So, You Want To Be A Real Estate Appraiser

On a regular basis, I receive messages from individuals who want to become real estate appraisers. After finding my website, they reach out to me – sometimes in desperation – for advice or leads to help them achieve their goals. Here is an example (used with permission) that came to my inbox just this morning:

Coach, you do not know me, but I have been reading your articles for over a year now. I very much appreciate your views on things and I want more than anything to be an appraiser. I have shadowed an appraiser for a day and knew then that this is what I want to be. Unfortunately, I have reached out to over 30 different appraisers in my area and none of them are willing to supervise me. Do you know anyone in the [redacted] area who might be looking to take on a trainee? Also, what advice would you give to someone in my situation? Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Sincerely, John [redacted]

Unfortunately, there are plenty of appraisers who would be willing to give John advice. I say ‘unfortunately,’ because the ‘advice’ would likely sound something like this, “Run for the hills, John! Do not do it! You will spend years and lots of money and sacrifice to get your license only to find yourself working long hours for little pay. Become a doctor or a lawyer or an accountant; anything but an appraiser.”

Well John, you are not going to get that kind of advice from me. I absolutely love being an appraiser; you can make a lot of money at it and do it with a somewhat normal schedule. Appraisers are retiring and/or dying at a rapid rate. Very few newbies are coming in to take their place. This is unfortunate, because it is a wonderful career. But I have digressed somewhat. Let’s get back to the question at hand; how do you find someone willing to train you?appraisertraineementor

Let’s face facts; the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) has made it increasingly more difficult to become an appraiser. Getting from where you are to where you want to be will require thousands of hours of being carefully mentored, experience logs, as well as the equivalent of a four-year college degree. There is serious talk about changing some of those requirements, but the path from point A to point B can be daunting. Furthermore, the incentives for current appraisal business owners to hire an underling can be small. Most appraisal clients require a Certified Appraiser to complete the work. Why take on a trainee if they must accompany them on all inspections? Many appraisers are, with due justification, afraid of what happens after their trainee is licenced. What keeps that person from turning around and becoming your competition? It has happened to me, and it is not a positive experience.

Yet, there is hope! Every year, hundreds of appraisers still manage to become licensed, and not only through nepotism. Despite the hurdles, there are ways to accomplish your goal, but it might take thinking outside the box. Here are three suggestions to consider if you want to become a real estate appraiser.

See Things Through Your Potential Employer’s Eyes

The typical approach to finding a mentor includes making phone calls and sending resumes to local appraisers explaining you want to be an appraiser and asking if they consider taking you on. What is wrong with this approach? It is one-sided! It is all about the potential trainee and not about the potential trainer. It is very clear what is in it for you. What is in it for them?

Let’s face it, an appraiser is not going take on the time commitment and liability required to train a newbie unless there is a clear financial incentive to do so. Appraising is not a charitable cause. So, do not leave it up to your potential mentor to come up with that incentive. Give it to them on a silver platter. Rather than saying, “I need a job. Will you please give me one?,” show them where you can provide me an additional stream of income (or higher income with their current streams). For example, most non-lender appraisers do not require a Licensed or Certified Appraiser to be fully involved in every aspect of the appraisal process like lender-clients do. What if you committed to spending your time and money bringing in non-lender business that would not be there without you? Another option is being willing to do Tier I level work (i.e. data-entry, research, etc) for free (or low commission) in order to help take the pressure off your mentor’s shoulders. Less stress on them means more time and attention to train you.

Do not approach a potential trainer with the same old story about how you want to be an appraiser. I’ve got a file three inches thick with those stories. Stand out from the crowd by telling me how you can help me.

Give More Than You Receive

Napoleon Hill is famous for teaching that a principle of success is to give what is required and a little bit more. Do not just do what is written on your job title. Always go the extra mile. This will create a bond of loyalty with your employer and job security will be less of a problem.

What do you bring to the table in addition to the desire to become an appraiser? Do you have a background in web design? Perhaps you can commit to revamping and maintaining your mentor’s business website. There is a lot of non-lender appraisal work to be had, but most appraisers do not have time to pursue it. What appraiser would not be willing to bring on a trainee who promised to bring them additional, less-frustrating work?

Create a Long-Term Incentive

One of the biggest obstacles for an appraisal business owner in hiring is the fear of competition. Why should I spend the next 3-4 years of my life training you if you are just going to turn around and compete with me once you are certified? Even if this concern is not voiced by your potential trainer, you can be assured it is thought. Address the elephant in the room. Tell them that you appreciate their fear and then offer them some solutions.

