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How Does One Get Started With A Career As A Real Estate Appraiser?
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I am interested in becoming a real estate appraiser but I have no clue where to begin.
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Why wait a second longer to get quality answers to the real estate questions you have been dying to ask! Become a part of the largest real estate training community today and see how much fun real estate really can be.
December 25th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
First you must decide if you what level of Appraiser you want to be. There are three tiers Licensed Residential (appraise residential properties up to 1 million), Certified Residential (appraise residential properties with no limits), Certified General (appraise residential, commercial with no limits). As of 1/2008 the standards to becoming an appraiser will drastically change. There will be an increase in the amount of classroom hours, education (2-4 year degree) and you will need to pass the tests for each of your classes plus a state test for your license level. You should check out http://www.appraisalinstitute.com for class schedule and requirements. The give the best classes (very difficult) and great networking opportunities. You should look up your specific states division of licensing for any changes in the real estate appraiser qualifications. If the Appraisal Institute is not where you want to go look for local schools that have State Qualifying classes. The process for getting a license is you must complete your classes and pass each test, work under a mentor (another appraiser for up to 2.5 years), pass a state test for your license level and have a college degree for certain licenses. If you need help e-mail me
December 25th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
The previous answer is correct, but would like to add something.
Over a year ago, I was trying to enter the trade. Since you have to apprentice under someone, they are in effect training their competition. I found it totally impossible to get the mentor I needed.
You can contact the appraiser board in your state. Try doing a Google or asking an appraiser you knows. They often have a list of accepted schools as well as a list of all the licensed appraisers in the state.
I personally sent application letters and resumes along with self addressed and stamped application cards to every appraiser within 150 miles of my residence.
The cards gave them a quick and easy way to answer my application. They had 4 options:
(1) Please call us to arrange an interview
(2) Please call us to further discuss your background
(3) We will contact you in _____ months for a follow up
(4) No openings at this time.
I got two cards asking me to call them and discuss trying to become an appraiser. The discussions consisted on telling me not to get in because there wasn’t enough work.
Truth of the matter is, in residential real estate there isn’t, but in commercial real estate there is.
A bank has to have an independent appraisal on every commercial loan above $250,000.
Most of the appraisers I found worked in some other capacity and appraisals were simply a tool of their job.
I do wish you the best of luck though. It was my hope, I surely pray you will succeed were I didn’t.