Starting a Career in Real Estate Appraisal: 5 Steps to Success
There are numerous motivations for individuals to pursue a career in real estate appraisal. These include the potential for a lucrative income, the flexibility to work on their own terms, and the relatively low initial investment compared to other small businesses. If you are considering starting a career in appraisal or are already a licensed trainee seeking to advance quickly, here are five steps you can take to accelerate your appraisal career.
1. Start classes even if you haven’t found a supervisor
To become a licensed appraiser, most states require you to start out as an appraisal trainee and obtain a certain number of hours of experience before you can appraise real property on your own. A common hurdle faced by new appraisers is finding a supervisor to take you on as a trainee so that you can complete your on-the-job training.
“My advice for people who are interested in becoming an appraiser is to take control of your training,” says former trainee Lindsay Onuffer. “I would suggest for anyone who’s interested to start taking your appraiser trainee classes whether you have found a supervisor or not. Having all of that education under your belt can help you be more marketable as a trainee to a supervisor.”
If you’ve already taken all or most of your appraisal qualifying education courses before applying for a trainee position, it not only shows initiative, but also demonstrates that you won’t be starting from square one.
2. Take your classes online
Online education is a convenient and affordable way to fast-track your appraisal career. You can take your appraisal qualifying education courses completely online through an accredited appraisal school, such as McKissock.
McKissock offers two types of 100% online education: self-study and live stream (available in most states). Self-study allows you to complete your qualifying education courses at your own pace, on your own time, while live stream mirrors a classroom setting in which you learn from an instructor in real-time. Both options enable you to learn from the comfort and safety of your home or office. All you need is a computer or smart device and an internet connection, and you’ll be on your way.
3. Sharpen your resume
To help improve your chances of quickly getting hired as an appraiser trainee, you’ll want to make your resume as impressive as possible. Here are a few things you can do to sharpen your resume and stand out from the competition:
- Include any pre-licensing courses you’ve already taken
- Emphasize overall education
- Highlight relevant skills and experience
- Let your personal characteristics shine
- Avoid resume “red flags” (e.g., spelling and grammar errors)
4. Start networking
When it comes to networking, there’s no time like the present. Whether you’re trying to find a supervisor who will take you on as a trainee, looking to obtain new clients, or simply trying to be the best appraiser you can be, you will go farther and faster in your career with the support of a strong professional network. Seek out opportunities for both online and in-person networking.
5. Track your appraisal career goals
If you’re just getting started, a good way to begin is by researching your state’s specific requirements on how to become an appraiser. Then come up with a plan and a timeline for completing the education and experience required to launch your career. Next, identify goals designed to grow your career. These may include upgrading your license, starting your own appraisal firm, developing a niche specialty, learning new technology, continuing your education, and increasing your income. Try to set specific goals for yourself. Write them down and track them weekly, monthly, or yearly to hold yourself accountable and stay on track for success.
