Why would an Appraiser even hire a Trainee?

[Fernando]

Remember the days before licensing. Anyone could call themselves an appraiser.
The "good" appraiser would say they have credentials from Appraisal Institute (AI).
After licensing came, anyone who passed the test could be called a licensed appraiser and inexperienced appraisers opportunities opened up. It was the start of the demise of AI.
Being grandfathered in, I didn't go through the hurdles trainees need to go through now.
I admit in the beginning my appraisals were not that good but through the years it got better. I think past several years, my reports are as best as they ever been with the criticism from this forum.
I'm open to different ideas and will consider them.
I had one trainee in the past and it was more responsibilities than I wanted.
Hopefully you'll find a supervisor willing to mentor you.

 

[Mav1871]

Would not the upside for a supervisor be efficiency?

Yes - as a trainee, I cannot inspect a property without a supervisor. However, I can do the backend work on my own. I may need some guidance at first, however residential is nearly cookie cutter. My prior career was as a pharma process engineer conducting studies/experiments that were submitted to the FDA. The level of detail required and consequences of doing something wrong (intentionally or not) is at least the same. Probably much stricter b/c people could die.

We do the inspection together - Heck, schedule 2 or 3 per day. Let me do the backend work on my own time, in the evenings/weekends etc. The super could do additional assignments as I work on the assignments we did together. They could probably do at least 2x as many assignments as before.

 

[TMG]

Certified General Appraisers are your best bet. Usually they like to teach, have a little more time, and like to have someone to help them dabble in residential work.

 

[azbassman21]

It's a big hassle now because the business has changed. It wasn't always the case that a new licensed or certified appraiser could sign up with AMC and be flooded with work. It wasn't that long ago when a large percentage of appraisers worked in a appraisal company.

It's pretty insane that the AMCs are willing to use brand new licensed appraisers if you ask me.

AMCs will do anything to save/make another $25-50.

 

[Russ Kitzberger]

The Supervisor-Trainee course and the replies from you all make it pretty clear that this is just a big hassle for the supervisor. In Nevada I wouldn't even be able to do an inspection on my own for the first 50 properties I work on. It's just strange to me that the continuity of the whole appraisal profession relies on individuals taking it upon themselves to train new people when it's clearly not in their own best interest.

It's only a hassle because the effective billing rates for residential appraisal services are so low and you only need one person to do a project. Under the current lender rules requiring the supervisor to inspect the subject and comps; It is redundant having a trainee.

Have you considered working for 3 appraisers? Usually, states permit 2-3 supervisors in your training period. Say you can get a little bit of work from 3 people rather than trying to convince one?

Another option is to start your own firm, hire an appraiser, and assign yourself to them as the assistant. Doing a detailed analysis of the appraisal firm business model might lead you to a determination on what the challenges and opportunities are for those appraisers you are seeking to learn from. At least it will give you a good background to have a conversation with potential appraiser supervisors.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Have you considered working for 3 appraisers? Usually, states permit 2-3 supervisors in your training period.

But if you are not surprisingly having a hard time finding 1, how will you find 2 or 3?

Another option is to start your own firm, hire an appraiser, and assign yourself to them as the assistant.

How great a salesperson would you have to be? If you are that good, go into sales somewhere.
You're thinking outside the box though, which can't hurt.

Good luck to the OP.

 

[Russ Kitzberger]

But if you are not surprisingly having a hard time finding 1, how will you find 2 or 3?

It is all about finding the right value proposition. First; you set yourself up to be a resource to someone who needs that resource then you provide that to them. If you are talking to appraisers and they say, I really need someone who is good at the cost approach, then you go get a certification in the cost approach and start there.

One person might not want to make a full-time commitment to another person, however, if they (an appraiser) might be able to provide some easy items a few hours a week. Perhaps working non-exclusively could help you out to be a true independent contractor, which is less responsibility for the appraiser(s). Also, you won't guilt an appraiser for taking a vacation or not having assignments for a period of time if you are handling your own business.

I have discussed several models with appraisers, many appraisers would consider training someone if it was financially and psychologically beneficial and IF the risk was minimal.

 

[Tru Red]

I would never train another person that was not an experienced real estate agent or had experience as a lender......or some type of real estate experience.

At the very least they would have had to previously worked in the local assessors office doing something related to being an appraiser. In other words, not the janitor.

 

[shrubberyvaluation]

I would never train another person that was not an experienced real estate agent or had experience as a lender......or some type of real estate experience.

At the very least they would have had to previously worked in the local assessors office doing something related to being an appraiser. In other words, not the janitor.

I would actually be more cautious of experienced real estate agents in general. People can form bad habits. Either way I doubt I would train anyone.

 

[Tru Red]

I would actually be more cautious of experienced real estate agents in general. People can form bad habits. Either way I doubt I would train anyone.

I've had good luck with two prior agents. Their both certified appraisers now and making good money for themselves.