That’s the title of a new discussion thread started by Lance Hall (FMV Opinions) in the BVR LinkedIn group. He feels the profession will be “plagued by slow growth and significant price competition.”

Thinking outside the box: While commenters generally agree on the gloomy overview, some are able to look for the silver lining during down times. One respondent mentioned a coming wave of insolvencies that will trigger valuation work in that area. The effect of increased work from retiring baby boomers hasn’t hit yet, someone else claims. Another felt that many part-time "wannabe" appraisers will get weeded out and their clients will be picked up by more experienced valuators who will partner with the smaller CPA firms for their BV business. Most agree that specialization is the way to go—pick one or two industry niches or valuation purposes.

What do you think? Join the discussion!

Extra: Hall is doing a webinar today, May 18, Discounts: Beyond DLOM and DLOC, at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET). Learn about the “Mafia” discount (the discount you can’t refuse)!