Becoming an Appraiser

If you are interested in becoming an appraiser, it is worth knowing that it will take some time and dedication. The easiest resource if you are in Utah is https://realestate.utah.gov/appraisal. This site will give you all the steps involved. A few of the more difficult steps include finding someone who is willing to train you. The current state of the appraisal field does not offer much incentive for certified appraisers to take on trainees.

When a trainee is taken on, they will initially work on the trainer’s jobs and the trainer will still be required to go to all inspections and work with the trainee to make sure that all regulations are followed, and the information gathered and entered is accuratThere are four stages of appraisal licensing/certification the first is becoming a trainee, followed by becoming License, Certified Residential and the last one is Certified General. A Trainee will only be able to assist with appraisals, a licensed appraiser has a little more autonomy, however most lenders require at least a Certified Residential License. The Certifies General license is required to appraisal commercial real estate.

There are a set of appraisal courses that will need to be taken, practice hours that will need to be documented and signed off on and formal education or college degree that will need to be earned. A breakdown of these requirements can be found here: https://realestate.utah.gov/appraisal/Updated_Qualifications_for_Appraiser_Credentials_Table_3-18-19.pdf

My experience was made possible because my father is an appraiser and he agreed to train me. I have really enjoyed the process, but it has taken me a long time to complete;, about five years. I have a certified residential license and plan to work on appraisals of residential properties. I earned my bachelor’s degree, worked full time, and helped to raise my 4 children all at the same time. I would not necessarily recommend this approach, but to each his/her own. Good luck in your endeavor!

- Jordan Jorgensen

Photo Credit: Diana Polekhina from Unsplash