Searching For A Trainer (pittsburgh, Pa)

[MJM187]

Hello Appraisers,

I have spent the last few months searching for a new career and after doing some heavy research on what appraising has to offer. I believe that it may be the right career path for me. I am now searching for a trainer who may want to take me under his or her wing in the Pittsburgh area. I have not yet started any course work or training yet. I wanted to at least meet some prospective supervisors before investing the time into the training material.

I do have a college degree and have the time to immediately begin the course work. I do not personally know any appraisers to approach. Does anyone know any appraisers looking to take on a trainee at this time? If not, what is the best way to find someone reputable- cold calls?

Thank you for any help.

 

[NachoPerito]

You look like a jolly fella. Best of luck to you. Call appraisers and see if you can buy them lunch and pick their brain. Getting past the stranger barrier to a certain level of trust is key for a small to medium size shop.

 

[MJM187]

You look like a jolly fella. Best of luck to you. Call appraisers and see if you can buy them lunch and pick their brain. Getting past the stranger barrier to a certain level of trust is key for a small to medium size shop.

Thanks for the advice. What do you think the best way to find a reputable appraiser would be - Angies list?

 

[NachoPerito]

Thanks for the advice. What do you think the best way to find a reputable appraiser would be - Angies list?

Nope, you can check these places:

http://www.myappraisalinstitute.org/
MAI is commercial appraiser, SRA is residential

https://appraiserusa.com/

 

[EddieB]

Search around for any appraisal coalitions, visit their meetings with the hopes of joining and networking. When I was more involved in a local appraisal chapter, we would on occasion have people doing this. It showed me that they were serious about the profession, and learning about entry.

Good luck in your endeavors and aim for obtaining your general certification.

 

[bnmappraisal]

I have not yet started any course work or training yet. I wanted to at least meet some prospective supervisors before investing the time into the training material.

Nacho and Eddie both offer good advice.

As far as my quote - I would want any potential trainee to have at least taken the national USPAP course and understand what that entails. Preferably I'd want them to have additional course(s) but at least the USPAP. That would show me that they were (at least somewhat) serious about the business.

Best of luck to you and welcome to the Forum!

 

[MJM187]

Thank you everyone. Thank you Nacho for the resources. Theres about 100 listed appraisers in my area, hopefully one of them will be interested.

 

[Pittsburgh Pete]

Thank you everyone. Thank you Nacho for the resources. Theres about 100 listed appraisers in my area, hopefully one of them will be interested.

Mark--just sent you a PM

 

[NachoPerito]

This is how it could go:

You: "Mr. Smith, sorry to bother you, I am a trainee appraiser trying to learn the business and meet some appraisers. Would you mind meeting me for lunch so I can pick your brain to see if this is the industry for me?"
Him: "Too busy!, no time for lunch, sorry."
You "Oh great, so you could use some help then. I can start tomorrow."
Him" "Hmmm, I guess you have me in a pickle here."

 

[bnmappraisal]

This is how it could go:

You: "Mr. Smith, sorry to bother you, I am a trainee appraiser trying to learn the business and meet some appraisers. Would you mind meeting me for lunch so I can pick your brain to see if this is the industry for me?"
Him: "Too busy!, no time for lunch, sorry."
You "Oh great, so you could use some help then. I can start tomorrow."
Him" "Hmmm, I guess you have me in a pickle here."

You forgot to mention who was going to pay for lunch!