Is Part-time Possible?

[wildco]

I'm wanting to do part-time appraisal work. I'm currently employed by a local tax assessor in Colorado. I'm licensed but haven't done any work in the 'fee world' and I know that even though I've taken a lot of classes and have done 3 years of appraisal work here, that there is even more to learn 'out there'.

Has anyone out there done this? Or made the big switch from ad valorem to the fee world?

What would be your recommended 'steps'? What would be my best method of finding someone who would be willing to show me the ropes?
Any general help would be great. I'm looking to do part time work in a different nearby county then where I'm employed.

Thanks all!

 

[Farm Gal]

Lindsay:

Make very sure the terms of contract under which you are currently employed do permit such activity, not just take a co-worker's say-so... sometimes they are wrong... and while the good ol boys get a wink and nod a gal bets strug up for a cheat!

This is not casual chat but a "I know someone" situation.

Many of our forum members are former (or current) Ad-V people. I'll let them answer the rest of your question~

 

[Darrell Hignite]

Until one of those part timers answer, I have a few in my classes and they all have to appraise out of their main county, that is the one they do ad valorum work in. Many of them try to have two masters, but are unable to do two jobs well. I tried to sell and list real estate with appraising, but was not successful....I did fine another alternative for more income, I became an instructor. It runs in my family...three brothers, two teach and my sister is a Dean of students. So I appraise and Teach!

Good luck in your endeavor, and Happy appraising.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Lindsay.....ask your Assessor if it is ok. I know an appraiser in Douglas County that does outside fee work. El Paso County considers it a conflict of interest. You didn't say what county you are in.

 

[wildco]

I'm in Larimer County. I know there have been people in the office that have done it before...as long as it's done in a different county (like Weld).

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

So, ask your Assessor!

 

[wildco]

Thanks for the advice...but not exactly what my question was. I already knew it was possible. I was aiming towards "If you've done it, what were the steps YOU took, and did it work out."

Should I just start calling local appraisers to ask them for help in learning what I need to learn? Should I send a resume to them offering part-time help?

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

A personal visit is worth 100 resumes!

 

[TC]

Having talked to a lot of fellow appraisers and looking at my inspection list, I am a part-time appraiser this month! B)

 

[HelenTestin]

Part time might be ideal for a lot of appraisers at the moment. With the slow down, and the end of summer ahead, many appraisers may find that they dont have enough work anyway. I have worked my way up to where I can do 3 assignments a week pretty well. I have been a trainee for six months. Now, I am getting 1 order per week to work on, as it would be unfair for my mentor to cut down the # she does a week, just to give me an extra assignment. So, I am really part time for now. And, I can say I enjoy it. Yes, I now work another job as well, but eventually, I will get the hours I need, and thus start really marketing myself to prospective clients. My mentor does not want me doing that at all until i am Licensed Residential.

Yes, it is possible. And, I may use my spare time to go for another degree. Part time is not ideal, bur can work.

Helen