Getting Started is Sure Hard

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

Hey Dee Dee and Brick,

I spent the first 40+ years of my life in Michigan. I've been to both Hell and Climax. (Towns in Michigan) :lol:

 

[slacker]

She said because of our real estate background and familiarity with the MLS she wouldn't mind training us. 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.

Karon,

You say you have a real estate background. Are you currently employed or were you counting on the appraisal gig for your income? I wouldn’t give up any full time job just yet. Keep your day job. That way any assignments you happen to get can supplement your current income. Before you know it, your appraising income is providing more than you’re your regular job. Just takes time.

I guess my advice is to be prepared. Sounds like you already have access to the MLS but if you don’t, get it (there are a couple options in our area), along with some appraisal software. Then get familiar with the local township offices and on-line resources in McHenry, Lake, Kane, and Cook Counties. If you read a lot of posts on this forum, you will realize that there are tons of appraisers that would give their eyeteeth for the information we have available on-line in Illinois.

There’s no reason you can’t learn the basic’s on your own. Start by appraising your neighbor’s home for free. Get some comps, got to the assessors office, fill out the form, take pictures, do the measurements, the whole nine yards. Then go over your work by filling out an appraisal review form. If you need one I can fax it to you. You will be surprised how much you can learn. At least this way you can advertise yourself to some appraisers up and down the Fox Valley and at least come across as being familiar with the process.

And don’t do anything for free. Even if you are training, you are providing some tangible input to the appraiser. Anyone who makes you work for free is doing nothing more than taking advantage of your inexperience. Working for an appraiser is no different than any other employer. You might start in the Mail Room but at least your getting paid.

Maybe I can throw some work your way, but unlike that other appraiser, I wont guarantee anything. Things do seem slower than normal right now.

http://www.appraiseillinois.com

 

[Karon Hoffman]

Wow..... so much encouragement! Thanks everyone. I really didn't expect it. I just really needed to spout. If I keep it inside it just eats me up and I get nowhere.

Slacker
Thanks so much for the offer. Yes I'd love for you to fax over the review form. I've never even seen one. My fax is 847-658-7701 at my office.
Yes I'm still working. I have to eat. I'm only sorry I took off so much time trying to keep myself available for that other appraiser. Now I have to play catch-up. About the MLS, I'm in MAP & MLSNI. Do you think I need to join another one?
I check with the diferent assessors offices a lot. I especially like the ones that are online and I wish Algonquin Twp would. I call them a lot when I'm pushing a deadline. Do you find the online info as good as what you get in person? Sure saves time and can access info even when the office is closed.
I appreciate the offer to throw some work my way and if I can do the same I will. Thanks

 

[Bemis Pownall]

if you want to commute an 1.5 hour by plane
ill put you to work. Ill even pay.

 

[Karon Hoffman]

hmmmmmm .... very tempting..........

.. but I think I'll have to pass....

..... thanks for the offer tho

 

[Bemis Pownall]

ahh come on...had to turn some down, my assitant is going to appraiser school next week, youll get 80 hour weeks i promise

 

[Karon Hoffman]

a dream come true. What a shame I can't take you up on it. But you can always come here to train me..

 

[BenLuby]

I've only put about six hundred hours in since getting my Registration, but, if you are an active Real Estate agent, why not, when scheduling an appraisal on a closing, set it up when you can be there and meet the appraiser? If you were going to travel 90 minutes a day for free one way to learn the trade, then you should be able to, sooner or later, get an appraiser to train you. Even if you only get an hour or two in this way, it is a start. Good luck, and don't forget, you'll only fail if you give up.

 

[Terry Russell]

Well now, I am still getting started and I have had my shovel in hand from day #1. AI may state that by 2005 30% of the appraisals being done now will not be necessary.
The fact is they are not necessary now. And the spinners may find they are the 30% that are not needed either.
IT is changing this profession and I am going high-tech as possible and continue to change with the market.
With many up in arms about the state of the profession, I firmly believe there will be a weeding out of the unworthy.
I believe this is the perfect time to hone your skills and become a PROFESSIONAL real estate appraiser.

That's where I'm goin'. Terry

Oh and don't bother to tell me i don't know what it is like "out there" I already know that.

 

[Dee Dee]

Terry,
A culling process....survival of the fittest?
Woo hoo!
I'm game.:lol:

Dee Dee