Beginning Education

[Benzboy226]

:new_newbie:

hello everybody, i am new to the Appraisers Forum and am here searching for some advice. I live in WI, the Fox Cities area and i am wondering the best route to take for my education. I was looking at taking the classes online, due to the fact that i cant really seem to find any schools that offer it in my area. If any one has any tips/advice it would be greatly appreciated. I know everyone is saying its a hard time to become an appraiser but that doesn't bother me. So once again any input or information that would help would be greatly appreciated thanks everyone!

 

[Tim Schneider]

Very few pre-license courses have been available for the past 2 years due to low demand. You may find something in the Milwaukee area or online. Do you have a mentor?

 

[Stone]

Hi Benzboy. Welcome to the forum.

My strong recommendation is to find live instruction. Some of the technical colleges offer introductory courses. I did that. However, I found them to be somewhat lacking. So, I re-took most of my education at the Appraisal Institute in Chicago. That is what I tell people to do. It means spending a week, or two, or three (etc.) in the city, but their education is the best, IMO. Another good option would be to go to the AMSFMRA website and see if they have anything coming up. Their education is also very good (I'm an associate member), but I didn't take their beginning ed so I cannot testify.

Either AI or ASFMRA is a more expensive route since you will no doubt have to get out of town for a bit. However, you will learn more from them and, IMO, it is worth the extra effort. They are intensive courses, so the actual time frame will be shorter than spreading it out with a bunch of short class periods. Also, if you are staying in a hotel, it is easier to study at night which helps.

And, hey, there are a lot worse things than spending a week or two in Chicago.

 

[Stone]

I should add that if you travel to take an AI or ASFMRA class, you will find that many other people in your class are doing the same thing. It is expensive but to do it right definitely is worth the extra cash.

 

[Benzboy226]

thanks everyone for the feedback, i have family in the Chicago area so that is a definite plus. I'm going to check out the classes that you all were talking about there. I currently do not have a mentor, but figured i mine as well get my education started and classes done, to have better chances at finding a mentor. Online, although i know its not the same as being in a live conducted class still seems to be a pretty legitimate option due to being able to go as fast or as slow as i want. I checked The Appraisal Institute and they now offer online classes, so im assuming i would start off with the 75-hour appraisal trainee certificate program and work my way up from there. I'm going to apply for the trainee associate membership with AI. After reading, and from what (Stone) said , seems like they have very good education. If im missing anything please some one let me know, like i said, im very interested in this field , ready to get it started off the right way. Thanks to everyone for there advice and help it is very appreciated!

 

[Farmland]

I agree with Stone, definitely take the live classes. I took ASFMRA and AI classes and both are very good. ASFMRA leans towards agriculture with the examples but a good education even if you're not in ag. Classes are scattered around the US, so you'll have to see what works. The AI classes in Chicago are just off of Michigan Avenue near the lake, a nice area to visit. Good luck staying in your hotel room to study though, there are plenty of other things to do.

 

[Stone]

I am not exactly the most disciplined person in the world, and I definitely like to go out in the loop, but the classes end early enough in the day that you can do your studying and still have time to have some fun. It is easier to do that in a hotel than at home, IMO.

 

[Stone]

thanks everyone for the feedback, i have family in the Chicago area so that is a definite plus. I'm going to check out the classes that you all were talking about there. I currently do not have a mentor, but figured i mine as well get my education started and classes done, to have better chances at finding a mentor. Online, although i know its not the same as being in a live conducted class still seems to be a pretty legitimate option due to being able to go as fast or as slow as i want. I checked The Appraisal Institute and they now offer online classes, so im assuming i would start off with the 75-hour appraisal trainee certificate program and work my way up from there. I'm going to apply for the trainee associate membership with AI. After reading, and from what (Stone) said , seems like they have very good education. If im missing anything please some one let me know, like i said, im very interested in this field , ready to get it started off the right way. Thanks to everyone for there advice and help it is very appreciated!

It sounds like you are correct about what to start with. The courses were different when I took them, so I cannot speak to that. The AI knows what you need for state licensing, so that shouldn't be an issue. If you are getting your trainee membership, I assume that helps with course fees, as well.

Good luck.

 

[PLCG]

Appraisal Institute offers a full range of courses either online or live. They seem to have increased their offerings as others have cut back. Live classes are good because of the opportunity to meet people, ask questions that result in a discussion.