and discover how to turn market challenges into career-defining opportunities.