Paul Ness MAI
Member
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2002
- Professional Status
- Certified General Appraiser
- State
- Pennsylvania
See my post under "Entering a Career as a Real Estate Appraiser".
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- Thread starter rickyshaw
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TabathaMcCarty
Freshman Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2002
Ricky,
I, too, have been suprised by all the negativity I've seen at this forum. (Hooray for the ones who do see the glass as half FULL
) Maybe it's because I'm not an appraiser yet. However, I'm on my way.
I just recently decided to enter the field and am determined to be successful at it. I'm very drawn to the work and am confident that I have what it takes. I'm checking into beginning the courses soon and believe that I have found two mentors to work under with the stipulation of a non-compete clause (believe it or not, after only two day of making telephone calls!). I just got on Yahoo Yellow Pages and got every local appraisers number that I could find. I just made confident calls, told them of my interest, and asked them if they needed an assistant, would be willing to take on an apprentice, or knew of anyone who might.
I'm quickly learning that the Appraisal Industry is a very competitive one. And, as Austin posted, it's not really to an appraiser's benefit to take on an apprentice. For an appraiser to be a mentor means that he is going an extra mile to do a favor for someone. You just have to keep faith that there is someone out there who is that generous and an appraiser who can modestly remember their beginning days. **I actually told this to the gentleman who is considering to take me on as his apprentice.
Perhaps we beginners can ask experienced appraiser to remember the GOLDEN RULE.
Keep smiling, Ricky. Best wishes to you.
Tabatha McCarty
Southern Ohio
I, too, have been suprised by all the negativity I've seen at this forum. (Hooray for the ones who do see the glass as half FULL
) Maybe it's because I'm not an appraiser yet. However, I'm on my way.I just recently decided to enter the field and am determined to be successful at it. I'm very drawn to the work and am confident that I have what it takes. I'm checking into beginning the courses soon and believe that I have found two mentors to work under with the stipulation of a non-compete clause (believe it or not, after only two day of making telephone calls!). I just got on Yahoo Yellow Pages and got every local appraisers number that I could find. I just made confident calls, told them of my interest, and asked them if they needed an assistant, would be willing to take on an apprentice, or knew of anyone who might.
I'm quickly learning that the Appraisal Industry is a very competitive one. And, as Austin posted, it's not really to an appraiser's benefit to take on an apprentice. For an appraiser to be a mentor means that he is going an extra mile to do a favor for someone. You just have to keep faith that there is someone out there who is that generous and an appraiser who can modestly remember their beginning days. **I actually told this to the gentleman who is considering to take me on as his apprentice.
Perhaps we beginners can ask experienced appraiser to remember the GOLDEN RULE.
Keep smiling, Ricky. Best wishes to you.
Tabatha McCarty
Southern Ohio
Tabatha,
Thank you for the upbeat, positive reply. It is very refreshing to hear someone taking such an optimistic approach to this field. The negativity was surprising. I was beginning to think that not only was that glass half empty, but maybe it was instead a paper cup with a hole in it!
It sounds if your determination, attitude, and confidence will take you far. I need to take a lesson from you and try to remain positive. Amazing to have found two mentors in two days. I have been looking for weeks and have only had doors closed. Of course, I do understand why an experienced appraiser would not want to bother training someone. It would seem to be a no win situation if the trainee just wants to take their business away someday. I wonder about the level of ethics a person has to steal business from his mentor. One thing you mentioned is to "keep faith that there is someone out there who is that generous".
I will keep smiling, just as you suggested. Best wishes to you, too.
Thank you for the upbeat, positive reply. It is very refreshing to hear someone taking such an optimistic approach to this field. The negativity was surprising. I was beginning to think that not only was that glass half empty, but maybe it was instead a paper cup with a hole in it!
It sounds if your determination, attitude, and confidence will take you far. I need to take a lesson from you and try to remain positive. Amazing to have found two mentors in two days. I have been looking for weeks and have only had doors closed. Of course, I do understand why an experienced appraiser would not want to bother training someone. It would seem to be a no win situation if the trainee just wants to take their business away someday. I wonder about the level of ethics a person has to steal business from his mentor. One thing you mentioned is to "keep faith that there is someone out there who is that generous".
I will keep smiling, just as you suggested. Best wishes to you, too.
