I am planning to take the appraiser course from Allied Appraisal School. Any feedback from this school?

Question

I just want to get any feedback from former students and/or current appraisers about this online/correspondence shcool. I plan to take the Appraiser course in CA. Would it be a good investment in the long run? And would you recommend this school or any other school?

Answer 1

I haven't taken any Allied courses, but know a couple people who have. I hear that their appraisal licensing package (75-hour course plus 15-hour USPAP) is okay...pretty easy and at a decent price. I'm not sure if their package meets the new education requirements that will become effective January 1, 2008 (if you haven't started your coursework yet, you'll likely have to abide by these new requirements. For more information, visit http://www.appraisalfoundation.org/s_appraisal/sec.asp?CID=2&DID=2)

If I were you, I'd check with Allied to see if they're offering licensing packages that meet the new education requirements. It'd be wretched for you to go through their coursework only to find out later that it doesn't meet the new requirements!

Another note on their courswork...I hear their upper level appraiser courses (like Income Property Valuation) are absolutely horrible! They deal with difficult appraisal concepts with little or no support from Allied (they don't have much in the way of support staff who knows this upper level coursework). In addition, I hear they teach advanced appraisal formulas algebraically (instead of on the calculator), making it even more difficult to learn the coursework.

I personally prefer Appraisal Institute classes (http://www.appraisalinstitute.com/) They're taught by experienced appraisers who know the coursework and I know for a fact that they are making steps to comply with the new education requirements. In addition, most students are in the appraisal field and it is a great way to network. It may cost a bit more, but I personally feel it is well worth it for the quality and networking opportunities.