I have been a licensed trainee for 2 years.

Before I even got my trainee license, I would go out with my mentor for "free". I helped tape, give driving directions and listened alot. (3 months)

After ten or so "inspections" being the "tape *****" and with trainee license in hand my mentor allowed me to do some report writing during the inspection and back at home using ACI Software, he paid me $100 per appraisal. I basically was inputting as much as I could and left the "appraiser verbage" for him to complete. It probably took my mentor 1 hour to review and fix the appraisal. I still went out with my mentor on every inspection. During this time I had a part time job to make ends meet. I have a wife and two children to take gave of. My wife also works. (1 year)

After one year of training and getting $100 per appraisal I moved up because my report writing got better to $160 per appraisal, I was basically starting to feel comfortable with the business etc... I was allowed to go out on my own and my mentor went out on inspections about 50% of the time. I was able to quit my part time job. (1/2 year)

At about 1.5 years, I had enough hours of experience and sent my log and upgrade application for my Res. License. To my surprise because of my hard work getting client via my website and marketing online (I was bringing in about 70% of the clients), my mentor asked me to become his business partner, now we split every dollar of profit made my the company 50/50. My wife is now considering quitting her job to stay home with both kids, ages 4 and 6. (1/2 year)

Today I am waiting for my Res. License, I talked with guy from the OREA and my app. was approved and my license should be here any day (probably two week lol). This will allow me to do some consulting and I won't have to have my mentor with me on inspection, yeah!

Here is my advice for trainee's just getting started. Basically you have to be an asset to you mentor by earning his/her trust by doing good work and make them money by getting clients. Period.

Anyways I thought I would share my story with other trainees in the business who think they can't succeed as a trainee and move up the latter.

Talk to you later.

Just wanted to let you know that this is inspirational for me. Thanks, needed to know how the process worked for others.


Jamila:)

This is very inspirational indeed. I'm actually just about to start the classroom time needed to become a trainee. This gives me a lot of hope that I can make it solely as an appraiser. Thanks for sharing.

Hello everyone! This is my first post as I am new to the forum. I just wanted to say, this looks like a very informative sight. Look forward to sharing and giving information.

Thanks for sharing your story. My biggest problem has been finding someone to give me that shot. Once I get my foot in the door he/she will see just how valuable having a trainee can be. Best of luck.