Tabatha,
Thank you for the upbeat, positive reply. It is very refreshing to hear someone taking such an optimistic approach to this field. The negativity was surprising. I was beginning to think that not only was that glass half empty, but maybe it was instead a paper cup with a hole in it!
It sounds if your determination, attitude, and confidence will take you far. I need to take a lesson from you and try to remain positive. Amazing to have found two mentors in two days. I have been looking for weeks and have only had doors closed. Of course, I do understand why an experienced appraiser would not want to bother training someone. It would seem to be a no win situation if the trainee just wants to take their business away someday. I wonder about the level of ethics a person has to steal business from his mentor. One thing you mentioned is to "keep faith that there is someone out there who is that generous".
I will keep smiling, just as you suggested. Best wishes to you, too.
Thank you for the upbeat, positive reply. It is very refreshing to hear someone taking such an optimistic approach to this field. The negativity was surprising. I was beginning to think that not only was that glass half empty, but maybe it was instead a paper cup with a hole in it!
It sounds if your determination, attitude, and confidence will take you far. I need to take a lesson from you and try to remain positive. Amazing to have found two mentors in two days. I have been looking for weeks and have only had doors closed. Of course, I do understand why an experienced appraiser would not want to bother training someone. It would seem to be a no win situation if the trainee just wants to take their business away someday. I wonder about the level of ethics a person has to steal business from his mentor. One thing you mentioned is to "keep faith that there is someone out there who is that generous".
I will keep smiling, just as you suggested. Best wishes to you, too.
Wally Jones
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2002
- Professional Status
- Certified Residential Appraiser
- State
- Florida
Ricky, Tabatha,
If you're still interested in becoming an appraiser after all you've read so far, then you'll probably make it. I don't think all the responses were meant to deter you from the career field, rather to help you enter it with both eyes wide open. I jumped into it three years ago. My first two years were almost exactly as everyone has described for you. Low pay, hard work, seven days (and nights) a week, the worst assignments, found out my "mentor" (who never once went on an inspection with me) was conducting business in a less than ethical manner, etc. I escaped about a year ago and am now happy as a clam, just passed my state certification exam and really enjoy the work.
Please read the information others have offered several times to be certain you know what you're in for. Yes, the cup is half empty. It's up to you to begin filling it with your motivation, education, desire and dedication. Here's to both of you (raising my now half full cup)! Good Luck.
Wally Jones
Floridian
P.S. Have a lawyer review any non-compete agreement you're considering.
If you're still interested in becoming an appraiser after all you've read so far, then you'll probably make it. I don't think all the responses were meant to deter you from the career field, rather to help you enter it with both eyes wide open. I jumped into it three years ago. My first two years were almost exactly as everyone has described for you. Low pay, hard work, seven days (and nights) a week, the worst assignments, found out my "mentor" (who never once went on an inspection with me) was conducting business in a less than ethical manner, etc. I escaped about a year ago and am now happy as a clam, just passed my state certification exam and really enjoy the work.
Please read the information others have offered several times to be certain you know what you're in for. Yes, the cup is half empty. It's up to you to begin filling it with your motivation, education, desire and dedication. Here's to both of you (raising my now half full cup)! Good Luck.
Wally Jones
Floridian
P.S. Have a lawyer review any non-compete agreement you're considering.
Hello,
As a bit of an update to my original post, I am still diligently looking for a mentor/trainer. No luck yet, but still trying and trying not to spill that half full glass! I am thinking that I will go ahead and take the 90hr class if for nothing else, personal fulfillment. If I don't find a job in the field, all I am out is my time, and I have gained some knowledge of a topic I am interested in. Just call it continuing education in life.
As a bit of an update to my original post, I am still diligently looking for a mentor/trainer. No luck yet, but still trying and trying not to spill that half full glass! I am thinking that I will go ahead and take the 90hr class if for nothing else, personal fulfillment. If I don't find a job in the field, all I am out is my time, and I have gained some knowledge of a topic I am interested in. Just call it continuing education in life.
D
Dean House
Guest
Ricky.
This is a good and useful website, but the negativity just kills me. Yes, it is hard to get into this business, but not impossible. Maybe its just me, I made $30,000 each of the two years i trained for my certification. I got a %45 fee split on all my deals, and was lucky to be supplied enough work to keep me going. Although, I have to say, i wasnt a total newbie when i started. I had worked in the appraisal office for two years befor i got my trainee license.
