Newly Certified Appraiser In Pa (se)

[Greg Parker]

Hi All,

I am a newly certified appraiser. I paid for my own education, bought my own software (WinTotal), and all the office equipment I need in the Philadelphia, PA region. I studied extremely hard, and passed the State exam on my first go around.

I completed my apprenticeship with my wife who has been certified for the last 13 years. The office my wife works for simply does not have a slot for me, and thats fine as I was not looking to them for my first job. But... I find myself with this certification in hand, and no work of my own.

I am well versed in Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties. I have done some work in the Lehigh County area, but it is honestly not my first choice.

I am a detail oriented individual, and my time as an apprentice taught me the value of a speedy but accurate turn around time on reports. This is a new career path for me, as I have been a recruiter for well over a decade.

If you can give me some advice on where to apply, or are looking for a dedicated worker, I can be reached via email at greg.parker@verizon.net.

Thanks!

 

[TEL2002]

Hang out your shingle and go for it. Contact every possible lender you can. Work coming in will be slow....but it will start. Search this forum and google for company names and potential addresses/contact #'s. Good luck. Things are reallllly slow right now, so do not get discouraged.

 

[Greg Parker]

I appreciate that advice.

I had been thinking about simply contacting lenders, but honestly... was not sure if that was an acceptable practice.

Thanks!

 

[CANative]

Does certified in PA mean that you are no longer a trainee?

If so, contacting lenders for work is VERY appropriate. Call some AMC's too. I know, they're a pain in the neck and try to hire you at ridiculously low fees, but it's a start. Put together an "e-mailable" credential package with license, resume, E&O (if you want to) educational background, contact information and a brief letter stating how great your service and turn times are. Shot gun this all over the country. Check out brokersoutpost.com and snag some eamil addresses. It shouldn't take long to start getting some orders. If you do good work those clients will refer work to you. Pretty sone (a year or two) you'll be in business big time.

 

[Greg Parker]

Certified in PA means I can now do it all on my own. We do not have licensure, my title is Certified Residential Appraiser. I paid my time as a trainee on the books for a little over 2 1/2 years.

Thanks again for the advice.

Greg

 

[JTip]

Congrats Greg P.!!! Passing the test on the first try...awesome!!! I lived in Souderton a few years ago....I would suggest join the Chamber in your area, a good place to meet some lenders/mb's. Our local banks like M&T/Wells have a pretty substancial application package and the work is great! Dont be afraid to appraoch those guys.

Greg B. posted some excellent advice. And in PA, there is no licence. You are either a pawn or a KING

ST (still a pawn)

 

[Gerd Semmelroggen]

Hi Greg:

Congrats on passing the appraisal exam! Your 2 1/2 year apprenticeship was probably almost always busy, but since your wife has been in the business 13 years, I'm sure you are aware that slow periods do occur. It appears we are in that transition period now.

However, I was on the Appraisal Institute website and came across a 10/3 job posting from Reape, Jeffers looking for residential and commercial appraisers in the Philadelphia Metro area. You may know them as they have been in business 30 years.

Their contact is support@reapejeffers.com

I wish you great success in your career!!

 

[Greg Parker]

I applied to that company. I met with one of the partners, and she was a VERY nice woman.

Still waiting to hear

Thanks Again!

 

[Mountain Man]

Greg, don't only market to the lenders! Start marketing to CPA's, attorney's or escrow agents, business brokers, business appraisers, investors, auction houses, and anyone else who does business in "other ends" of real estate. About half of my biz is NOT from the mortgage end.

 

[Greg Parker]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

As of today, I am entertaining two offers for split-fee positions. I am still going to take the advice to market myself, but at least now I can know 'the pump has been primed'

I have only been on this board for a very short time, but the wealth of knowledge available, and the generally helpful attitude I have encountered is simply amazing.

Regards,

Greg Parker