economy
516) Trainees in California
09/20/09
Dear Henry,
I obtained my appraisal trainee license a couple of years ago in California. I joined the Appraisal Institute, go to the local AI monthly meetings and attend seminars in order to network with other appraisers and learn as much as I can about the industry. I spend time practicing report writing, working with Win Total software, make phone calls to local appraisers, all in the hopes of obtaining a mentor. I then took some classes and obtained an Associate's degree in real estate – still no mentor. The appraisers I have talked to said they prefer to work alone – when times are busy they do not have enough time to teach anyone, when times are slow they do not have enough work!! I obtained my business license and will begin marketing to local CPAs, trust attorneys, and etc. in the hopes I can obtain my own clients and market myself to an appraiser to review my work. However, it appears I need to have someone on board now so I can let my clients know what my turn around time will be. Also I am having a hard time getting insured since many of the insurance companies will not issue insurance to an appraiser unless their mentor is insured with them. For those of us that do not have anyone we know in the industry it is nearly impossible to get started. It is quite a Catch-22 situation. Do you have any helpful suggestions or comments?
Thanks so much in advance for any advice you can provide. I have learned a lot by reading Real Estate Valuation Magazine and your Ask Henry Harrison website as well.
Name Withheld by Request
Dear Friend:
You are not alone. It has been really tough for trainee appraisers to find mentors. However, things seem to be getting a little better so all I can suggest is that you keep trying. You might discuss your situation with the education director of your AI chapter, and ask them to address it in an upcoming meeting.
H2
I obtained my appraisal trainee license a couple of years ago in California. I joined the Appraisal Institute, go to the local AI monthly meetings and attend seminars in order to network with other appraisers and learn as much as I can about the industry. I spend time practicing report writing, working with Win Total software, make phone calls to local appraisers, all in the hopes of obtaining a mentor. I then took some classes and obtained an Associate's degree in real estate – still no mentor. The appraisers I have talked to said they prefer to work alone – when times are busy they do not have enough time to teach anyone, when times are slow they do not have enough work!! I obtained my business license and will begin marketing to local CPAs, trust attorneys, and etc. in the hopes I can obtain my own clients and market myself to an appraiser to review my work. However, it appears I need to have someone on board now so I can let my clients know what my turn around time will be. Also I am having a hard time getting insured since many of the insurance companies will not issue insurance to an appraiser unless their mentor is insured with them. For those of us that do not have anyone we know in the industry it is nearly impossible to get started. It is quite a Catch-22 situation. Do you have any helpful suggestions or comments?
Thanks so much in advance for any advice you can provide. I have learned a lot by reading Real Estate Valuation Magazine and your Ask Henry Harrison website as well.
Name Withheld by Request
Dear Friend:
You are not alone. It has been really tough for trainee appraisers to find mentors. However, things seem to be getting a little better so all I can suggest is that you keep trying. You might discuss your situation with the education director of your AI chapter, and ask them to address it in an upcoming meeting.
H2