I took an AI class a few years ago that had us go out and observe the neighborhood. It counted as Basic Ed, and their AI's courses curriculum, or continuing ed if you didn't take the final exam a week later. I think it was for course 320 General Applications, or Income Cap class. Just thought I'd add fuel to the fire. :new_smile-l:
Having said that, when I had trainees, I also utilized the drive time to teach as well, pointing things out. I think it appropriate to count the time for licensure, at the very least from the subject throughout the comps. After all, you are observing the neigborhood for details to put into the report, and how the subject relates. In California, that is at the descretion of the mentor, I believe, and the State has their in-house guidlines.
As a side note, I think the primary incentive many trainees have, is to be able to make enough money to support themselves, rather than being concerned with competency. Let's face it, many do not take the industry seriously, and IMHO, that is largely the fault of the mentor who does not take the time to actually train.
Okay.. in all fairness, a lot of homeowners think that the appraiser is being paid solely for the time spent at the sight. ($350 for 15-45 minutes work). Geeze, I think some lenders might think that too.
When I was a residential trainee, it took many, many hours of substandard pay. A great number of appraisal orders were driveby's which did not count towards your license, but were a standard part of the appraisal business, as well as a couple other types of reports such as a 442, etc. As it was, it took several years to be able to collect enough acceptable hours to submit. In the more recent times, a number of these forms are rarely if ever used.
It is my sincere hopes with the additional education requirements, and more rigid testing, that the appraisal industry as a whole will be improved with a greater number of more competent appraisers, that understand the process and purpose better. And also result in the respect that the industry deserves.
Ok, I'm climbing down from my soap box...:blush: