straight to commercial?

[lauralee]

I know theres a whole separate forum for discussion on appraisal education... but I can't resist. What do you guys think of taking the online classes from the Appraisal Institute?

I think that you would be losing a lot by not joining in a class. There's just so much that you miss out on with the class discussion and being able to ask questions. Plus you can do some networking and exchange ideas about the job search with others. Many times in the AI classes you will be taking them with people already in the industry. Even if they are not, it's still good to meet people. I'm still in touch with some people I met through my pre-licensing course (which was not AI) that are now in the industry. I think it is time time well spent. With you being in Pennsylvania, there is probably an AI class not too far from you. The only way I would recommend the online course is if you absolutely cannot get it done any other way. I don't think prospective mentors would look upon it quite as favorably.

 

[The Warrior Monk]

I know theres a whole separate forum for discussion on appraisal education... but I can't resist. What do you guys think of taking the online classes from the Appraisal Institute?

I don't think that they offer online qualifying education for the commercial courses (though I haven't checked in a while).

 

[Thern Newbell]

I don't think that they offer online qualifying education for the commercial courses (though I haven't checked in a while).

The only offerings that would be online are the basic principles, proceedures courses, and other courses that are required for residential, too. Commercial specific courses (i.e. income courses, sales comparison, etc) are not available to my knowledge. Even if they were, I wouldn't take one of these courses online. I agree with a previous post in that you are really missing out by not attending a class in lieu of taking an online course.

 

[Blueprint]

What do you guys think of taking the online classes from the Appraisal Institute?

You really should take your classes in person and get as much education as you can before looking for a full time position. I am sure many are trying to transfer from residential to commercial right now due to a lack of work. You may have the ultimate advantage though as a fresh newbie out of college with no "history". That would definitely be more attractive to me vs. someone already set in their residential appraising ways!!!