Career Change

[Merk]

I recommend taking Appraisal Institute classes.

Don't take classes from Bob's skool of hair and appraisal.

I'm not going to lie, that actually made me laugh out loud. It does seem like there are hundreds of shady places to lose your money in the search for appraiser training.

 

[J Grant]

Definitely go for the St Gen license, even as a longer term goal since you are relatvely young...St Gen license still allows one to do residential but opens up a whole different set of opportunities, including agricultural ( since you said you have farm inspection experience.

Great variance exists around fees, and opportunities on the residential lending side that is area specific. ( whether same holds true for commercial ? ) The states of Oregon, and Colorado are frequently mentioned here as having an appraiser shortage and significantly better fees. I know that even in my populated area, the outlying rural or semi rural regions are short on appraisers. For example, the far west portion of Palm Beach County ( Belle Glade, Pahokee , along Lake Okochobee/sugar can fields) the clients have a very hard time getting an appraiser to to there, and are desperate for an appraiser to service the area...there may be a few based around there, but not many, and even cheap clients pay more in areas they have a hard time finding someone.
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If you are willing to relocate to a state or region of a state short of appraisers and /or for good trainee opportunity , it could mean a very different career path than staying in an area full of appraisers where you are just another newbie looking for a way in. Best of luck!

 

[Merk]

Great variance exists around fees, and opportunities on the residential lending side that is area specific. ( whether same holds true for commercial ? ) The states of Oregon, and Colorado are frequently mentioned here as having an appraiser shortage and significantly better fees. I know that even in my populated area, the outlying rural or semi rural regions are short on appraisers. For example, the far west portion of Palm Beach County ( Belle Glade, Pahokee , along Lake Okochobee/sugar can fields) the clients have a very hard time getting an appraiser to to there, and are desperate for an appraiser to service the area...there may be a few based around there, but not many, and even cheap clients pay more in areas they have a hard time finding someone.

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but how would you suggest finding areas with a shortage of appraisers? Should I start by contacting the state board or an appraisal organization?

 

[J Grant]

good question... a few ways I can think of....the ASC should have # of licensed appraisers in each state, then divide by state population. (or get # of licensed appraisers from state licensing website)

Ask here on this board ( perhaps under general appraisal topic), also search old threads, particularly around fees where Oregon and Colorado come up over and over as highest paying on res side due to a shortage. Ask appraisers here on the board..I just told you an area of need and shortage in far west region of Palm Beach County ( Belle Glade/Pahokee area semi rural) also, last I heard but this was a few years ago, Key West area Fl Keys fewer appraisers higher fees, but like many areas where this might happen, longer distances between properties/harder to find information.

Call banks and AMC's and ask them, where do you have a shortage, need appraisers?

 

[GA Benny]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but how would you suggest finding areas with a shortage of appraisers? Should I start by contacting the state board or an appraisal organization?

You could probably contact some lender's appraisal departments or appraisal management companies and ask them where they are having the most difficulty finding appraisers. According to the VA, the biggest backlogs for them were in Colorado and the Pacific NW. You could probably call the VA in your area and speak to one of the fee panel coordinators, they will tell you their areas of greatest need. If you are interested in residential work, you will need at least 5 years before you can apply for the VA panel, but it is a pretty good deal if you can get on it.

Best of luck!

 

[Meandering]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but how would you suggest finding areas with a shortage of appraisers? Should I start by contacting the state board or an appraisal organization?

Hey Merk,

Welcome to the forum.

If you want to talk to the local appraiser community, give me a shout and I'll put you in touch with folks.

NEPA is me.

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[miktay]

Don't take classes from Bob's skool of hair and appraisal.

it wurked fyne fur me

 

[Merk]

Hey Merk,

Welcome to the forum.

If you want to talk to the local appraiser community, give me a shout and I'll put you in touch with folks.

NEPA is me.

.

.

Hey Marion,

Thanks, that is very nice of you! Any networking help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MJM187]

Where are you in PA? I know of many quality appraisers locally (res or com) who would be good candidates for mentors. Stick with a mentor who views you as an investment and not just as a tool!

Hello Pete,

My name is Mark. I am currently looking to talk with some appraisers in Pittsburgh (I live in Brookline) about potentially taking me on as a trainee. I'm in the midsts of a career change and could, at the very least, use some guidance. I've done a lot of research on appraising and I think it may be the path for me. Would you be willing to refer me to any someone who may be interested?

 

[David Beavan]

Where are you in PA? I know of many quality appraisers locally (res or com) who would be good candidates for mentors. Stick with a mentor who views you as an investment and not just as a tool!

Great comment! My mentor said to me, 14 years ago, "Why would I want to train my competition?" I told him that I would be an asset to his company and I continue to work with him. I got a great education from him and feel that I am a better than average appraiser. As graindart said "Often trainees end up working for a sketchy licensed appraiser that just wants to use them to further their appraisal mill (minimal training and will fire you the second you aren't making them enough money)". Don't sign on with them!