Can I become an appraiser with a criminal background?

[texansfan]

Thank you for your Replies

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all of your responses already. Gees, I just posted this afternoon. Ya'll have a great forum here!

@ Proactive: My field of study is psychology. In case you are wondering why I am interested in appraising; I have a passion for all things real estate. In addition, I have a mathematical, formula, and problem solving mindset. I feel like appraising would combine my affinity for real estate along with my current skill set.

Hey everyone, keep the responses coming and thanks again

 

[Diego Lopez]

I think you would be OK, I know people with criminal backgrounds who have gotten their license; however, that is in FL. Usually, from what I understand they require 5 years of good behavior. You have definitely met that threshold.

 

[Doug Wegener]

Criminal record

Hey everyone,

I hope this post finds you well. I have a question regarding a criminal history. I received 3 misdemeanors when I was 19, I am 31 now. They included 2 DUIs and a credit card fraud charge. Since then I have received an associates degree, a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree. I am currently working on a Ph.D but would really like to get into appraising. However, with my criminal history I am reluctant to spend the $$$ on any classes. What do ya'll think? I'll be attempting to get my trainee license in Texas if I decide to pursue it further. Basically with the credit card fraud charge, a "friend" of mine used his aunts credit card to buy things. I was present for the purchases and was charged along with 2 others. The DUIs were just bouts of poor judgement. Anyway, thank you all for any future insights that you may have to share and best wishes to all of you.

As others have stated, check with your state board.

In some states you certainly can. In California you will be required to met the "Criteria of rehabilitation".

Oregon also will allow ex-convicts who prove rehabilitation to be licensed.

Frankly, 3 misdemeanors is not that bad of a record.

Texas appears to have a form you can fill out for $30 to determine if your record will prevent you from getting a license.

(11/02/2009) Request for Criminal History Evaluation – Appraiser applicants may seek a determination regarding their criminal history prior to filing an application for licensure. Applicants should submit a Request for Criminal History Evaluation form and $30 filing fee. Filing the request will allow applicants to obtain determinations as to whether their criminal history will prevent them from obtaining a license or certification prior to the payment of application filing fees. Requests will be processed under the same honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness standards as applications for licensure or certification.

 

[Aprazr]

Texansfan~

Yes, Texas WILL grant a License to those with criminal backgrounds. It simply depends on the degree of the crime/length of time since the crime/etc. I know for a fact that a Felon in Texas has a Certified Licensure. He met with the board and simply explained all the history & they agreed to give him another chance.

Definately give them a call......but Misdemeanors....should not get you any grief.

'Blessings'
Gregg

 

[Scuba Mike]

Make some calls.

My former partner had similar issues and was able to get his license and certification. He did have to jump through some hoops, right some letters to licensing boards, FBI, etc, but since he had been a model citizen for the past 10 years, they let him through. It's possible to do, it'll just take some time and patience. Good luck!

 

[smallface]

The 3 charges aren't going to hurt you nearly as bad as the psychology degree and the desire to get into appraisal.

 

[Caligirl]

The 3 charges aren't going to hurt you nearly as bad as the psychology degree and the desire to get into appraisal.

That's good.

Mike Kennedy provided you what you need to begin.

 

[TC]

Your background may help you become a REVIEW appraiser.

 

[Delta85]

The fraud charge may take some explaining. Even still, with your education I'd look into other career paths. You are bound to be frustrated by the current state of the profession.