Be willing to sign a Non-Compete Agreement (NCA). Though they are difficult to enforce, your willingness to bring it up will go a long way to reassure your mentor that you will honor that agreement. Perhaps you could set up an agreement where your employer escrows some of your paycheck while you are training that cannot be recouped until you return so many months in service after the mentoring process is over. Another idea is to be willing to work geographical areas that your mentor is either competent in (or could become competent in) which they are not currently working. Agree to work these areas with a fee split after you are licensed so as not to threaten their current coverage areas.

Conclusion

Sometimes the traditional approach to something is not the only or best approach. If you want to become an appraiser in today’s environment, it is going to take some creativity and sacrifice. Perhaps you can consider relocating. What about paying your mentor tuition for his willingness to pass on his time and knowledge similar to how you would pay for a college education? One thing is clear, calling all of the appraisers in your area and begging for a job will likely not get you much.

Despite what I sometimes hear from my peers, appraising in a wonderful career choice. Do not listen to the naysayers. If this is something you want to do, there is a way to do it.

 

 

Dustin Harris is a successful, self-employed, residential real estate appraiser. He has been appraising for nearly two decades. He is the owner and President of Appraisal Precision and Consulting Group, Inc., and is a popular author, speaker and consultant. He also owns and operates The Appraiser Coach where he personally advises and mentors other appraisers helping them to also run successful appraisal companies and increase their net worth. His free podcast can be listened to on iTunes and Stitcher. He and his wife reside in Idaho with their four children. He loves playing in the outdoors and watching movies indoors.

29 thoughts on “So, You Want To Be A Real Estate Appraiser”

  1. John, if you’ve been reading Dustin’s blogs for over a year, then you’ve also had the opportunity to read the comments by myself and others that often run polar opposite of the coach. Although Dustin will disagree with me, his $500,000 a year opinion represents the top 1% of the 1% of the trade, and does not represent the typical grunt in the field ($83,086 Mean Gross fee – 2015 National Appraiser Survey – Allterra Group LLC). In my opinion, his local situation (a few hundred appraisers in his entire state) with limited support via his workshops, dream teams, expo, and memberships, taints his view and the true nature of this field. His opinions often don’t match most of his peers. (2015 National Appraiser), “Are you optimistic about the future of appraising (74.6%) said NO, and as a result, in my opinion, much of what he says should be questioned (Never had a Raise in 20 years? BS, etc.).

    When much of the industry will tell you to “Run for the hills” as Dustin has indicated, and in your own experience, 30 different appraisers in your area have said NO to supervision, do not discount the facts John.

    Although Dustin hinted as to the extended timeline to become an appraiser (get your license), do not think for one second you are fully employable ($83,086 a year in fees) after you have the paper in hand. After yearly required applications, many in my area HAVE NOT BEEN added to the Veterans Affairs panel after 15 years of effort. Many lenders and or AMC’s will demand 5, 8, or 10 years of experience from receipt of license, on top of the 7 to 8 years from high school it took to earn your license.

    John, truth be told, your success or failure in this business will at times, be out of your hands. Is it financial success to get $400 per appraisal while living in Idaho Falls (Median home price $185,380), I say YES, how about $400 in other communities where the median home price is $802,495, I say NO. Will the government change regulations and create winners and losers overnight? Will your local direct lender jump ship to an AMC and cut your fees in half?

    Although Dustin has indicated many appraises are retiring and or dying at a rapid rate, understand, MOST have left for other reasons (lower pay, higher liability, increased oversight, lack of independence, AMC use, etc.

    Seek the truth, John.

  2. I too have been reading Dustin’s blog’s for a while now and the one thing I can definitely say is that it must suck being you Bill!

    1. Doug, go read the 2015 National Appraiser Survey – Allterra Group LLC that was conducted by Dustin’s good friend Joan Trice, and get back to me. When it asks, “Are you optimistic about the future of appraising” and 74.6% say NO, reality is truth. Say what you want about me as an individual, but when 3 out of 4 people have a negative view of the future, its information that people considering this career must be aware of.

        1. Although the state of CA has declining appraiser numbers (Brea Licensing Stats), many will be saddened by the fact that I still have mine.

          01/28/2016 = 11,091 Active Licensees
          08/16/2016 = 10,887 Active Licensees

          On pace to lose +/- 400 appraisers this year.

  3. Joshua Hatfield

    John, if you truly have the desire, which it sounds like you do…go for it..there is some truth to Bill and Dustin’s comments. It’s not east, but is there anything worthwhile that is? This is my 18th year from starting as a trainee in my last year of college. I fell into it by accident really, just needed to supplement my school loan money and after graduation and over 300 applications for potential employment I received an offer to work for an experienced appraiser. I accepted, though I admit was not fully appreciative of the opportunity. Once I saw what my mentor was earning my appreciation increased and the desire to learn all I could, and protect my career also increased. I have not come anywhere close to 500k a year, but hearing Dustin’s point of view and seeing his success does not discourage or anger me, it excited me to the potential. Bill said much of your success is out of your control. Not true…when you are starting out, take the deals in areas nobody else wants, educate yourself from your mentor, take more continuing education than what is required..find your way! Be prompt, courteous to everyone no matter the situation, revisions request…don’t put it off, do it instantly, update vendors with scheduling attempts, say please and thank you everytime you communicate. Some see it as kissing a&& maybe, but I don’t. I see it as leaving a good image of yourself no matter what. Be polite but be firm. You can’t be an appraiser without having thick skin, something I learned over the years. The scariest part of being an appraiser is the unknown. With hard work and determination you will find success and after 10-15 years in you may find yourself asking what will I do if I can’t be an appraiser one day. Good luck with that one. Do your best, get up early, perfect your craft and processes, don’t bend for anyone, and when the weekend comes, enjoy them..don’t work weekends, ever. It works for me…Good luck, John!

    1. Well said Josh!

      John, the answer is right here in front of you. All you have to do is read Josh’s post above then move on to Bill Johnson’s. If you have as much negativity in your life as BJ does, stick to your day job. If you identify more with Josh’s “make it happen” mentality, jump in, the water is warm!

      Great insight and advice as usual Dustin, keep up the good work!

      1. This is a question I really want an honest answer to Kenrof. How is exposing the magicians secrets (truth of an industry) being negative as it relates to the articles point (entry into this field)? When considering entry into the police force, should entrants only consider the positives, or should they consider the reality of the day?

          1. Since its unknown as to where Dustin’s follower will practice, my question would then would be “what are the negatives of our field from your perspective and area of practice – Chicago”? While I hold a license in CA and can where shorts every day if I choose, I would imagine being outside for half a day at times in your area will have its challenges. My area has no peek buying season as with the climate my work is consistent 12 months a year. Should a newbie be made aware of the potential peeks and valleys as it relates to residential work in your area? You tell me/us.

    2. Joshua, thank you for indicating you see some truth to my comments, however I disagree with you when it comes to my previous statement “truth be told, your success or failure in this business will at times, be out of your hands”. If one is going to start a business (appraising), then one must know how much regulation is involved in that space, and understand that the writing of the rules (regulation), can change at any time. Although appraisers can file petitions, provide comments during comment periods, etc., the powers that be can change the playing field overnight (HVCC, Dodd – Frank, Federal AMC rules, State laws, etc.). Many owners had what they would call successful appraisal businesses in 2008, however it was out of their hands when in 2009 (HVCC) many a business models (no inner office transfers) collapsed.
      When regulators have the power to say ones 10, 20, or 30+ year FHA loan experience as a residential licensed appraiser is meaningless (must know be certified), do not under estimate ones success or failures based on outsiders and there rule making.
      When some states take the bull by the horns to develop AMC legislation (state level) and or enforce customary and reasonable fees, again, in part your individual success will be based on others. Will John’s state choose to develop legislation as it relates to Federal AMC requirements in the next 24 months? Will AMC’s be able to practice in states where NO such regulation is developed? What will the impact be to John’s business when overnight AMC’s are not allowed to operate in his state?
      If John has a business where the starting minimum wage is $7.25 (Idaho) for his employees, but via political pressure the ENTIRE STATE (CA) is forced to adopt a minimum wage of $15 (2020), then again much of what is accomplished, is out of his hands.
      By all means, complete your work on time, be kind, follow the AMC’s dress code and phone script, but to my point, AT TIMES, success will be out of your hands.
      I have learned more from those who disagree with me, then those who agree. Seek the truth.

  4. I can definitely appreciate Dustin’s positivity and a lot of what he writes does have merit. I’m not so worried about training my competition or AMC’s taking over.

