Have you reached out to a local appraiser (or 10?) to see if you could follow them for a day?
See what a "typical" inspection entails?
Although I do not have a trainee now, nor the means to bring one on (at this time), I have had a few people come with me on inspections and/or see what it entails to write/research a report.
Personally I did not charge them anything. Others may want compensated. I don't know.
But it might give you a better first hand experience to see if it's "really for you" just a thought
When I say you....I don't mean YOU personally.
It is nearly impossible to come into the business part time. The appraisal business is full time. We get an order in on Monday and they want it back Thursday. As a supervisor, I can't work my schedule around a trainee. I can't wait until it is convenient for you. I have to work when there is work and take time off when i don't have work. You can works nights and week-ends.....sorry I am putting in 10 hours a day 5 days week I don't have any extra hours to train you. The appraisal business takes repetative training. If you are not learning the software, data searches etc. on a regular basis it will take MUCH longer to learn what you need to know. You are a liability, you slow me down, you cost me money. All you want is to "get those hours" and then head out to open your own shop. Not you? Well you would be the exception. Anyone that entered this business in the last 20 years was trained by someone. Very few became certified and are still with the person that trained them. This is not a part-time business unless you have built a business and have scaled back to part time. Most importantly, anyone who takes ll the pre-license classes BEFORE lining up a supervisor is a fool. The hardest thing you will ever do is find a supervisor. You are not the first person that is so smart, so cool, so savvy, so educated, so perfect that has walked through the door. We have seen you before. Now, go pound the pavement and find a supervisor before you take the first class.
A couple of things. 1) NOBODY trained me. I came in before licensing back when a one page report was all the bank needed. I have tried to train several people (years ago). One took some time off....yeah to set up his own office and contact all my clients. I fired another because to was undependable and lazy. I trained a lady and helped her set up her own business when she moved. I tried to train two people "part-time" and that did not work for me. I have a trainee who has been with me 10 years and will never be able to become licensed or certified......no college.
2) I would never let a trainee do an inspection on their on or sign a report. I am 100% responsible for anything a trainee does. Unless you are certified.....you would never sign a report in my office. Very few lenders want to see a licensed person (much less a trainee) sign a report.
3) I can hire an office person for less money and no expectations of a career.
4) Unless you are working in an appraisal office....you don't have a clue how it all works.
5) Only a small percentage of appraisers have another appraiser working for them. Appraisal shops have gotten smaller and less of them in the last 10 years. I sit here and think about the appraisers I know in my county and how many have 2 or more certified people working. The answer is two. Two out of 20 that I run through my mind. I do not want to feel responsible for someone else having an adequate income. I have little control over what assignments come into this office.
6) I want to make a good living. Hiring a trainee is not going to increase my income. There is nothing a trainee can do that some other person can't do
7) No...you think you can and you say you will but it is highly unlikely you will bring in new clients. There is no way I am going to let a trainee fish for new clients. Promises are often made that can't be kept.
8) The fact is...in most of the country there is not enough work to keep all the appraisers making a good living. This business has changed and declined. The high volume day for most appraisers are in the past.
9) This is not a cheap business to be in. Annual license renewal, software purchase and renewal, E & O insurance, continuing education, MLS dues, Board of Realtors dues, telephone, internet service, advertising, web page, office equipment, automobile/truck expenses, CPA expenses, liability insurance,......get the picture. It costs me about $1,000 -$1,500 per month for expenses.
10) Back to my original question. Did you look for a supervisor BEFORE you took your classes? This is one of the toughest businesses you can try to get into. If you are having a hard time finding a supervisor..............you could have found out many hours and many $$$ ago.
