I'm interested in becoming a real estate appraiser......Does anyone know the first steps in this process?

Question

I've heard several different ways to approach this, but would really like to get as much information as I can.

Answer 1

I am a commercial appraiser in NY. Your first step is to decide what type of appraiser you want to become. Breaking into the business is very difficult because you have little to no experience and the training period at least for commercial is a long time. To start you have two options either start looking for a mentor appraiser first then take the classes or take the classes first then find a mentor. It's really a difficult decision because you don't want to spend the money for classes and no find employment nor do you want to get rejected for a position because you did not take the classes yet. The best place for education is the Appraisal Institute and their website is appraisalinstitute.org. You can join your local chapter and network with other appraisers in the business. I also, would suggest that if you chose to take classes that you finish all them prior to 1/1/08 because they are doubling the amount of classroom hours needed to obtain a license. You should go to your state's department of licensing and find out the requirements for licensing.

Answer 2

The first couple of steps to take are to look and see if there are any firms hiring, (you will have to apprentice for a minimum of two years under a licensed appraiser). Then you will have to take the training courses, they are offered from such companies as Lincoln Graduate Center, and IREAS. As of January 1st, the amount of classroom hours just went up to 150 hours. You will also have to have a minimum of an associates degree to even begin the process, and if you want to become a commercial appraiser, you will have to have a bachelors degree. Check with the appraisal licensing board in your area to see what exactly is necessary in your state, but those are the national guidelines.

Answer 3

Do you want to be an appraiser because you like the work and the income? Have you checked to see what income appraisers make? Note there is a large difference in the career path for a residential appraiser vs. a commercial appraiser.

Check with your state to see what the license requirements are. Expect that there will be a period where you work under someone else who already has a license.

Contact local firms to see if they are hiring? If so is there a recommended school they prefer to hire graduates from.

Answer 4

First of all, you don't have to be an agent or licensed real estate professional to become an appraiser.

Check with your states requirements for appraisers then check out some online schools, etc...

I actually have a bunch of information for california. That might help you.

DARN! I put in the wrong link before. lol

Answer 5

Go to the state department of real estate in your state.

There you will find a lot of info.

http://www.state.fl.us/dbpr/re/freab_licensing_requirements.shtml

This one above is for Florida. Just google name of your state+appraisal+licensing+agency. You'll have more than you want in an instant.

shop around for schools, the most expensive isn't often the very best, but they look like it.
Call an appraiser in your town and tell them you want to know what advise they have to offer. Most everyone likes to talk about themselves. Just make it short and sweet with a few questions.

Best of luck, the appraisers I know love their career choice.

Answer 6

You have to take an appraisal course and then get your appraiser's license. Start there.

Answer 7

In N.Y.S. they have instituted a course i hear it's about 50 hours but you better check any community college can help you out for details.
Good luck, better get a part time job to Carry you over for the start for a year or so.
Good luck.

Answer 8

step 1 would be to get your real estate licsence