Benefits for Certified Appraisers

[Anonymous]

I once worked for an appraiser who ran a really nice operation. A nice office in a good location. All of the data we could use, plenty of support staff, all photo expences paid, blue cross, vacation pay and a 50% fee split with a $150. per week draw for the lean times (this was almost 20 years ago). Unfortunately my employer went bankrupt.

 

[wade3333]

TC, you said this was boom time, In So Ga. mine has slowed down over 50% in the last few weeks. In my part of the world it is going to be some slow riding and sad singing for a while. I hope yours continues, but I have had 6 excellent years, and now it is transfer time, fron good to fair WAde

 

[aprazer]

The jobs with benefits like you are looking for are out there-but there are very few. Some fee shops will give basic benefits, but they of course require that you contibute a significant amount.

About ten years ago I was in your position, and just did not want to work for a fee shop anymore due to the benefits and having no future in someone elses business.
The answer I came up with was to look for a staff position. This leaves two choices-bank staff or a larger appraisal company. I tried both. Both offered substantial benefit packages. The bank job did not work out-but don't rule it out for you. These can be pretty decent. There are guys I worked with who are still at that bank, and that was ten years ago.

I have had staff jobs since then. My current split is under 50%, but I get extensive benefits(medical,dental, insurance, 401K) for me AND my family. The only costs I have are my equipment. They pick up all data costs as well as my phone bill.

It took a long time to get where I am now, so be patient. These jobs are few and far between. I would honestly say that I saw maybe one of these every couple of years. The hiring for these jobs are pretty selective-I would say at least 5-10 years experience and a good reputation.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Famous Mikie-ism "half a pie is always better than no pie".

I closed my office after 11 years because it cost nearly $3,000 a month to keep it open. My apprentices always thought they were worth more than I paid them. Wait until you start paying all those expenses and then see how much of the fee you actually get to keep!