    What I am genuinely worried about is whether or not the industry will still be relevant in 5-10+ years. After you are done training to be an appraiser over the course of several years the industry can and most likely will change a lot. We live in a technological world and I can’t help but think that AVM’s and more tech is going to start taking more of the appraisal work. It has already been happening for many years now. I wouldn’t be surprised if the appraiser has a much diminished role in the future. Maybe it’s because I live in Silicon Valley I am overly exposed to tech and efficiency but I think it’s a reasonable fear. And I think young appraisers not close to retirement and trainees have to consider that before making such a huge commitment. If I was a young college graduate I would look for something in the tech field as that’s where the big paying jobs with potential growth is. Many appraisers including myself deal with a lot of uncertainty no matter how great you recession proof your business.

    I can appreciate Dustin’s perspective and the fact that he always remains positive contrary to the typical appraiser. This is a great discussion!

  5. I’m on my 2nd trainee, and it’s possible to train new appraisers to the benefit of the supervisor. I pay $25/hr for trainees because I employ adults with families and a living wage is important. I’m sure it would work at $20/hr. My commitment is for 2000 hrs of training. Everything else is up to them. The right candidate will be come cost neutral in a few months, and should generate a low profit the rest of their training. The key is a 2 year franchise fee of 10% of gross revenue after they complete training. It keeps the supervisor interested in the trainee’s success and it provides the incentive to supervise.

    1. When the 2015 National Appraiser Survey – Allterra Group LLC has indicated the mean GROSS FEE in our trade is $83,086, and after one deducts typical business expenses plus takes into account extra expenses (no company benefits), then most will not be in your situation Todd. If John has been turned down by 30 other appraisers, then I would suspect his area might be similar to mine and most appraisers. The idea that one must carpool for thousands of hours over a 2.5 year time frame to supervise EVERY in the field inspection performed by a trainee, is a deal killer for most.

    2. Carolina Olvera

      Hello Todd,

      I will soon star locking for a certified appraisal to train me and I wonder what did you mean by “benefit of the supervisor” supervisors can have a benefit? Maybe I can use this resource to get someone to train me more easy.

      Thank you 🙂

  6. The profession is not what it once was. For a good number of us that have been around a while, this is a bad thing. For someone new coming into the field, it will be what they are used to.

    Dustin has a business model that works well for him. Others of us have business models that don’t work as well. Certainly someone can try to break into the business, then make their own decision as to whether it’s the best career ever, or something that doesn’t work out for them. Looking at the whole picture from a number of appraisers is the best way to approach it. Some love it, right now, I see more hating it. But that doesn’t mean someone new to the field won’t love it.

    However, barriers to entry are great right now. Quite frankly if I had to have a four year degree, and then serve a low paying (or free) apprenticeship) I would go into something else that had the potential to pay better in order to repay student loans. The unfortunate thing is that the talk about changes to barriers to entry into the field seem to focus on reduced field experience, which in my mind is the more important of the qualifications. You can come out of school knowing all about appraisal requirements and theories and still not know how to really appraise a property. I learned way more about how to really appraise in my first months as an apprentice than I did in the required classes. And continued to learn more through peer relationships after being fully licensed. I fear what may happen in the next real estate bubble if appraisers are licensed due to their education rather than their experience. Please understand I am not saying education isn’t important, but it is not a substitute for experience.

    1. Pam, well said, i too learned far more in my first few months as a trainee . Perhaps i missed it in earlier threads, but I still believe the first & most important task is not just finding a mentor… but a GOOD mentor . The rest will be history, depending on how well one is trained.

      1. I was a single trainee for an office of five seasoned appraisers (some family) for over three years and had daily doses of experience (typical). However, it was the exposure to the one off problems (multiplied by 5 appraises), where one really learns the trade. If John has reached out to 30 local appraises and they have all said no, then it should be a wake up call to reality. If Todd says he can make a profit while paying $25 per hour, then I think he is the exception and not the rule. Heck, the coach doesn’t even have trainees. Seek the truth.

  7. In Dustin’s most recent podcast, Podcast 151, “Allowing Trainees to Inspect with Michael Simmons”, the conversation was with the Co-founder and Co-President of Axis AMC. As it relates to this blog and John who wants to become an appraiser, he should be made aware THAT THIS COMPANY IS NOT HIRING FOR THE ENTIRE STATE OF CA. John, after a 5, 10, or 15 year journey to become an appraiser, THERES NO GURENTEE COMPANIES WILL EVEN TAKE YOUR APPLICATION. What would happen if real estate agents became licensed, but by control of a third party, certain zip codes were full and they could not practice in areas they want to? Seek the truth.

