An Open Letter To Appraiser Wanna-be's

[OCApp]

ease of entry into the real estate appraisal field and also into the real estate sales field leads to many new people entering both fields. difficulty of making money in either field leads to a large fallout in both fields.

 

[Rich Hahn]

Not to worry everyone.
Joe Millionaire is casting for the next big show.
So is Bachelor, Bachelorette

A Vacation Finally!(after 15 years of 50+ hour weeks)
Thanks

 

[Kim White]

Rich,

Your entry is funny...but, it would be my kind of luck to be the girl in Millionaire who was introduced to the "average joe's" (don't anyone get offended ~ I've been married twice to average joe's)...and, in a twist of fate, one of those average joe's would be an Appraiser (again, murphy's law)!!!! But, I think Harold might be interested in that vacation [What do you say Harold...vacation, sunshine, Bahamas, Hawaii...] ( )...

I've been reading everyone's posts and decided to "stand down"...in fact, I decided that I needed a break for a day or so...I think as a Newbie I've gotten your messages loud and clear. I don't necessarily agree all the time, but I guess it's all part of the learning process. Perhaps all of us, (me included), should go back and read our own messages. While I appreciate the advice and repeated suggestion that Appraisal is not a field for those attempting to get rich; I find it a bit troublesome that the emphasis seems to always be on the "bad."

So, let me ask, what are the positive aspects of your occupation? Are there any? Because I'm beginning to believe there aren't...

Kim White
P.S. ~ Oh, and, Harold, my "bubble-headedness" is a result of being in the California sunshine a little too long....

 

[Rich Hahn]

kim
we are all in this together..
we are all slow,,hate to admit it
we should all take it in prospective

how long can it last? thats the question now?


rich

 

[Colorado Guy]

OK - I have a bit of a different angle on this.......I'm a newbee with about 650 hours so far, have a great mentor (he has been in the business more than 20 years in a varity of appraisal jobs).

I have bet the street hard, I have 3 mortgage companies working with me and another one very close to senting me the first order. I average 3-10 appraisals a week.

I say this only to say it can be done. Is it hard - yes, very! It is expensive - you bet, sofware, E&O, licencing, MLS access, office supplies, training, equipment......

But if you are commited, set reasonable goals, you can find a way.

My best advise - interview your mentor hard - this person is key to your success. If you do not like the first one, then don't sign up with them. I made this mistake out of the gate, and I have some bad habits that needed to be broke.

 

[Harold Brubaker]

Reading this board can be more fun than fiberglass underwear, that's fer sure!

Kim, I meant nothing toward you in a negative way... if you'll note my post, and I can quote this:

"I appreciate the optimism, enthusiasm and overall "bubble-headedness" of Kim White"


I had just read SO MANY messages previously that amounted to one thing (in a nutshell)-- "Appraisers are out to get me." -- Because you had posted the most recent "poor me" post, you became the target of my lashing, which was not intended.

However, you were the best target -- because you're successful... you're doing something you love, you're happy with your mentor, you have plenty of work to keep you busy... If a single parent was getting evicted from their one bedroom apartment with nothing but the clothes on their back because of a failed career as an Appraiser Trainee, and they were complaining: "APPRAISERS ARE OUT TO GET ME!!!1!!1!!" --- do you think I would refer to their bubble-headedness? hmm... probably not.

Kim, I'm glad you're doing well and continue to wish you the best. Have a good day.


Brubaker

 

[Kim White]

Harold,

Since I've never been called "bubble headed" (although I've been called alot of other things) I thought it was humorous! I figure I'll need a thick skin to be in this business anyway!

I think were both headed to the same ending; were just taking different paths to get there. Your frustration with the postings is mutually shared. And, while I sincerely appreciate the postings of those in this field that have "experience of years" it becomes difficult to hear so many negative thoughts. It makes you wonder if there is anything positive about appraising that keeps these people in the business.

So far I've been told it's not the money, coworkers, conditions, etc. etc. etc. So...that's why I posted the question....why did any of these people stay in the business? What, if anything, do they actually like about their jobs?

I've also taken into consideration that these people only mean to tell an honest story. I think alot of the blame for Newbie expectations goes to the appraisal teachers. At least, it's been my experience, in no less than four of my classes, the teachers NEVER talked about the occupation in the same light as I've seen in these postings or in a manner that would reflect the occupation as anything but positive.

In fact, the previous posting by Bob Hariford is pretty much the story I have. I personally looked for work for two months. The result is, I have a meeting today with a commercial appraisal company so they can make me a formal employment offer. And, I currently work as a fee appraiser with a residential appraiser that took on a new client just for me so that I would have enough work to keep me busy and make us both money. Now, mind you, it's not a perfect world and I have my concerns and complaints. But, it is do-able. And now as a result of my hard work, I'll have to make a difficult career decision between working in commercial or sticking out an uncertain residential fee position.

In the end, I think Bob hit the nail on the head when he said "if you are commited, set reasonable goals, you can find a way"....

Have a great day!

Kim

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

Good for you Kim!

Trial by fire and you don't appear burned. Good attitude!

What I love about appraising:

Independence: I set my own schedule, no one else tells me when, where, how. I don't have to put up with corporate BS and office politics because I can work alone.

Real estate has always fascinated me. I truly enjoy pulling the data, researching, figuring out what it all means. I love looking at properties be it vacant land or houses.

I still get excited when it all comes together and makes sense. The satisfaction I feel when I know I did it right is good. When I finish an appraisal and look it over one more time before I send it in, I get a brief moment of elation that includes, "I did this and I did it well." No one could get more upset with me than I do if/when I find an error - even a typo.

Guess it could be said that I'm an anal-retentive lone wolf. I think many or even most of the really good appraiser are.

 

[Lea Rodriguez]

I have to agree with Kim when she said that appraisal schools don't give you the real scoop on the job market out there. And after reading this job board I am seeing a whole new side to what the appraisal schools are selling. I was pregnant when i started taking my schooling and was sold the hype that I could work from home, and still make a good salary etc, and I am very discouraged to find out that it is a lot harder to get into the business then what my instructor told me. And a year after completing my course the only lead I have actually gotten (after mailing out hundreds of resumes and making tons of calls) was someone who I believe was trying to "sell his signature". For all the newbies out there be very careful as to what the appraisal schools use as their selling pitch in order for you to sign up and pay them, and if you do get someone who may want to take you on, please make sure they are ethical and not trying to take advantage of you.

 

[mikestults]

I just wanted to comment on this business.Go to where the work is.Just because some city in kentucky is slow does not mean the rest of the united states is slow.Find the city that has not slowed down.I wont say where I work because it is my little secret.My city is exploding and sure I may not be booked 6 weeks out but I am still doing very good and I am not scared of the slowdown.You have the knowledge to find the city with a strong future...in other words..MOVE TO WHERE THE WORK IS!!!!