Experience Hours

[Property Sylvan]

Good Morning all. I am wondering if anyone has submitted their Experience Log. I am in the process of submitting paperwork to take the Certified Residential Test and am receiving conflicting information.

I have both Residential and commercial appraisal experience hours I can claim, but am being told only the residential experience hours will be taken into consideration. Is that the case? Anyone?

 

[The Nightfly]

I don't know the answer to your question, but why not just call the TALCB and get it straight from the horse's mouth?

 

[Property Sylvan]

I did call the state, but their answer was anything but satisfactory. Another trainee from my office submitted her paper work and according to my boss (the appraiser) they did not count a single hour of commercial experience. And, in disbelief, I called the state. The person that answered first said only the residential hours counted. Then came back to say they both counted. I'm not sure if her answer is reliable.
Needless to say, I want to turn it in and not have to re-do any of it. That's why I was hoping someone in this forum had some information in regard.

I will answer the next question before anyone asks........Why not just ask my coworker, because she does not get along with me. You see!!

 

[The Nightfly]

Well, I feel for you getting conflicting info; however, I would call the state back, let them know your confusion and press to get a definitive answer - in writing, preferably. The state is governed by rules, so you just have to find out what those rules are. Somebody there knows the answer.

 

[Property Sylvan]

You're absolutely right. I will do that. Good thing I took down the name of the person I spoke to. Thank you!

 

[paulbubel]

Sylvia, when are you thinking about taking the test?

I'm getting to that point now too and would love to pick your brain after you complete it.


Anyone else taken the test within the past couple of years?

 

[Howard Klahr]

It is my understanding that you will need 2,500 hours of residential experience to qualify for your certified residential license. If and when you are ready, up to 1,500 hours of the 3,000 hours can be residential hours and will count toward the requirement for certified general.

 

[KHS445]

Texas requirements regarding a split between residential and commercial hours are silent for both licensed and certified residential, but are spelled out for general. To me a strict reading of these requirements would conclude that only residential hours can be counted towards becoming licensed or certified residential. As suggested above get a hold of the Department and get a definitive answer in writing.

 

[Property Sylvan]

Sorry for the late responses gentlemen. I did not receive notification of the new comments. Where shall I start??

PaulBubel, I plan to take it as soon as my education and experience is audited at which time they will give me the OKAY to take the exam. I'd be more than glad to give you what ever information I am able to retain after taking it. Key words are: am able to retain!

KHS445 and Howard Klahr, I got a definite answer in writing from the TREC. I will post it verbatim after this post cuz it is lengthy.

 

[Property Sylvan]

Response from TREC in regard to Experience Log

Here is the response I got from the State/TREC in answer to my doubts. Hope its useful to someone out there seeking answers. Note, this was sent to me by email by the licensing department so this should apply!

Nightfly, thanks for the suggestion!

Q: I am about to submit my experience log and I have accrued both Residential and Commercial appraisal experience hours. I will be testing for my Certified Residential license. Will both Commercial and Residential experience hours be counted towards my license, or will only the Residential experience hours apply?

A: Yes, you can claim any experience you have obtained as long as you have the legal authority along with the sponsor to perform the appraisal assignments. Be advised you must be able to provide the complete work file upon request for all experience obtained regardless of the date of the work file.

Q: Report Date, would that be from the time we received the appraisal request or from the time we completed the report (signature date)?

A:You log the experience by the actual report date.


Q: I have been keeping track of all my files on Excel, but I understand you need everything on your own format. Can these forms be handwritten provided that it is neatly done?

A: Yes, you can hand write the experience logs. Make sure you follow the instructions on the Experience Log instruction sheet to avoid having to redo the logs if you are not using the fillable version. The most common mistake is the information is not logged in chronological order.

Q: Do I need to separate Commercial experience hours from Residential hours and log them separately?

A: The experience can be logged together unless the experience was obtained under different sponsors. If you have more than one sponsor you will need to submit an experience log for the experience obtained under each sponsor.