Know When Its Time To Refer Out

Another appraiser in my area referred me a client.  He has an established business and likes to stay close to his office.  He refers me when he gets a request for an appraisal that is out of the area because he knows I do appraisals in most of Southern California.  The other day, I got a request for an appraisal in Lake Arrowhead, several hours drive from my home.  I looked up the subject property in public records and did a brief search for comparable properties.  Although business has been slow over the past six months, I know that referring this appraisal out is the right thing to do.  Lake Arrowhead is a resort community and unique in many ways.  When I was first appraising, I would go anywhere for a job.  Now, more than ever, I realize my limitations and the advantage a local appraiser would have over me in this geographic area.  Southern California is such a vast area.  From the beaches, to the mountains, to rural residential to center city, the area offers an appraiser a opportunity to appraise so many different types of property and land uses.  However, when I question my ability to perform an appraisal, it is apparent that I need to refer out.