Should I?

[ALICE CHRISTENSEN]

I'm sure I have enough hours on my log sheet now, but I still need one more class and need to pass the State exam for my State License.

I am underpaid, so haven't been able to save up or the rest of my tools and have a buffer savings set aside and my mentor can be very patronizing and isn't much help with questions and answers about how to's and why's.

I am sure I am doing a good job, my reports don't get kicked back and have many repeat clients, I am smart and witty and I get really fired up about things looking up but so many times now there have been broken promises - I am so at the end of my rope, I'm ready to call my Dad for a loan, walk out/run away from my mentor, get the rest of my equipment, take the last class and hopefully pass the test, and wing it on my own.

Any thoughts from anyone? I feel I'm stuck where I'm at and maybe I just need to go for it-take a chance, can't get any worse right? I could make a better living as a clerk at the mall as it stands now!

 

[Restrain]

Never jump from a cliff without looking to see if there's a net.

1. Take a look at any agreement from your mentor as to a non-compete or clause about going after his clients. That's going to affect how you go into business.

2. Get copies of your reports in case you haven't gotten them already.

3. Get your license.

4. Once you get your license, I would approach the AMCs to establish your own client list. Lender's Service, EValueIt, Chesapeake are several that would use a relatively new appraiser. That should get you started.

5. If you're going to borrow from dad, you need a business phone (you can work out of your house), voice mail, combo printer/fax machine, E-machine or similar computer and software. Total cost less than $2K. Call Providian or Capital - you can put it on your VISA.

6. Get a copy of Harrison's URAR book as well as the basic AI real estate book... The AI book for theory, Harrison for practical stuff.

7. As you build up your own client list, you can bid your mentor good-bye.

Do this one step at a time and Good Luck.

Roger Strahan, IFA

 

[Randy Beigh]

Alice

You sound a little depressed and could use Dear Abby and that I'm not, but I will make a few comments.

Parts of your post are run on sentences and while I'm not completely sure what you are saying, the gist of your post is that you don't have good communications with your mentor and you feel underpaid for the work you are doing. All below responses will be with that idea in mind.

Before you pack your bags, maybe you should try talking with the mentor. Tell him/her/it how you feel. Ask for a review of your job performance. If you are near to taking the test and you don't know how well or poor you are doing, the mentor is lacking in some management skills. All of us are and nobody gets to be perfect, so maybe it is just an oversight on the employer's part. It is so easy to get used to the employee being there and for the employee to begin to feel used. Speaking from experience on both sides.

Ask the mentor about your future with this company. What about the pay after licensing? What is expected of you and what do you expect from the employer? Were you planning on leaving, all along, after licensing?

If you decide to leave and depending on the area of the country you are in, I would be interested in talking with you as you sound very committed to the profession. And I only wish you the best.

Hope this helps

 

[Randy Beigh]

Alice

If you decide to leave, pay attention to Roger's advice. It was very good.

 

[ALICE CHRISTENSEN]

Thank you Roger, I guess I'm in panic mode right now. :blink:

There is no agreement or any signed contract where I'm at now...guess I'm a free bird!!
I've got copies of all my work up to date...except a few here and there that have had additional comps added.(do i need to worry about that?)
Need the state license.
I have several ideas on client aquirement.
I may need to borrow from good ol Dad, I have legal pad pages filled with what I need from A to Z, how much the costs are for each to start, then monthly and then annually. Everything from the computer and software to E&O and MLS memberships and phone/fax/internet lines and on and on.
I'll be ordering approx. 13 reference books in the next week including my own copy of Marshall/Swift, Harrison's URAR, USPAP, Land Valuation, Property Inspection Guide, Rural Property and on and on! About $600.00 worth! I'm gonna rock and be beefed up on all the info! yea!

I just know I need to get on my own asap. I have the education,
tech. know-how, and tenacity to do this. I have been working in this field for a combined 9 years. Have had my limited license for the last year and a half.
Matter of fact, they all copy what I do from what kind of computer to how I set up my work files and they have been doing this for years and I had to figure it out on my own!
Again I thank you for letting me vent this out and try and figure this out.
To Success in 2004!(maybe the end of 2003?)

 

[ALICE CHRISTENSEN]

Randy,

Thank you - I never was a Dear Abby fan anyway! :asleep:
You made and excellant point I beg forgivness for the rambling on in my sentance structure-I get too excited and have too much to say I guess.
I have tried what you suggested to no avail.
I will hang in there and do my best as always.