  8. I think both Dustin and Bill ave great points. I lean toward Bill’s opinion, as I have seen over the course of my appraisal career the differences just in that short period of time (I became licensed in 2004).
    The educational requirements to become and/or advance in this career are ludicrous, especially when compared to other real estate careers. I am also a license Realtor, and the continuing ed for the Realtor job pales in comparison to the appraisal requirements. The costs are significantly lower as well, and if you’re somewhat outgoing, there’s a lot more money to be made in real estate sales. Regulations for appraisers are increasing, insurance costs are escalating, risks are forever on the rise, yet we make little to show for our expertise and devotion to the trade. I worked it out last year, on average I spend roughly 7-8 hours on a standard report. That includes scheduling, inspecting, and building the report. The average is a range because of the distance I have to travel to the job, which for me can be anywhere from a couple of miles to up to 75 miles away. My typical fee is $350, for which I often have to fight. I was recently told by an AMC that they were losing money on me at $350, this after letting them know I was going to increase my fees by $25. That’s from $43.75 to $50 an hour, which in many cases wouldn’t be considered a bad wage. Except that now you figure in coats to maintain your vehicle, you car insurance, your E&O, your annual subscription to the MLS, your continuing ed, your licensing fees, your inclusion in any groups or attendance to any appraiser events, and the 10-12 hour days you’ll spend in your office and on the road to get that report out that the lender just has to have today, that then sits in the queue untouched for three days after submission.
    This is not a glamorous job, there’s not a lot of respect or thanks out there for what we do. It’s not going to be for everyone, and the implication that the trade may be waning has merit. But if you can spare the years it will take to get trained, and build up a decent client list, you’re reward will be at best an uncertain future. There is no guaranteed number of appraisal orders you’re going to receive just because you’ve received your license. There’s no specific amount of monthly income that you can count on, and time off is usually because of a lack of work, not because you’re taking a vacation. My son was interested in the trade, and I had to explain these things to him. He’s college educated, and I told him he’d be better served in a trade with a future and a steady income. That’s sad to say, but it’s how I feel. I’ve taken on real estate part time to supplement my income and in hopes of doing less appraisal and more sales work, because of the difficulties facing the trade. This may not be the best idea, the trades are forever tied together, but I see the writing on the wall…the appraisal industry will only continue to become more complex, and our compensation will not follow the trend.

  9. This is a second career for me and I am about 1000 hours into the 2500 hour requirement. Obviously I like the work or I wouldn’t have done it, but it is no wonder that the number of appraisers is getting smaller. Who, just out of school, can afford to work for what a trainee typically gets? I am fortunate – I can. And that was my pitch to a mentor (who is excellent by the way) – I will work for free and help you grow your business. If you can do that you might have better luck finding a mentor who will take you on.

  10. RE; so you wanna be an appraiser

    All vocations are good and all are bad. Since the early 1960’s I have had the sickness that I wanted to be an appraiser. I achieved my goal and have spent my whole working life as an appraiser. One needs to conclude that any one in the business must like it and any one not in the business does not like it. I have trained dozens and have learned one thing: I can only teach them how I happen to do appraisals and who my client list is so that they can steal the list and my copyrighted product as soon as the get a license. And they do. In prior days, it was financially rewarding to train appraisers. I do not think that is the case any longer, for all of the reasons the other writers have mentioned. Regardless, why would a wannabe appraiser expect some one to train them for free when it is a Master’s degree class that ultimately results in a good income? Why are you willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to a state university when upon graduation you have little prospect of making good money? Why would an appraiser take on a wannabe if the appraiser can do 1 assignment a day by himself or do 1 assignment every 2 days if there is 1 helper or no assignments in 3 days if there are 2 helpers? As a trainee, you will pay for the education some way or not get it. If training a wannabe is too difficult [and I have had a myriad of drop-outs] my investment is wasted. If your college education was worth $10,000 per year and you were not paid for any or the time you spent obtaining it, why should someone else pay you to learn? What does a university know that the appraiser trainer does not know. The wannabe had better bring something to the table or not expect anything.

  11. I think everyone would like to be an appraiser if they didn’t have to spend their lives on a keyboard. I mean never!
    Glad you can give advice like that, but the reality is, that you cannot make a Big Living from this Job.

    After 28 years, I work part time for People who will pay me for the job that I do. Mostly not AMC’s. They are running out of appraisers in many areas.
    I can type 3 appraisals a week MAX. I can inspect 12 or more if I want to, but typing is the pits.
    If I did not have a husband today, I could not make it on my own anymore. Not in this Job. I think most of us know that.

