Getting Started is Sure Hard

[Karon Hoffman]

A friend of mine introduced me to an appraiser last summer who promised us both a job if we got our license. She said because of our real estate background and familiarity with the MLS she wouldn't mind training us. Her appraisers refused to travel to our area because of the distance and she was constantly having to refer these appraisals out. She promised to supply us with the software and E&O insurance for appraisals done through her. No pay during training, and we would have to travel to her office every day (1 1/2 hours away each way) but we could still do real estate part time to make up the money. Once we were trained she said she could give us 10 or more appraisals a week (all north of O'Hare). So we enrolled in school and restricted our hours in real estate to give us time to study. We studied a minimum of 2-5 hours a day and finished at the top of our class. I got a 100% and she got a 98% on the final exam. All during this time this appraiser kept checking in to see how we were doing. When we finished our classes she gave us a warning not to be too upset if we didn't pass the state test, but we would have a job when we did. So we went to take the test and passed it. When we called her she wasn't ready for us.... didn't expect us to pass on the 1st try. She said she had just finished training 2 new appraisers and she would be ready for us soon. So we gave her a couple weeks and started calling her again. She was too busy to return our calls. When we finally did get hold of her she said she was going on vacation in a couple of weeks and would call when she got back so we could start. Well she never called, so we called again.. Now there's no work and she has to let people go and she'll let us know if business ever picks up again. I don't know for sure, but it seems like she changed her mind a while ago and just didn't want to tell us. My friend is pretty depressed. I don't know if she'll ever go out looking or if she'll just sit around and wait for her friend to hire her. Personally, I don't think I'd go to work for her now even if she called tomorrow. I can understand that circumstances change, but why couldn't she just be honest with us instead of avoiding us? I can't work for someone I don't respect. I understand that being new means I'll be the 1st to go if business goes down, but I expect that I would be told so I could make alternate plans. Now I'm looking for a job with everyone else. I've had a couple of offers, but neither one will be ready for me within the next six to eight months and I don't want to wait that long. A couple of appraisers did tell me that they couldn't use anyone right now but they would keep my resume on file. I guess business is down all over. I actually had one appraiser tell me that he couldn't train me because he was too busy but that if I could get even 2 months training with a reputable appraiser he'd interview me. Now why would I leave someone that was willing to invest the time with me for someone who wasn't? That doesn't even make sense. I'm learning so much by reading through the posts on this forum. Sooo many things I never even thought of before. I'm really glad it's here. I don't know what's going to happen, but I WILL find a job and no matter what happens I'M NOT GIVING UP!!!!!!

 

[Ed]

WOW! I finally read your post. Sound like you got the "SHAFT". Sorry to hear that. Keep on pluging along and something will happen.

I didn't have quite as rough a time as you did. My trainor came to me and asked me if I'd be interested in Appraising, so I thought about it for a year and finally "pulled the trigger" in April.

Yes we are slow too. Everyone is complaining that things are slow, the refi-boom put damper on inventory. Rates are good and consumer confidence is good. Knowone can put a finger on it.

These are the times to get alot of training under your belt, so when the S**T hits the fan you're ready.

Good Luck!

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

I guess I shouldn't tell you that the Appraisal Institute says that only 30% of mortgages will require an appraiser by the year 2005. Just think 30% of what you are making now. Scary isn't it. I would not recommend our profession to any prospective eager beaver based on AI's projections alone. Most appraisers are short sighted and don't look to the future. They see that we are busy now, but how about next week, nextmonth, next year.... Sorry to be such a downer, but we need to be realistic. I am having my busiest month ever and I am still worried about the future of our profession.

 

[Karon Hoffman]

I'm not really worried. Business may be down, but if I work hard I should be in a position to be a survivor. Life is too short to keep going in a job that I don't like. I'm getting older and I want to be able to take some pride in my work and enjoy what I'm doing. The best part of real estate for me is the little touch of appraisals I get to do. My kids are grown now and I only have myself to worry about so even if the income isn't outstanding I don't need that much to get by.
And as in any business, when the going gets tough the rats start jumping ship. I only hope that things will get tougher on the bad appraisers out there and once they're gone people will value the good ones more.

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

With that attitude you will survive. Good Luck!

 

[Karon Hoffman]

Thanks

 

[Farm Gal]

I only hope that things will get tougher on the bad appraisers out there and once they're gone people will value the good ones more.

AMEN sister, and thanks!

After hearing your tale of woe to see such a glimmer of HOPE, is surely an uplift for me after a very long and troublesome day. Hang in there dear, I wish you well in your endevours~

 

[Rick Hess]

Hi Karen;

I can commiserate. I was working with a 1-Man shop, who also is a broker and an auctioneer. Things were going good until he got swamped heavy in all 3 areas. He told me he could no longer train me as he had no time to devote for training purposes. I tried others in the area and got the same story. Too much work, not enough time. Ain't gonna give up tho. Got 38 whole hours toward my license. Ah well, it's a start, and like you, I'll get there, come hell or high water. Hell is in MN and the high water is in my ole state of Misery (Missouri) :wink:

Good luck.

Brick

 

[Rick Hess]

My sincerest apologies to all y'all Gophers. Mixing my M states . Hell is in Michigan. Livingston county to be more precise.

Brick

 

[Dee Dee]

Brick,
I've been to Hell before. Not too far from where I grew up....really!