How To Stand Out To Secure A Mentor?

[Hallelujah Honey]

I've been looking into/considering appraising as a career option for a while now. It is my long term goal to get a commercial license and most likely do a mix of both residential and commercial. I'm curious what sorts of things I can do to make myself more of a possible asset, before approaching potential mentors? I have extensive photography experience and am excellent at real estate photography. I'm very detail oriented, visually and grammatically. I have zero experience with basic MS office type programs and such. I realize I need to change that asap. I am asking for specifics on which programs I should familiarize myself with, before approaching potential mentors? Including those used in the industry. How can I set myself apart from the beginning?

Also, I was told at the state level that most mentors won't even speak to me without a trainee license to show that I'm serious. However, I see people here saying not to do anything without having someone lined up and willing to take you on. I'm now leery of jumping into classes and obtaining the trainee license first. Is it really that hard to find someone to mentor you? I get that it takes time, costs them money, etc. I'm wondering how much of the difficulty is in the logistics and how much may be that a mentor doesn't wanna deal with someone (personality mismatch) and just says no... Curious, as well, as to if it's generally more difficult for women to secure a mentor?

Finally, I'm looking to clarify, when I see people saying "market yourself if you want to be a success without doing AMC work". Who would you market to? Realtors, banks, loan officers, title companies, all of the above? I have quite a few friends in the real estate and mortgage sectors. Just wondering the angle of marketing that is needed? And, yes, I do intend on learning from and working with someone else as long as I possibly can. Not looking to learn and run out to do my own thing. If I want to be trained, I do need to be able to bring something to the table though. I've also lived enough to know I better always have a plan B in place, should my mentor completely lose their marbles one day.

Thanks, if you made it this far!

 

[gregb]

Hallelujah, this was one of the best introductions on the forum. While I do not know the situation in Alabama, if you are serious about the profession why not enroll in an introductory course sponsored by the Appraisal Institute to see what doors open?

 

[Hallelujah Honey]

Hallelujah, this was one of the best introductions on the forum. While I do not know the situation in Alabama, if you are serious about the profession why not enroll in an introductory course sponsored by the Appraisal Institute to see what doors open?

Thanks for the reply. I have looked into McKissock, but, not AI. I will check on that. Mainly, just curious to see what else I need to be working on during the time I'm doing my trainee classes? I don't want to go looking for a mentor and look like more of a liability (or a complete pain in the rear) than an asset.

 

[bnmappraisal]

Is it really that hard to find someone to mentor you?

YES

There are many reasons for this, but the short answer is Yes, it is one of the most difficult parts of the whole process. Personally I had taken all my classes before having a mentor lined up and it took about another year (and knowing a guy who knew a guy) before I found one. It even ended up being in another state!

One thing I would suggest is reaching out to some local (or "nearby") appraisers and ask if you could follow them for a day (maybe even offer to compensate them for their time) I've done this with a few people who were considering coming into the industry over the past few years. Although I wasn't (and am not) looking for a trainee, I offered to show them what an "average" day of an appraiser is like.
FTR, I did not charge them anything, but I could see some appraisers asking for compensation.

Thanks, if you made it this far!

Yes, I did read your entire post and wish you the best of luck. Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Joe Flacco]

I think it is easier to enter the business as a commercial trainee than as a residential trainee. The big commercial firms have infrastructure in place and enough money flowing through to bring in trainees. You might find these jobs being offered as commercial real estate analyst. They don't looks advertise looking for "trainees".

 

[Mike Kennedy]

Alabama example:

http://www.asajobbankonline.org/jobs/11354530/certified-general-and-trainee-appraisers

p.s. definitely go "Commercial" if possible. Residential Human Appraisers for bulk bank/mortgage work are being replaced by "HAL 2018" (automation). If focussed on Residential - investigate Legal Appraising.

also read thru this discussion https://appraisersforum.com/forums/...of-competition-etc-trying-to-help-you.220850/

 

[SpartanAG]

OP: Do you have a 4-year degree? You will need one for the General Certification.

If you are serious about getting a General Certification, then I would seek out larger appraisal firms as suggested above. They are more willing to hire than the small independent appraisal shops. If you are willing to move, you should have no trouble finding a job.

Take the time to learn Microsoft Word and Excel. There are probably free classes available somewhere. Knowing how to use these two programs will be essential.

Understand, that once you have been somewhat trained these larger firms will expect production; which can make for some long weeks, especially if you have a troublesome assignment that puts you behind.

If you are hired by a larger firm, they will expect you to be working toward a professional designation such as the MAI from the Appraisal Institution or ASA from the American Society of Appraisers. I would research the requirements for different designations so you can plan your way forward.

Take the best classes you can afford. There is a significant difference in quality between the education providers.

Here is another website with appraisal jobs: https://www.appraisalinstitute.org/about/career-center/

Good luck on your journey!

 

[Deleted member 152047]

I know of about 7-8 firms in florida looking for trainees on the commercial front right now, including myself. Finding the right mentor is the most important thing for a trainee IMO. Honestly, I don't mind if someone is coming from a different background/profession into the appraisal field as long as they are willing to put in the work, are open to learning, and are hungry. If you are willing to relocate to Florida, reach out to Nancy with the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the AI and I'll have her send you a list of the firms hiring now.

BTW... definitely go commercial, you will have the opportunity to make significantly more $$ in the long run.