Go, Dog. Go! This classic children’s book written by P.D. Eastman was my daughter’s favorite book. She loved the pictures of colorful dogs franticly racing from one place to another, seemingly without any purpose. Some days a career in rural appraisal can feel very similar. Running from property inspections, market research, meetings, classes, verifying sales, and writing appraisal reports, can make it feel like we are running in circles.

Amid our busy work schedules, it can be hard to slow down and network with other appraisers. Networking can feel like an obstacle that gets in the way of meeting deadlines, achieving our goals, and living up to expectations. However, what can be seen as an obstacle can also be one of our greatest tools in rural appraisal.

1) Networking allows us to build relationships within the industry. We all see the world a little differently, and the same can be true of valuing rural property. Having relationships with other appraisers in the area allows us to learn from others and see aspects of the market we might have missed on our own.

2) Networking allows us to gain competency in markets we may not be familiar with. Sometimes appraising in rural markets leads to valuing different types of properties or even properties in different states. Being able to call a colleague in that market to gain valuable insight and data allows us to become competent within that market and provide a stronger product to our clients.

3) Networking allows us to be a resource to someone else. Receiving sales data and market insights isn’t a one-way street. Assisting other appraisers helps others meet their goals and furthers public trust within the industry.

Thankfully in the rural appraisal industry, there are several different ways to build your professional network.

1) Join a professional organization such as the ASFMRA, the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), or the Appraisal Institute (AI). These organizations provide plenty of opportunities to build relationships with other appraisers on both the state and national levels. Also, consider volunteering within these organizations to help the industry grow stronger going forward.

2) Get to know other appraisers within your market area. Other appraisers are a great resource to bounce ideas off, especially if you are working on a unique appraisal. I talk with a handful of appraisers every month to bounce ideas off and gain knowledge about the current markets.

3) Join various appraisal groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or other social media platforms. The topics posted may vary from issues in residential, and commercial, to agricultural appraisal; however, keeping up to date on what others are working on or issues within the industry helps us become more competent in our daily work.

One of my favorite pieces of advice is that as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. There may be times when others help sharpen our skills through sharing what information they have or other times we may be able to help sharpen the skills of someone else. No matter if you are an appraiser, broker, manager, or have some other responsibility, we are not meant to be on an island. As a team within Peoples Company and as members of the rural real estate industry, we can help each other grow and reach our goals through consistent communication and working together.