A goal-setting technique is to write a letter to yourself today pretending it’s Q1 2025, reflecting on events as if they’ve been completed.
What would you write to your future self?
What did you accomplish? Maybe a project you’ve started that you hoped to finish.
It brings next-level intention, self-focus and outcomes.
Don’t feel foolish. Let’s give it a go.
Dear [Your Name],
As I sit down to pen this letter in Q1 2025, I can’t help but reflect on my journey as Chief Appraiser at my bank. My team has been amazing, Jennifer my Senior Reviewer, Stan my Job Manager and Mike my Senior Credit Officer.
My expertise and leadership have continued to shape the bank’s appraisal practices for the better. We have weathered inflation, interest rate fluctuations and general economic challenges in 2024.
I realized that I needed to stay ahead of the curve. I’m proud to look back and see how I made an effort to enhance my knowledge and skills. I made it a priority to keep up with the latest technological advancements, regulatory changes and industry trends.
This commitment to staying informed and adaptive has always been one of my strengths. This effort has helped maintain my bank’s reputation and provided an invaluable resource for my boss resulting in effective collateral protection.
My bank’s appraisal department has grown under my guidance, attracting top talent, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
As Chief Appraiser, I have always been a proponent of nurturing the next generation of appraisers, passing on knowledge and experience to ensure the continued success of the department. I hope that this tradition will create a legacy that will endure long after my tenure.
In terms of technology, it’s amazing how far we’ve come. Our decision to go with YouConnect has had a big impact on my team. The custom configurations, integrations to LOS systems (Realwired’s Glances product), comps pulled from our appraisals using AI and C-Suite reporting have made me look good at my bank.
I’m proud to look back on 2024 and see how my department has maximized our processes while adding industry best practices. The YouConnect decision also has been invaluable in getting through the series of audits in the past year.
The platform has allowed me and my team to exceed our SLAs, minimize errors and control vendor management. My team is happier not having to perform so many manual processes that bogged them down.
YouConnect has provided transparency that has strengthened relationships with our lenders, appraisers and regulators. I’m so excited that I no longer get weekly calls from Rob, our senior lender, asking the status of appraisals.
Compliance has always been a paramount concern of mine. We have continued to maintain the highest standards of ethics and integrity in appraisal practices.
On a personal note, I have found fulfillment and satisfaction in my Chief Appraiser role. Leading a department at a prominent bank is undoubtedly demanding, but I’m excited that I think we rose to the challenge with grace and determination.
As I look back on 2024, I’d like to think I did a decent job of striking a balance between professional excellence and personal well-being.
I don’t doubt that I will continue to excel in my role as Chief Appraiser, upholding the bank’s values and contributing to its continued success.
I look forward to what my team can accomplish next year.
Best regards,
[Your Name] Chief Appraiser [Bank Name]