    When I was 21 years old, a Nurse with an associates degree and had a child, I could support myself, buy a home, and pay for a car.
    What kid can do that today? Now you tell the 23 year who just got out of College with a Bachelors Degree, you now have to take appraisal classes and train under a Certified License for more than two years. You will not make much, but you won’t when you finish either.
    Its not Rocket Science, you would be smarter to be one! How does that person pay for a home, school debt, a car, health care, a wife and kids some day? Too many people have a piece of us, and we have NO Leaders in this Industry, only those who want more of our earnings. Its only a matter of time that the tract built homes will be done in the Lenders office with the large Data Bases from Fannie and FHA.

  12. I wouldn’t use the universal term “cannot.” You can. I do. Many of my clients do. It is possible. But it requires a big paradigm shift.

  13. Relative to John’s dilemma: please consider entering the appraisal business. However, please do not limit your self-marketing efforts strictly toward the residential first mortgage or re-finance (i.e., AMC) end of the appraisal spectrum. Residential appraisers do estate work, divorce work, right-of-way work, eminent domain work, damage mitigation work, tax appeal work, and so forth, without ever doing an appraisal for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, or VA. This kind of niche work requires more formal and practical education that does typical first mortgage real estate appraisal, thus is closed to those who do not have it or will not get it. Further, there are relatively few firms that do this niche work, so finding one outside of a major metropolitan area may be a challenge. However, this niche work is generally more secure than mortgage work, pays better, and is subject to less regulatory scrutiny that is typical first mortgage work. Consider also becoming a researcher or assistant to an appraiser while you learn the ropes. Consider, as well, working for a county or city tax assessor or property appraiser. In other words, there is no reason to limit yourself to the rat race of working for AMCs. Good luck!

  14. Dustin Harris

    Great question. The reason it is so hard to find a supervisor right now, is that there is no benefit financially to them. My point is, find a way to make it financially beneficial and then you will have a much better chance of getting hired.

  15. I have called and emailed over 50 people throughout the state of Florida and was not receiving any luck. After reading this article and implementing the aspect of how I can benefit them. I have changed my approach and now I have been resending emails to potential supervisors and I have received many responses and even an interview.

  16. Paul David Breisch

    With all due respect to “the Coach,” I believe that the appraisal industry is a great career path no matter what age you begin training. I am 60 and after my chosen career went into the toilet complements of Obamacare I well on the way to achieving my Certified General Licensing in the State of CA. When you look at all the statistics from the Federal Labor Board etc. you can see that this is a growth industry from now for the next 15 years. The field of appraising does have some negatives and it is hard to find a sponsor. But they all they do. I work in the greater Southern CA Market and here there is a great deal of opportunity due to the size of the market.

    Some things I did to ensure success is I only focus on a specific segment of the Commercial space. I understood from the get-go the apprehension that my Cert Gen would have about training me and then have me assume some of his relationships. It’s valid. So I addressed his apprehension and we worked out a deal and put it in writing. The benefits for both of us of working as a team or even ad hoc per projects in the future far outweighs the fear. The benefits to me on a physiological and psychological level have been quite profound. Rather than accept decline I’ve challenged my brain and body in ways that I feel have propelled me spiritually and to extend my longevity.

    To put it simply you can haul ass your whole life and slug it out in a crowded, highly competitive field for $30,000 or $50,000 no matter what you pursue. I feel the risk/reward of real estate appraisal is justified. In my case trading in a marginal retirement to run around a subject property in questionable neighborhoods for however many years are left is a risk worth the potential six figures I can earn. Plus it is a very rewarding and fun job if you enjoy physical challenges, like to meet folks, enjoy long hours, and accept the level of responsibility to establish an opinion of value based on highest and best use that presents the reality of the real estate market. So, buck up Bill, you’re “the Coach” after all. We ain’t dead yet, and as we say at the beach, “It’s all good baby!”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Scroll to Top

Existing Members

If you have been a member prior to Jan. 1st 2024

Or, click on the right side to sign up as a new member (with a free month and added bonus material) and your existing membership will be automatically moved over and any extra payments credited. 

Or, click on the link below to sign up as a new member (with a free month and added bonus material) and your existing membership will be automatically moved over and any extra payments credited. 

New Members

If you became a member after Jan. 1st 2024 or are an existing member and want to move to our new system. 

Try the All-Star Team No-Risk for 30 Days Free!