Where to go from here?

[wildco]

I've been a Licensed Appraiser for 4 years which I achieved while working for a local Assessor. I have since left the Assessor and am now working for the local city in their real estate division handling property negotiations, easement acquisitions, and small valuation assignments.

I have wanted to obtain my Certified General for awhile now but do not work with any other appraisers in my department to supervise those types of assignments to establish my 'appraisal experience' for this level. I've had a few cases where my employer has asked me to look into a 'value estimate' for a commercial property and I've had to explain that this is beyond the limitations of my license. This is another reason I would very much like to acquire the Certified General license.

While at the Assessors office, I did complete some commercial assignments under a Certified General in the same office - mainly involving commercial land, some GRM analysis, and A LOT of research. I continue to study any resources I can get my hands on - books, old appraisals in our office, talking with other appraisers, etc. I've also continued to take any classes I can to work towards the Certified General. It just seems I'm stuck in regards to obtaining documented appraisal experience, as well.

I guess I'm just looking for some thoughts on my situation. Is it out of the question to seek a mentor for the Certified General license while still trying to maintain my position at the city? I do not intend to leave my employer and be 'competition' to other appraisers in my area. I worry that if I am 'stuck' in my current level by staying with the city that I may lose my job anyway if they decide they need a CG instead.

Hope this all makes sense. Thoughts? (Be gentle)

 

[George Hatch]

Your first step, if you haven't already done so, is to take the coursework necessary to qualify for the license. It might be to your advantage to join the International Association of Assessing Officers (www.iaao.org), or the International Right of Way Association (www.irwaonline.org). Network with some folks who are already where you want to be.

After that, you need to weasel your way into some of those assignments at the city; or possibly consider going back to the Assessor's office, whether it's with that same county or another.

Another alternative may involve looking around at other levels of government, like state or federal. Having already worked in that type of environment in the past you might find it easier to make a lateral move somewhere.

The learning curve on commercial is so much longer that I think it would take you forever to get there by moonlighting for a fee appraiser. That would still be better than nothing, though.

 

[wildco]

All good points to consider. I have already taken one step you suggested - I am a member of IRWA and have been taking classes through them. I've also been taking a few classes from the Appraisal Institute, as well. Thanks for your input.

 

[eec08]

Trying To Get Started

I Got My Appraisal Education Last Year, Have All The Certificates And Wanted To Know If They Expire And Have To Retake Them