Moving to Cali - Can Anyone Help?

[Tim The Enchanter]

We found a nice little 6'x9' studio apartment on some "rocky" island in the Bay for dirt cheap... if only I could remember the name.....

Welcome to Alcatraz. Doesn't matter to me where you go, but you can't sleep here. Not for under $200 a night.

 

[JeffHand]

Lee,

Welcome to California!

I am a commercial appraiser in Sacramento and cover most of the Northern California Region. I have worked extensively in "Gold Country", and the Greater Sacramento Valley.

One of my co-workers used to work for Property Sciences in the Bay Area. It is a commercial firm but that is the type of work you have to do to live comfortably in this part of the country. You could make $100K a year and still be poor.

Good luck in the Bay Area

 

[Mike Seward]

I lived in SF In the mid 90's and began my appraisal carreer there before moving to Florida in 2001. I lived in the Marina district and my office was on Union Street, so I walked to work.
One problem I had was finding a parking place in the city while doing an inspection (viewing).

 

[erick anderson]

I lived in SF In the mid 90's and began my appraisal carreer there before moving to Florida in 2001. I lived in the Marina district and my office was on Union Street, so I walked to work.
One problem I had was finding a parking place in the city while doing an inspection (viewing).

This is why scooters and bicycles are so popular in cities like SF.

 

[Alisa]

I met an appraiser in a class not too long ago. She was from Fresno and told me she does 10 appraisals a week -- has a family member typing reports for her.

My point is that you might want to check out that area if they have that much work.....

Housing is less expensive also. Heck, if I had to buy my house in San Jose today I couldn't do it.

Whoever mentioned the problems parking in San Francisco was totally right....looking for a parking spot takes longer than measuring and
inspecting.

If you want to check out the San Jose area I'd be happy to send you
the classifieds.

 

[Wil in Norcal]

We just moved back to the Sacramento area after a three year stint in Arizona, and let me tell you it is has not been easy. I've lived in California most of my life, however I have found that geographic competence as an appraiser is totally different than "knowing an area because I used to live there" But the good thing is if you can get past the whole "sticker shock", traffic and other issues, I am sure you will find that Northern California is an amazing place to live. Best of luck to you!

 

[JTip]

You could make $100K a year and still be poor.

Only in America :new_usa:

 

[bryanknowlton]

Move to San Diego, the weather is nice and I will sell you my appraisal biz for only $200,000! Makes around $125,000 a year right now! Check it out!!!