Any appraisers here also real estate agent?

[J Grant]

Seem most appraisers with RE license don't use them for main income, or those who get a good income from RE license do it more with investing in their own properties then in listing/selling other's homes.

Besides the time factor, the skill set for appraising is in direct contrast to that of being a successful RE sales person...which in reality translates to being a successful lister. Listing of course is sales, selling the seller on picking you to list their property instead of the next agent. And providing them with an accurate MV is about the last thing that will get you the listing, sorry to say.

 

[J Grant]

Appraisers are like the plain contestant in a beauty contest (sorry to use such lingo as I am female, but it's true. I'm talking perception, not what any of us actually look like).

The plain contestant who gets a consolation prize for having the best "character" and moral compass is not going to get the crown or even make it to the finalist podium of the glamour gals (perky agents driving the latest Lexus and Mercedes).

I have heard it say that appraisers are like the sober designated driver in a room full of inebriated partiers. And that's more or less true. RE sales and listings are a big party full of semi drunken lies and exaggeration and denial. Lots of buyer remorse out there (the hangover), but nobody likes the sober designated driver...they may get stuck driving home with them but are sort of resentful at the same time.

That is the (majority ) of buyer and seller attitude toward appraisers or an agent who tells the truth and accurately represents the market. Though appraisers have a good skill set to be buyer agents, most buyers, surprisingly enough, don't really want the truth either. They want an enabler to allow them to follow their dream.

The only buyers who really appreciate the truth are investors, and most of them are savvy enough that they don't need appraisers ( most investors have their own RE licenses).

For an appraiser to have even modest success selling RE on the side is a major achievement and I applaud any appraiser who can manage to do it.

 

[TC]

My initials TC stand for Triple Crown.

I'm am the only appraiser in Pittsburgh with an appraisal cert, broker's license, and a certified Pennsylvania Evaluation cert.

Top that.

 

[Russ Kitzberger]

Yes, I carry both an Agent and Appraiser license. They are different skill sets. Brokers who manage agent work mainly at staying compliant with laws/paperwork. Therefore, I carry my license under a broker, that way they take care of compliance. My primary area of RE sales is buyer agency.

J Grant puts forth a good summary. You will not get ahead being impartial in sales. Keep in mind, it is sales, you are the advocate for the client needs. It is not an independent unbiased job. You will be praised for your knowledge, until they find what they want, then your performance will be measured by your ability to get it closed. That includes defending against bad appraisals.

If you land a client you will be available for them when they want. The best clients typically work full time, therefore, you will work evenings, and weekends until they contract for a house.

That being said, helping people purchase real estate is rewarding.

 

[J Grant]

Pointer, good post! Will point out a variance of the below:

That includes defending against bad appraisals.

More than that, the successful agents ALSO have no problem discrediting a good appraisal, if it furthers their agenda.

Having worked in RE sales in NYC , (among the highest net worth areas and multi million dollar properties) along with HUD and low $ worth sales in S FL before transitioning to appraisals, the one thing I observed in MOST agents, (like 99% of the successful ones) was an ability to shade the truth in a very persuasive way.

I also don't believe that most agents even believe they are shading the truth, and would deny it if you confronted them with such.

I think they are so ingrained and trained and predisposed to see the market a certain way, that they think that anything they say to get the job done is a good enough version of the truth, and indeed in their sphere where results are measured differently than ours, they are correct in their perception of that.

 

[Pittsburgh Pete]

My initials TC stand for Triple Crown.

I'm am the only appraiser in Pittsburgh with an appraisal cert, broker's license, and a certified Pennsylvania Evaluation cert.

Top that.

You are one of a kind--and we are all grateful for that!

 

[Bobby Bucks]

My initials TC stand for Triple Crown.

I'm am the only appraiser in Pittsburgh with an appraisal cert, broker's license, and a certified Pennsylvania Evaluation cert.

Top that.

What about your Realtor license, did you forget to renew it?

 

[TC]

Back in the day, one needed to be a broker to sign an appraisal report in Pennsylvania. That meant passing the agent exam and then being trained in all aspects of the RE business for 3 years before being allowed to take the broker exam. A much tougher way to become an appraiser than the 2 year sprint that it is now, just MHO. Most of the old guys in the biz, like my good stinkin' buddy Pete, have a broker's license. We still need it to gain access to the MLS.

I have a home RE office, 2 other appraisers serve under me to gain the MLS access. I sell maybe 1 house per year to friends. I think all appraisers should have a sales license, gives them a good perspective.

And as to the CPE, I'll use that when I retire.

 

[J Grant]

It's one thing to hold a license, another to make a living from it. No harm in hold multiple licenses and making a few side deals for vacation money, and agree selling RE is a good perspective for those doing res work (used to be a requirement way back in the stone age)

 

[TC]

What about your Realtor license, did you forget to renew it?

Gotta love it when agents ask if I have a Realtor license, ain't no such thing.