If I knew then what I know now.

[moretrev]

So I'm joining the ranks as a new trainee. If you had any advice along the lines of "If I knew then what I know now", what would be that advice?
I have already heard, "find another profession" so try to expand a little.

 

[Mark K]

There continues to be plenty of appraisal opportunities for apprasiers that are qualified for more than the Freddie/Fannie form filling business.

If you're intending to be a residential mortgage appraiser filling forms for the secondary market, I might agree with the advice you're receiving. If you continue your education and become known as a competent appraiser for a wide variety of assignments, you can still make a good living.

In 2002 about 98% of my work was mortgage related; today its less than 5% and I usually have work scheduled out at least 3-4 weeks.

Its really all up to you.

 

[moretrev]

Mark K

Thank you Mark. I apperciate that. I am interested in gvn't work. What are some of the area's you have taken upon?

 

[Meandering]

Try the department of transportation, and the state it's self. The state attorney's general office seek appraisals from time to time in the pursuit of criminal prosecutions, although most of the are drive-bys, can't alert the bad guys they're on to them. Check with lawyers, bankruptcy and family law. Also it is a good idea to REALLY learn good review skills before taking on the family law, because typically there will be an appraiser on both sides of the table.

 

[The Warrior Monk]

I would've been more serious about getting my General Certification earlier.

 

[Greg Bell]

So I'm joining the ranks as a new trainee. If you had any advice along the lines of "If I knew then what I know now", what would be that advice?
I have already heard, "find another profession" so try to expand a little.

Wal Mart...better working conditions and bennies...

 

[Mountain Man]

Go for CG as soon as you can, get your MAI early in your career, and forget any Fannie form filling appraisal career. I have completely given up on residential work except for litigation and condemnations. Just isn't worth the hassle, too many newbies in the field driving down fees, and the liability has more than doubled with "hold harmless" clauses every AMC and bank wants you to sign.

 

[app55]

1.) Develop a good relationship with your supervisor. 2.) Approach it like an education rather than an occupation 3.) Read your mentor's old appraisals, ask questions, and learn from them (if they won't allow you to, see #1 .....

You need to develop the personal motivation to try to learn on time that you are not being paid for or you really should look for something else.

I still remember going over and over verbage in my supervisor's reports, thinking how I will never be able to communicate in such a professional manner...at least without losing the reader.