commission

[Brandy Davis]

What is the usual pay rate for an Appraisal Trainee? I've been working in my office for nearly 2 years now doing appraisal work and in the early part of this year I recieved my trainee license with no pay increase, and no commission payment. I was ushered in to get the license, but I'm feeling a little discouraged about continuing here. Should I just be grateful that I am learning about a very interesting profession or should I be looking for another boss?

 

[DelMarValuations]

Brandy,

There is no "usual pay rate" that I am aware of. Compensation is based on experience and whether you are bringing clients in the door.

You may find that appraiser trainee positions are not plentiful now...but you can always see what other options you have while still at your current employer. As far as your specific situation, I would calculat what your monthly production is and, assuming it is high enough, ask for a fee split arrangement that would give you a reasonable increase in compensation. It can't hurt to ask.

 

[jtinmichigan]

I've been working in my office for nearly 2 years now doing appraisal work and in the early part of this year I recieved my trainee license

I can't believe that anyone but skippy would have an unlicensed trainee doing "appraisal work". For 2 years?

I guess that lets them out of noting Significant PROFESSIONAL Assistance in their reports.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I guess that lets them out of noting Significant PROFESSIONAL Assistance in their reports.

I guess you are wrong....in many places you do not have to be a trainee to get credit for your hours of experience. You may have to have a trainee license in order to sign, but noting a persons contribution in a report does not automatically mean they have to be licensed nor that their experience does not count.

 

[Brandy Davis]

I think I may have given the wrong impression. To clear things up I was assissting my boss in the appraisals doing most of the leg work. I can not claim any of those hours that I am aware of. According to USPAP 2007. None count prior to my liscense and the only one that he noted me on was a Conservation Easement Appraisal. The last few that I worked on I got the hours, but I was not mentioned in the appraisals. The last few were really tough and very detailed. We deal mainly in land appraisals and I guess that is why I feel like I should be getting compensated more, but the experience is worthwhile and I am learning a lot. To sum it up I was asking a question not really complaining.

 

[Michigan CG]

I can't believe that anyone but skippy would have an unlicensed trainee doing "appraisal work". For 2 years?

I guess that lets them out of noting Significant PROFESSIONAL Assistance in their reports.

JT, I was an unlicensed trainee for four years, and was mentioned in the report as a consultant. There are many people working in this profession who are not trainees and don't want to be trainees.

Some assignments include a lot of research work for which a staff member is perfectly suited for. There are people who have been doing appraisal work for decades that have never registered as a trainee. If they do not want to eventually become an appraiser then why would they register as a trainee? Additionally, there are many states that did not have a trainee license for many years until recently.

Be careful to judge before you know all of the facts.

 

[Don Clark]

JT, I was an unlicensed trainee for four years, and was mentioned in the report as a consultant. There are many people working in this profession who are not trainees and don't want to be trainees.

Some assignments include a lot of research work for which a staff member is perfectly suited for. There are people who have been doing appraisal work for decades that have never registered as a trainee. If they do not want to eventually become an appraiser then why would they register as a trainee? Additionally, there are many states that did not have a trainee license for many years until recently.

Be careful to judge before you know all of the facts.

Right you are. Virginia has 2 category's of trainee's Licensed and Unlicensed. Both can accumulate hours toward becoming Licensed or certified.