Trainee log journal?

[HowAboutNo]

One of the requirements for the trainee log journal in MA is that you stipulate the number of hours spent on each job. However, the state board also provides a table stating how many hours can be credited for a job based on the type of property. As a trainee, how specific should I be? Should I just list every job with the corresponding hours on the state's table? It doesn't seem feasible to record the exact number of hours spent on a job, as I'm often switching between multiple reports in the same day. I'd need one of those chess timers. Also, do I include the time spent visiting potential comps?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Generally they will accept the tabled hours, but where they balk is when you are showing say 8 hours per report and 3 reports on the same day. Or, you claim more hours than the tables suggest. So claiming 40 hours to do a SFR might not cut it. But if, for some reason, you do a Mansion and spend 40 hours, then I'd add an itemized time sheet of how each hour was spent and why. I recently appraised a SFR used as a lake side VRBO and the stinker took nigh 30 hours being a huge house with boat docks, separate garages, etc. Commercial ditto. I did a commercial shop that took me less than 6 hours - the "book" would have allowed me 20 hours. But I've also done poultry farms that took 3-4 days to do.

 

[Tiffany Gibbons]

One of the requirements for the trainee log journal in MA is that you stipulate the number of hours spent on each job. However, the state board also provides a table stating how many hours can be credited for a job based on the type of property. As a trainee, how specific should I be? Should I just list every job with the corresponding hours on the state's table? It doesn't seem feasible to record the exact number of hours spent on a job, as I'm often switching between multiple reports in the same day. I'd need one of those chess timers. Also, do I include the time spent visiting potential comps?

First of all, don't put any of your nightmare assignments on the log at all, just normal, average, cookie cutter assignments. Then claim the maximum hours for each one on the log. If they "balk", tell them you have insomnia and work both day and night, lol. It sometimes takes hours of research and you're a slow reader, etc. I remember they somehow "randomly" picked a condominium, a triplex, and a mansion off my residential log to grill me about. Same when I got my CG, mysteriously picked the 3 craziest properties on my log to grill me on in the interview. Remember, it's your future competition deciding if they want you to get your license, along with some folks who only teach and AMC "appraiser" CEO types. YMMV, different state and all.

 

[Elliott]

Some states require a breakdown, but if MA is simple, you might indicate in one column 9 hours of work, then in the maximum allowed column you put 8 hours. If its 6 hours, then only 6 goes in the next column. I'd suggest putting the information on a spreadsheet.

 

[Long Walk]

MA has a form. Follow the form and don't free-style. If you want more local color, reach out to Joe Brice at JMB Real Estate Academy in Lowell. Good guy. Never guesses. Totally knowledgeable.

 

[HowAboutNo]

MA has a form. Follow the form and don't free-style. If you want more local color, reach out to Joe Brice at JMB Real Estate Academy in Lowell. Good guy. Never guesses. Totally knowledgeable.

Do you know where I could find that form? The only guidance I've found on the MA licensure website is a list of minimum reqs, not so much a form. It also doesn't clarify whether you're credited with the hours on the table, or if they want you to claim how many you actually spent on the assignment.

 

[Long Walk]

Do you know where I could find that form? The only guidance I've found on the MA licensure website is a list of minimum reqs, not so much a form. It also doesn't clarify whether you're credited with the hours on the table, or if they want you to claim how many you actually spent on the assignment.

Try this for the form: https://www.mass.gov/doc/work-experience-log-sample

Try this for the hours: https://www.mass.gov/doc/264-cmr-5-licensurecertification-requirements/download

All else fails, call or email the board. They will help you.