Advice On Starting A Career In Real Estate Appraisal In Florida

[fsufalcon]

Hello,
I am thinking of becoming a real estate appraiser for a career change. I like the independence and working out in the field. I was wondering if anyone could possibly answer a few questions about being a real estate appraiser in Florida. There is virtually no info about appraisal on the internet other than some biased info from sketchy online schools offering courses.

I see virtually no jobs available when searching for real estate appraisal(19 appraiser jobs for the state, 56,000 sales jobs for state) or real estate appraisal trainee(1 for the entire state) in Florida on indeed.com.

I've read new regulations make this career very hard to start or prosper in.

Do you think appraisal is a growing or dying career in Florida? Would you recommend it?

Is it hard to find a company that will train you as a real estate appraiser trainee for 1 year? Do they pay you while you are an appraiser trainee? Thanks,

p.s. I already have a B.S. in Marketing from FSU.

Any info would be appreaciated.

Thanks

 

[Tom Woolford]

Use your existing degree. Probably a lot more opportunities, and better income out of the gate. Unless you're independently wealthy or have a sugar daddy/momma you're going to starve the first 4 years or so, assuming you can even find a mentor to guide you through the experience accumulation phase. Which is growing less likely every year.

 

[bnmappraisal]

I already have a B.S. in Marketing from FSU

I agree with Tom ... your degree will probably get your farther since there are probably a ton more opportunities in THAT field than appraising.

That being said, I will add...if you really do want to get into this field, as a fee appraiser, consider the following:
it's going to be a huge PITA for the first couple (2 minimum) yrs because that's the absolute minimum you'll have to do as a Trainee (24 months)
Pay will most likely be minimum (this depends on your agreement with your supervisor/mentor - generally speaking though, there's no "signing bonus")
You also have to consider the classes you'll need to take
You get the joy of dealing with the DBPR!

I'm not trying to be a downer (and I don't think Tom is either) but that's the reality. I really enjoy what I do, and as you mention in your OP, the flexibility can be very nice (it's not all beach time and pina colada's) but there are also many late nights (10, 11pm...1, 2 am...) finishing up reports or getting ready for the next day. It's great...for some!

I've read new regulations make this career very hard to start or prosper in

you've read correctly. and with the above "it's great...for some!" I mean that ... you either want to take that plunge and are willing to literally sacrifice (generally speaking; 2 yrs+ of your life and $$$$ at another job) or you find something else to do to make (more?) $$$$

All the best, either way you choose

 

[Howard Klahr]

As an FSU alum, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Reach out via email and we'll schedule a phone call. hklahr at easthillvaluation dot com

 

[bnmappraisal]

To the OP, I suggest you take Howard up on his offer. He is a wealth of information