Possibly Moving To Las Vegas

[Pete Humphrey]

I'm a certified residential appraiser and SRA in CA. Spent first 12 years of my appraisal career working in San Diego/Orange and Riverside counties. This last year I've been in Northern California. Due to spouse's job change I may be moving soon to the LV area. First, I'd love some recommendations on best areas to live (I've heard Summerlin in nice) and second I'd love to know how the appraisal biz is there. We were overrun with residential appraisers in San Diego, so not much work there. This drove me to also get my RE sales license and do that for a while. In NorCal I have more appraisal business than I can handle at nice fees ($500 and up), and no time for RE sales. What's the real estate climate like in LV these days? Appreciate your feedback. Thx!

 

[erockinaz]

I have a friend that used to appraise in Vegas, he lived in Henderson. You may have the same issues you had is San Diego, there are lots of appraisers.

 

[glenn walker]

I wish you the best BUT your coming up on June and when younger I spent 5 Summers living in Vegas it's hell for 4 months unless you are retired or grew up there. As far as appraisal fee's my two friends who currently live and appraise in Las Vegas area say it's one of the most competitive areas in the States. $275-$325 is very typical and some taking broadcast orders for less. You can contact your local AI chapter but most of the SRA guys are semi-retired and they moved up there for cheap housing and cherry pick orders.

 

[Pete Humphrey]

Thx Glenn and Erockinaz. Your comments basically confirm what I've heard and was thinking was likely true. I'm actually looking at making a career change and I'm close to retirement myself, so I'd like to spend my last few years doing something more enjoyable. Appraisal has become a royal pain in the parts and the only work worth doing is private, non-UAD. There's not enough of that to go around and I'm not fond of court appearances, so I think this is my sign from God to get out while the getting is good. Maybe I'll take up bartending. More money in it and at least I don't have to pay 9% more out of my paycheck in state taxes!

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Maybe I'll take up bartending.

In Vegas maybe you could get a morning shift and not have to work nights.

 

[Pete Humphrey]

Haha! That's a good idea Lee! I do make a mean Bloody Mary!

It's funny to me that no one from the Las Vegas area has commented on this! They are either too busy cranking out 3 appraisals a day for the low paying AMC's or they don't want any more competition in Vegas, or maybe both!?

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Maybe Vegas Wayne will check in.

 

[KONA]

Wait until you deal with "day sleepers". Lived in Vegas for 5 years and liked it. Working there was nice as well, except for the heat in summer. Easy to find your way around the town.