Newbie in Georgia, in need of answers

[vision1]

I recently completed my Appraisal course. Now what? I really want to get into Commercial Appraising. With no experience in the market, how can I get started,where do I go? I understand the market is unstabled now and probably will be for a while. So in the mean time what courses should I take to retain the limited education I have from course work. What courses or organizations should I become affiliated with to network with people on the Commercial side of the Grand business. One thing I've realize, after you finish the class for Appraising, it seems like you're on your own. Not like when people come out of Real Estate training. There is a business everywhere willing to give you a chance. They even have people come to the school to have a career day. Why don't they do that for Appraisers? Have I asked too many questions?
In need of help in Georgia..

 

[TC]

Attend a local meeting of the Appraisal Institute and get your name out.


TC

 

[TN Pro]

Maybe because Most Real Estate Brokers charge you a desk fee (so even if you dont sell houses, they make money), then they get a commission of every sale, and if your lucky, maybe even a transaction fee on top of those other fees.
So, Real Estate Brokers actually make money off you, even if you sell nothing, Trainee sponsors generally lose money while training...

 

[Mountain Man]

Keep in mind that licensing requirements are the bare minimum standards... having a license really means nothing to a prospective supervisor. Can't tell you how many resumes we see every week from registered appraisers looking for a job... from waiters, ex mortgage brokers, sales agents, even "lawn care technicians" who have no or limited real estate and finance experience. To get into commercial you'll need polish up your resume and show a 4 year degree in a related field, some work experience in banking, finance, construction, or related field, Appraisal Inst. classes, and the ability to work independently without supervision. An entry level position will be as a clerk or research assistant. Lowly and crummy pay, but advancement will completely depend on you... how driven you are to obtain education, how fast you learn, and if you can grasp the principles to apply them to a proper analysis. This is a production or commission based job that also requires sharp, independent thinkers. Very few real estate jobs are salary based, unless you are MAI and a reviewer at a large bank.

 

[BenLuby]

Mell, you forgot it also requires a self starter in the worst possible way. If you spend all the time waiting on someone to hold your hand, after the basic knowledge, you'll be shown the door more often than not.
If you don't go door banging, you won't find a mentor.