[jpd la]

I just passed my USPAP & Basic Appraisal test (90 hours). If anyone hears of an appraiser looking for a trainee in, or around, Lafayette please let me know. I have a college degree from UL (USL), 7 years of banking experience, and 3 years of insurance experience. Thanks in advance.

[Jbridered]

Its not too easy finding a mentor but you sound like you have some good experience. I got lucky finding one. The other two trainees my mentor hired stay busy with other jobs. If he decides to drop one I will let you know.

[Non Sequitur]

A few bits of advise.

First things first: Business is slow for most, be patient. Even if it takes you several months or more keep trying.

Consider doing this part time in the beginning, trainees rarely make decent money.

Don't be bashfull, if you have any contacts in the banking or insurance industry ask them to introduce you to an appraiser.

You're close enough to Baton Rouge, consider looking for a mentor there.

Keep a positive attitude. I know it's tough but remember no one owes you a thing and in this business no one will give you anything. You'll be used and possibly abused as a trainee, think of it as hazing. Once you've earned your stripes you'll still get used and abused by clients, it isn't any easier dealing with them but the pay is better.

Keep it up, it appears you have more to offer than the typical trainee, use every bit of it.

Its not too easy finding a mentor but you sound like you have some good experience. I got lucky finding one. The other two trainees my mentor hired stay busy with other jobs. If he decides to drop one I will let you know.

The existing trainees are grandfathered in but the new rules for 1/1/08 will limit how many trainees he can have. Looks like if one drops he can't pick up another.

Oops, I forget to add:
Good Luck.

[jpd la]

Thanks for the insight & well wishes. I am prepared to be “hazed”. I just hope I can show that I can be an asset to someone by helping market the practice, gather info so more time can be allocated to other projects, approach other banks/lenders about getting on their approve appraiser list, etc.

Keep me in your thoughts if you hear of anything, and I’ll keep you updated as well.

Thanks again.