Launch your own appraisal venture with Valcre!
Discover how you can thrive in your entrepreneurial journey with the support of Valcre’s cutting-edge appraisal software.
Success spotlight:
Central California Appraisals
Meet Central California Appraisals (CCA), an independent firm based in Bakersfield, California, with offices both on the coast and in the valley.
Formerly a corporate franchisee office, CCA took a bold step towards independence in July 2023.
This transition to independence brought about a transformative change in their appraisal process, resulting in remarkable success.
Valcre’s industry-leading appraisal software played a significant role in this achievement.
Previous state: Issues and challenges
Prior to their transition, CCA faced multiple challenges in their appraisal process.
The software they were using presented several issues.
It was outdated and challenging to use, resulting in constant complaints from new employees. Learning the software was difficult, and the appraisal process remained time-consuming.
Amidst changes, CCA decided to venture into independence, seeking a platform that was more advanced and scalable.
Current state: What is life like with Valcre?
The transition to Valcre was seamless, marked by a comprehensive onboarding and training program that spanned six weeks.
CCA’s interaction with the Valcre team, from their initial sales call to the final onboarding session, was described as “amazing” by the CCA team.
As for the adoption of Valcre’s software, CCA had the advantage of a young, enthusiastic team that readily embraced the change. They found the transition fairly straightforward, as their team was already familiar with Valcre’s Word-Excel merge feature.
Valcre’s thorough preparation and guidance ensured that CCA was well-prepared for the transition.
During this process, CCA provided valuable feedback on specific templates that needed reworking. Valcre promptly addressed these suggestions, allowing CCA to make progress rapidly.
Although there was a slight learning curve, it was minimal. Once the templates were in place, CCA hit the ground running with ease and hasn’t looked back.
Metrics: Hard stats on productivity and ROI
CCA displayed remarkable adaptability during the transition.
Within just 45 days, they had sent out approximately 30 reports using Valcre’s software, all while maintaining their efficiency.
Why Valcre?
CCA highlights that Valcre’s team, though not official partners, has consistently provided support that goes above and beyond.
It’s evident Valcre’s willingness to tackle challenges and its responsive customer support have truly made a positive impact on CCA’s transition toward independence.
Entrepreneurial starter kit:
10 steps to independence
Your essential starter kit for a successful transition, drawing valuable insights from CCA.
The key is to do thorough research and make informed decisions at every step.
> Step 1
Identify your primary pain points
What challenges are you currently facing in your appraisal career? In our fireside chat with CCA, we discovered the significant issues they were encountering and what strategies they implemented to overcome them.
For seasoned appraisers like you, it’s crucial to have a modern platform with advanced features that can adapt to your specific needs. Understand that your pain points can be solved with the right strategic initiatives and tools in place.
Learn what strategic initiatives your peers are adopting to stay ahead.
> Step 2
Evaluate your options
Evaluate your options with the knowledge that you have the freedom to choose your own path. You’re not locked into anything, and there’s no harm in exploring alternatives.
Start by researching and understanding the implications of going independent. Investigate the available options, compare pros and cons, and ensure you know what lies ahead. While there is no exact blueprint for how to begin, following the insights in this article is a great way to position yourself for success.
> Step 3
Define your goals
You likely have a clear specialization, geographic focus, and client base. Identify your entrepreneurial aspirations and solidify your specialty in the appraisal industry.
With well-defined goals, you can craft a strategy that not only saves time but also boosts your volume and gives you a competitive edge. Take advantage of Valcre’s ROI calculator to explore different scenarios.
> Step 4
Lean into your community
As you contemplate your next steps, don’t hesitate to embrace the support of your appraisal community. For experienced appraisers considering breaking away, it’s important to leverage your wealth of experience and established relationships.
Engage with your colleagues and peers, seeking their wisdom and experiences to pave the way for your entrepreneurial journey, and connect with CCA directly to gain invaluable insights into their successful transition to independence.
Remember, you’re not alone in this venture, and the appraisal community has a wealth of knowledge to offer.
> Step 5
Equip with the right tools
Consider how your current technology addresses your pain points. Is it helping you achieve your goals?
Having the right tech in place can make all the difference. Use our Competitor Comparison Table to see how Valcre stacks up against competitors like Narrative1, RealQuantum, and RealWired. Choose the software that best aligns with your appraisal needs and business objectives.
We understand that many explore the option of developing their own proprietary software. However, it typically falls short in several critical aspects—it’s slow, lacks user-friendliness, isn’t scalable, and doesn’t demonstrate a commitment to achieving top-tier security standards, posing a significant long-term risk for client satisfaction. Building an in-house system is indeed a substantial endeavor, often taking years to refine. As a top appraiser, your time is too valuable to invest in such a lengthy process.
In today’s market, clients expect the highest-grade security standards. Valcre is proud to be the only SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified provider in the industry. Rest assured, your data and client information will be handled with the utmost security.
> Step 6
Onboard with a team that prioritizes your success
A streamlined onboarding process is paramount, especially when you’re a top appraiser with no time to spare. Finding a solution with a small learning curve can be a game-changer for your efficiency.
With Valcre’s well-structured onboarding, our team takes your success seriously and ensures you’re up-to-speed and feel confident in the platform every step of the way. This kind of support minimizes downtime and allows you to hit the ground running.
As CCA’s Mike has experienced firsthand, Valcre’s seamless transition process allows you to focus on what truly matters – getting the job done and achieving your goals.
> Step 7
Leverage your software provider for ongoing success
Being on your own can be challenging, so partner with a software provider that offers exceptional support. Valcre boasts a best-in-class support team with an average response time of one minute or less. You’ll always have the assistance you need, ensuring long-term success and peace of mind.
>Step 8
Foster strong partnerships
Now that you’ve embarked on your entrepreneurial journey and established yourself as an independent appraiser, it’s time to focus on building strong partnerships. These relationships are a critical part of your continued success and growth in the industry.
At Valcre, we don’t just provide software – we act as your trusted partner, always ready to listen to your feedback and respond attentively to your needs. We understand that a successful entrepreneurial journey depends on collaboration and support from those who share your goals.
As Mike at CCA mentioned, our team is committed to being responsive and addressing your concerns with a smile, making you feel like true partners. This level of partnership ensures that you have the tools, resources, and support you need to thrive in your appraisal business.
> Step 9
Stay up-to-date
Stay in the know on market trends, tap into valuable insights, and continue fostering strong partnerships by joining the Valcre community. With the right tools, a responsive support team, and a community to lean on, you’re well-equipped to flourish as an independent appraiser.
Learn how top appraisers are staying ahead amidst the most challenging year in a decade.
> Step 10
Hit the ground running
Now that you’ve laid the groundwork for your journey toward independence, it’s time to seize the opportunity and hit the ground running. Your decision to explore new horizons and revolutionize your career is about to pay off.
With Valcre’s comprehensive onboarding, you’ve efficiently transitioned to a platform that saves you time, increases your productivity, and provides the support you need. You’re no longer bound by the constraints of outdated technology or inefficient processes.
As you embark on this exciting new chapter, remember that you’re part of a vibrant community of appraisers who have embraced change and reaped the rewards. The support and knowledge of your peers and the commitment of the Valcre team ensure you’re not alone on this journey.
Your clients will appreciate the efficiency and accuracy you bring to the table, and your business will thrive in the competitive world of commercial real estate appraisal.
By following these steps and utilizing Valcre’s resources, you’ll be well-prepared to start your journey.
Ready to take the leap?
Join successful entrepreneurs like CCA, using Valcre to reclaim time, boost efficiency, and make a mark in the appraisal industry.