Newbie interested in an appraisal career.

[FL Man]

Hello folks, first off just wanted to say thanks for having this forum and sharing information. I have learned a lot just from reading the threads here. I've been in my current career for 15 years and I'm looking to transition into something else in about 5 years from now. Real estate in general has been an interest of mine and specifically the area of appraising seems like something I would enjoy being a part of. The combination of field work and desk works seems like a good balance.

I don't want to drone on too much so I'll keep it short. Basically just wanted to introduce myself and I'll post some questions as they arise.

Thanks again,
Brett

 

[Carlos Danger]

I like the name you've chosen.

 

[FL Man]

Thank you. Florida has lots of good things, but sometimes it makes you shake your head.

On another note. I've been researching online schools that offer the required appraiser trainee coursework. It seems like Mckissock leads the pack with what they offer. They're pretty straightforward with their pricing, $1299 for a year, and the website seems user friendly. I've also read that the Appraisal Institute offers quality courses as well. Pricing is a little harder to find and the site isn't quite as user friendly though.

Are there any other options or are these the best?

 

[TC]

My advice would be to go directly into commercial appraising if the option arises.

 

[graindart]

The school courses are the simple part. It's finding someone to train you that is usually the most difficult part. The required experience hours under a appraiser are the largest hurdle to gaining your own license. I don't know how Florida is, but around here even after getting a license it's usually a few years before any decent clients will send you work.

Make sure you have a list of all of the requirements to gain the license level you'd like. Maybe even call / email some appraisers in the area to see how open they are to taking in new trainees. I'd do that before paying out money for things like school courses.

 

[FL Man]

My advice would be to go directly into commercial appraising if the option arises.

At this point I'm open to anything. If I'm not mistaken that requires a Certified General license? I have a Bachelor's degree already so I suppose that's a plus. The certification requirements seem to be significantly more for the CG. I'm not opposed to it but would imagine it's quite a bit more difficult.

 

[Walter Kirk]

If you don't have any previous real estate experience I would suggest that you first get a sales license and work part time with a small broker-owner. This will give you a chance to become familiar with the business and the MLS system. I would then look for appraisal courses sponsored by the Appraisal Institute or the American Society of Appraisers at your local community college. I have found that these classes are cost effective and also allow you to make valuable personal contacts with professional appraisers.
I would suggest that you seriously consider commercial appraisal as I believe that the future for residential appraisers is bleak.

 

[FL Man]

The school courses are the simple part. It's finding someone to train you that is usually the most difficult part. The required experience hours under a appraiser are the largest hurdle to gaining your own license. I don't know how Florida is, but around here even after getting a license it's usually a few years before any decent clients will send you work.

Make sure you have a list of all of the requirements to gain the license level you'd like. Maybe even call / email some appraisers in the area to see how open they are to taking in new trainees. I'd do that before paying out money for things like school courses.

In reading through the threads here I have definitely seen how finding a mentor is a major hurdle. I can understand it since the mentor is basically training their future competition while taking on the liability of a new guy at the same time.

One thought I had was working for free if I could find a mentor who would allow me to work my current jobs hours and fit in the training somehow. The devil is in the details I suppose.

 

[FL Man]

If you don't have any previous real estate experience I would suggest that you first get a sales license and work part time with a small broker-owner. This will give you a chance to become familiar with the business and the MLS system. I would then look for appraisal courses sponsored by the Appraisal Institute or the American Society of Appraisers at your local community college. I have found that these classes are cost effective and also allow you to make valuable personal contacts with professional appraisers.
I would suggest that you seriously consider commercial appraisal as I believe that the future for residential appraisers is bleak.

Thank you. I'll definitely explore the commercial route as a few have already mentioned it. I didn't even know that some colleges offer the appraiser courses. With a full time job and 3 kids I like the flexibility of an online course, but the networking possibilities of a classroom could be invaluable.

 

[TC]

At this point I'm open to anything. If I'm not mistaken that requires a Certified General license? I have a Bachelor's degree already so I suppose that's a plus. The certification requirements seem to be significantly more for the CG. I'm not opposed to it but would imagine it's quite a bit more difficult.

It's tougher to obtain, but in the long run worth more than a res cert.