And the demise of the appraisal business is very misunderstood in my opinion. Yes, the business is changing, and we must change and grow with it, but its not about to die like some people would want you to think.
If you want it, you should go for it, but please, research it first. There have been an awful lot of trainees turned off once they begin to work, especially if you have a mentor who makes the numbers work to get business and make money.
This is a good and useful website, but the negativity just kills me. Yes, it is hard to get into this business, but not impossible. Maybe its just me, I made $30,000 each of the two years i trained for my certification. I got a %45 fee split on all my deals, and was lucky to be supplied enough work to keep me going. Although, I have to say, i wasnt a total newbie when i started. I had worked in the appraisal office for two years befor i got my trainee license.
And the demise of the appraisal business is very misunderstood in my opinion. Yes, the business is changing, and we must change and grow with it, but its not about to die like some people would want you to think.
If you want it, you should go for it, but please, research it first. There have been an awful lot of trainees turned off once they begin to work, especially if you have a mentor who makes the numbers work to get business and make money.
BenLuby
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 28, 2002
- Professional Status
- Certified Residential Appraiser
- State
- Georgia
Ricky,
There is work in Georgia. I am a Registered appraiser, in a small shop, but I, quite honestly, fell into this job. Old friend from high school (back when we rode dinosaurs to school), called me up and asked me if I wanted to get together and discuss my becoming an appraiser. I said sure, whatever that is. Any way, I've been doing this for over a year, and I love it. One question, have you gone down to your local tax assessors office and checked there and some of the surrounding counties to see if they are hiring? I think the hours count, and it will give you some good experience. And, like you, my mentor is stuck with me. I flat out told him if he wants me to leave his office, he better bring a shot gun and show me it is loaded. Probably need to fire a round to prove he is serious, too. I will be licensed by about January, but I won't leave. Running your own appraisal business is too much of a hassle from what I've seen. Let me just do my thing and get a check. I have a good mentor who really makes me want to work. Good luck, and you only fail when you quit trying.
There is work in Georgia. I am a Registered appraiser, in a small shop, but I, quite honestly, fell into this job. Old friend from high school (back when we rode dinosaurs to school), called me up and asked me if I wanted to get together and discuss my becoming an appraiser. I said sure, whatever that is. Any way, I've been doing this for over a year, and I love it. One question, have you gone down to your local tax assessors office and checked there and some of the surrounding counties to see if they are hiring? I think the hours count, and it will give you some good experience. And, like you, my mentor is stuck with me. I flat out told him if he wants me to leave his office, he better bring a shot gun and show me it is loaded. Probably need to fire a round to prove he is serious, too. I will be licensed by about January, but I won't leave. Running your own appraisal business is too much of a hassle from what I've seen. Let me just do my thing and get a check. I have a good mentor who really makes me want to work. Good luck, and you only fail when you quit trying.
Mike Garrett RAA
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2002
- Professional Status
- Certified Residential Appraiser
- State
- Colorado
Ricky, I facilitate the registered appraisers course here in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In the past year more than 60 people have taken the course. Of that, perhaps 10 have found jobs. It's much like the real estate business, lots of people get in....most get out!
We are not trying to be negative....just telling you the truth. There is no guarantee we will be needed in the future. I have been appraising for 22+ years and have more than 35 years real estate experience. Most likely I will be able to make a living at it until I retire in 5 to 10 years.
This is not a get rich quick business...those who think that usually bend the rules and run the risk of losing their licenses, being fined, or even jailed. If you want to spend the time learning, being an apprentice, and paying your dues ... you will be able to make a decent living. There are no quarantees. personally, if it was me and I was younger, I would look for something with a more secure future.
Ever thought of being a Marine?
We are not trying to be negative....just telling you the truth. There is no guarantee we will be needed in the future. I have been appraising for 22+ years and have more than 35 years real estate experience. Most likely I will be able to make a living at it until I retire in 5 to 10 years.
This is not a get rich quick business...those who think that usually bend the rules and run the risk of losing their licenses, being fined, or even jailed. If you want to spend the time learning, being an apprentice, and paying your dues ... you will be able to make a decent living. There are no quarantees. personally, if it was me and I was younger, I would look for something with a more secure future.
Ever thought of being a Marine?
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