How's The Life & Career Of An Appraiser?

[deish12]

Some are happy & financially prospering/ then some are not.

That's not true in the slightest, I make well over that....work for someone else, and own my own time. I know plenty of commercial appraisers that do as well, in Michigan and all over the country.

I'm getting a lot of mixed thoughts about the career path of an appraiser but I believe as far as careers are concerned in general its one of the careers that has a potential to be financially fulfilling (6-figure income) as well as career contentment. Its seems as the stress or work necessary needed to succeed is balanced out by the income potential; especially looking at the appraisers who are earning well. Its one of the careers that belongs in the six-figure income blogs and categories thats rarely or never talked about or mentioned compared to the traditional career paths in the six figure income google search/ magazines and lists. For the most part, as long as houses, commercial props, etc. are being sold or refinanced they will always need an appraisal which leads me to believe the career or need will always or be around for a long time. I didn't expect to get all good reviews on the career choice but I think I've heard enough information to believe with my already earned bachelors degree and commitment to put forth the effort & work hard I can become a very successful Certified General Appraiser and maybe run my own MAI/ or position myself to be one of the appraisers who learned how to maximum my time and income. My degree is in communications and being that its not a law or medical degree I can look up 5-10 years from now and be earning pretty decent income and living the life that most people outside of the traditional 6-figure characteristics don't live. Starting with a vision, then direction, then faith+works, is where I will set myself apart from mediocrity... Thank you all for your remarks & additional thoughts and opinions are greatly encouraged.
To the appraisers that are pessimistic about your career path, where do you think you went wrong or would do different if you could start over even if the market is the blame for your frustrations???

 

[Dee Dee]

I'm with Lee Lansford. Before you get too excited you'd better call around to see if anyone willing to be your mentor/supervisor before you get too excited.

Unless things have changed lately there's quite a bit of nepotism in the business, as well as a preference to hire those who at least have some background experience in appraising or real estate.

I truly hope things work out for you.

 

[DTB]

You will never own your time and make 100K working for someone else, unless you're a high demand surgeon type. OTOH, 100K investing, flipping, birddogging properties for the right people is a shorter destination and on your own work schedule.

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That's not true in the slightest, I make well over that....work for someone else, and own my own time. I know plenty of commercial appraisers that do as well, in Michigan and all over the country.

Really? By owning your own time do you mean you set your income level as well by working as much or little as you wish? If true, that's terrific. Call me skeptical.

I also read about the 15 years it took to get to that level, the OP may have missed that part of the puzzle.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

Really? By owning your own time do you mean you set your income level as well by working as much or little as you wish? If true, that's terrific. Call me skeptical.

I also read about the 15 years it took to get to that level, the OP may have missed that part of the puzzle.

You find it hard to believe that I have my own hourly rate, I decide when and how much I work and that I am part of a firm that allows this to happen. This relationship is replicated all over the country in commercial firms large and small. Some larger offices this is not possible, but there are many that it is. The OP wanted to know about Certified Generals, so that's what my experience is...it took awhile to get there but so does anything that is worth working for.

Just because residential appraisers are not having the same experience, does not make it impossible that others are having a far better time in this business and are enjoying it.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

No stress. Just 150 MPH this week and 0 next week.
The next week it's 125, then 15.

Financial freedom! As soon as I match all 6 lotto numbers.

Otoh, it's a living. I'm not rich, but not poor either.
Beats anything involving heavy lifting. It's relatively safe.
I'm not usually in the office all day, which is good.
There's plenty to like, but every rose has it's thorns.
And there are plenty of snakes in the underbrush.