Appraiser Trainee for the County of Los Angeles

[Gonjee]

Hi,

I am considering to apply for the Appraiser Trainee of the County of Los Angeles, as I was told it is the easier way to start in this career. Is it true that it is an easier way to start? Is there anyone here that's been through the position? Any tips or advice? Can anyone shares about the experience of working for the County of Los Angeles as Appraiser?

Any sharing or advice is very much appreciated, many thanks,


Gonjee

 

[Steve Wyrick]

Good way to get experience in field work and learining but the assessor's office works under a different set of rules than fee appraiser's. But fromt he standpoint of getting field experience and work experience in the real estate industry nice way to gain it while being paid.

 

[Travis Williams]

You've got to have a 4 year degree and can not take on clients on the side. Perhaps outside clients in a different county like Ventura or something where you do not have a conflict of interest, that's what I've been told. Steady work though, and a good way to get hours; I considered it myself. You do have to go through the 1 year training too, along with the education, etc, even if you have got your trainee lic already, no matter how much experience you have...the treat you like you have never had any experience, as well maybe they should. Goooooood luck.

 

[WallyII]

I've been an appraiser for tax purposes for the past 2 yrs and have enjoyed it. As for it being "easier", I'd say that because you don't have to solicite work...sure it may be less dificult. There's no shortage of work to be done especially in a declining market (Prop 8s). Good luck with your application at LA County. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Just remember to check your ego at the door. They look for young, openminded people that want to learn tax appraisal as a career...not fee appraisers looking to "get their hours". Feel free to PM for more.

 

[lauralee]

I work for a state DOT. It's OK, my biggest complaints are not having enough information about local markets, and I haven't done any commercial property yet. You would probably have an advantage in both these areas over my position.

If OREA will accept this type of appraisal towards licensing, go for it!

 

[Robert Cone]

Good question, this is what I was looking for. (Not specific to LA county, however.)

Does anybody else have any more information on working as an appraiser for the county or state assessor's office?

Most of the messages for trainees and wannabes seem to be 'the industry is contracting, you won't make any money, it's horrible, etc..'

Is that message the same for those working in an assessor's office? Or is it a completely different situation that can't really be compared?

Edit:

Also, another question. Why wouldn't an appraiser naturally become certified over the course of their career? I've read some messages where people are complaining about the new requirements and I don't understand. The experience hours requirement should be met anyway, and wouldn't the education hours requirement be met through CE courses?

And if those weren't met 'naturally' throughout the course of an appraiser's career up until this point, aren't they easy enough to obtain?

 

[WallyII]

So Gonjee, did you get the job? You asked for advise so here's another page from my book. Don't be afraid to accept an "extra help" or lower position than the trainee position that you are pursuing. Make no mistake, the extra help position is an extended interview process. Only the top few of your group will get the full time gig. Put your best foot forward and dress the part. Separate yourself from the pack. I know it sounds corny but you gotta do it. Good luck

 

[ZZGAMAZZ]

I've been a r.e. appraiser is CA for several years and I'm applying for a SanBerdou position. Per the appraiser I recently spoke to, "she did not go the OREA route" to become an appraiser. The Assessor's office is governed by a different entity other than OREA although someplace on the OREA website the accumulation of hours as a public appraiser is described. I found it interesting that the pay scale for an county appraiser with education and licensing requirements was about $4 an hour more than the "sprinkler technician." go figure... Also per the person to whom I spoke it is considered a conflict of interst to do any independent work in your 'home' county. salary mid-$50ks as an Appraiser I with the commensurate public benefits that I'm starting to miss as an independent contractor...hope this helps.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

I was a fee appraiser for a couple years or so, applied to the L.A. assessor when it was slow, since they had an ad.

Did good on the test, went to the interview. Got the impression they wanted someone with no appraisal experience, a mind they could easily meld to their way of doing things. I could be wrong.

Oh well, their loss, and probably better for me anyway.