Appraising In Nj

[pat fitzgerald]

I am a college student right now but I am re-thinking it and considering a career in real estate appraisal (at this point I am interested in either commercial or residential). What would you guys suggest as the best way to get started in NJ? Any particular school? What are the requirements?

 

[Luzette Eaves]

Soon the requirements will be a college degree. Stay in school!!

 

[Rick Kulman]

You don't say where you are in NJ...if you are a full or part time student...
A degree is necessary if you intend to become designated by the professional appraisal organizations. It appears that it will soon be a requirement to become state certified (licensed).

The Metro NJ Chapter of the Appraisal Institute offers courses. A schedule is posted on the chapter web site www.AI-newjersey.org Classes are generally held at Rutgers on Saturdays at the Livingston or Bush campuses.

You can call Kathy at the chapter office at 732-494-4716 for additional info.

Also, feel free to call my office at 732-636-7474

 

[pat fitzgerald]

I am in central NJ and still have a few years (2 1/2-3 years) left of school and I attend full time. Would I be best waiting to finish school before getting started?

 

[Dee Dee]

Welcome Pat,

Though I have no idea how old you are, I would tell you exactly what I tell my own sons (18 & 21), which is don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Get your college education, and after that's out of the way take a close look at where the appraisal profession is, if you're still interested. In spite of what many think is a short and easy education that will quickly reap big bucks, DON'T BELIEVE IT!

It's difficult to predict where the this biz will be in a couple of years, but right now would be a tough time to come in at an entry level. The odds of you being able to find a mentor when work is slowing for most are definately against you. Without a supervisor, you go nowhere. Even if you find a supervisor, if they're slow you won't get much work and it will take at least as long to get fully licensed as it would to get a college degree.

Please take the time to read through the informative threads in the Newbies/wannabes section of this forum and feel free to ask any questions that you might have. You'll get helpful and well informed answers from most, even if they're not all sugar-coated.

 

[Roy Spidle]

Pat,

The only thing I can add to this is do exactly what Dee Dee suggested. Read these forums...not only the Newbie/Appraiser WannaBe section, but all of it. You will find a wealth of information here about the ups and downs, ins and outs of entering this field. If after reading all of this, you are still inclined to get into the profession, finish college first

You may find out after a short period of time doing this that (for whatever reason) it's not for you. Then at least you still have a 4-year degree to fall back on. That's the one thing I wish I would have done is stuck it out and completed it.

None-the-less, read, read, and READ. I have learned so much from the people that come here and post there opinions and views on things that I can't even begin to tell you.

Whatever you decide, just do what makes you happy!



-me

edited fer spellun an-stuff (See? Told you I should have stuck it out) :lol:

 

[Walter Kirk]

Pat,

If you are in central N.J. take advantage of the institute courses at Rutgers. I have never regretted taking institute courses. By all means stay in school, try to find an appraiser to work for part time. You should be able to find a Re-Val firm to work for (and build experience hours) in the summer as most towns in N.J. will need to re-val soon.