PAREA is being revealed as another failure of TAF and the Appraisal Institute. The cost has now risen from $4,000 to $8,000. When will these organizations learn that until the industry creates a pathway for professionals to earn a decent living, these efforts are irrelevant?
The PAREA program markets itself as a shiny, mentor-free express lane to
becoming a real estate appraiser, but its steep price tag and lofty promises often lead to a dead end. For many, it’s less a pathway to success and more a
costlydetour. Eriv V, one frustrated hopeful, recently shared a raw, unfiltered account of his disillusionment with PAREA, exposing a system that falls short on support and delivers more headaches than help. Below, his candid review is quoted word for word, offering a stark warning for those eyeing a career in appraisal.
Eriv V’s Comment:
1-Star Review
PAREA Appraisal Program Review – A Disappointing Experience for Students Who Need Support
I had high hopes when I enrolled in the PAREA program. I was genuinely excited about starting a career in real estate appraisal and was willing to invest over $4,000 of my own money to get the education and credentials I needed. Unfortunately, my experience with the program has been extremely frustrating and disheartening.
From the start, the program presented itself as a guided pathway through the appraisal process. However, what I encountered was mostly self-taught learning, dense materials, and very little interactive instruction. When I repeatedly asked for help, I was told that due to time constraints, one-on-one support wasn’t possible—which is exactly what I needed in order to learn the software, understand how to complete the appraisal forms correctly, and build confidence in the process.
There was no consistent mentorship, no step-by-step walk-throughs of how to complete assignments, and no real-time guidance. For someone who learns best through interaction and hands-on instruction, this program was not only ineffective—it was emotionally and financially draining. I put everything I had into trying to make this work, but ultimately, I had to withdraw from the program out of frustration and lack of support.
This may work for those with prior experience or those who thrive in a completely independent learning environment, but for new entrants like myself who need real instruction and mentorship, PAREA is not the right fit.
I’m sharing my experience not to complain, but to help others make an informed decision before investing their time and money. If you’re expecting a structured class with personal guidance through the appraisal process, this is not it.
The PAREA program markets itself as a fast, mentor-free route to becoming an appraiser, but its high cost & empty promises often disappoint.
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I think handing off trainees to any wahoo with 3 years' experience is a recipe for disaster - as we've deftly proven over the past several decades.
