I am starting the Real Estate Appraisal Classes at a local school in January My past work experience is in Construction admin. accounting. managing & very little estimating.
I was wondering if anyone has any advice for what I can do in the mean time before I start. By researching, reading, studying? (Any good books for starting out) I have no experience in real estate/ or appraisal.
Also after I take the classes and the tests needed, where do I go from there? I have heard it is very hard to find an appraiser to hire a trainee. I am very exicted about getting into this profession and know i will have to work hard to do it.
Any advice will help for a beginner.
Thanks

Yes you are right it is hard to find an appraiser to hire you as a trainee...now I do not say this to scare you away only to let you know that you will have to work a little harder in finding an opening. In my area appaiser trainee make around 30-35k a year the first two years and then explode after that lol.

With your background it sounds like you could go after commercial appraising, but I would suggest holding off until you are done as a trainee and gain some experience.


If your looking for a book to read here is one: http://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Estate-Appraisal-William-Ventolo/dp/0793142709/sr=8-2/qid=1167366072/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-2998367-6769262?ie=UTF8&s=books

Don't buy the new version, buy the used and get it for $3.00!

I'm pretty new as well. I just recently completed my appraisal courses and USPAP certification. My advice is to learn as much as possible while attending your classes. Since you don't have any experience, try to see if you can get hired as an intern or assistant while you take those classes. I am looking to get into trainee-in-process positions or assistant/intern positions. I have sent in my application to take the state exam and will be studying in between that time. Good luck!:)

Hey Don, Glad to have you aboard! :fish2:
You offer great advice. Before you even take the course I would suggest picking up a book such as the one I suggested or just do a search on amazon for appraisers and you'll find something good. :) Just by reading it you will be way ahead of lots of people in the class. Plus you will remember alot more and be exposed to certain words and defintions. Thus you will learn alot faster.
So pick a one lazy weekend and devote that whole weekend to just reading a book!

When you first take your courses some of them are spread out over a couple weeks or months while others maybe only a weekend course. My course was over two weekends which was so insane to learn all the material!
Live and learn.