This is somewhat related but I'm posing a training question: From reading this and other topics, it seems that the overall opinion of the contributors is that a Mentor is obligated to inspect physically all properties with the trainees until 2,000 hours and licensing is accomplished which is the intent of USPAP and most state regulations. Again, from what I read, this is not the practice of most of the contributors who serve as mentors.
Now, for clarification and to make clear that I'm not trying to speak from a pulpit, I have not trained an appraiser since the early days of licensing when the ramifications of the legislation where not yet clear and I could merely sign-off as the Supervisory Appraiser without viewing the home while the trainee signed as the appraiser. This is not out of regard for the law but rather fear of it. In Michigan, I must give credit to the trainee for contributions to the appraisal on the certification page but sign as the primary appraiser, thereby stating that I physically inspected the home. While this is commonly overlooked by the state regulatory division, my luck would have it that I would be their test case in the strict enforcement.
Having trained over a dozen appraisers who I consider to be some of the finest in their market areas, I don't personally believe and actually feel that 2 years of physical inspections to assure learning is ridiculous. My experience dealt with the individual and based upon how quickly they were able to complete thorough inspections, I varied the amount of inspections with them. I believe it ranged from about 5 to slightly over 20. After that point, I either went out after their inspection to determine what they were unsure of or had standing instructions to take pictures of anything odd or that you don't know so we can determine it back at the office.
Again, I feel it's an overly burdening guideline which, in fact, effectively reduces the number of trainees entering the field if the Mentors follow to the letter of the law. I believe it should be changed and am often frustrated when my turn time gets long due to volume while my competitor hires several "trainees" and simply puts them out on the road.
What's not only the feeling of you folks on 2,000 hours of physical inspections, but also the actual practices? :usa: