Whether you’re completing appraiser qualifying education (QE) or thinking about enrolling, it’s helpful to consider the next step. As a new trainee appraiser, finding an appraiser mentor – formally known as a supervisory appraiser – is next on your to-do list. Working with a supervisory appraiser helps you learn the ropes of real property appraisal, and prepares you for when you’re ready to apply for an independent appraiser license.
But how do you find a supervisory appraiser? Good question! It's one that, unfortunately, doesn’t have a simple answer. Finding a mentor requires a little initiative and creative research on your part. Read on to learn proven strategies for this next phase in your appraiser journey.
Understanding the Supervisory Appraiser’s Role
For a trainee appraiser, a supervisory appraiser – who is usually a certified general or residential appraiser – plays the role of teacher, manager, and colleague. According to The Appraisal Foundation’s Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria, trainee appraisers must work with supervisory appraisers to earn 1,000 hours of experience in the field. This is a key step in order to be eligible to take the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam, and to ultimately become an independent licensed residential appraiser.
These days, paid trainee appraiser positions resemble a few different scenarios. They can be part-time, full-time, contract-based, or hourly. You might work for an independent appraiser, a bank, a commercial real estate company, a government agency, or an appraisal management company (AMC). Your supervisory appraiser will approve your experience hours in an appraisal log, which you’ll submit to your state appraisal regulatory office when applying for the next appraiser license.
Think of your time working with a supervisory appraiser as an apprenticeship. It’s one where you put the knowledge you learned in QE into real-world practice and develop skills that will transform you into a successful independent appraiser.
Where to Begin Searching For an Appraisal Supervisor
Finding a supervisory appraiser can be challenging, but with the right attitude and approach, you’ll find one in no time. There are many strategies you can use to connect with a mentor. But you have to be proactive in your search – and be willing to strike out and keep going. It may take some time to find the right appraisal mentor for you, but once you do, you’ll be set for success in the industry. Start with these ideas.
Leverage Your Personal Network
Do you work in real estate and know a lot of appraisers? Do you have a family member or friend working in the field (or a colleague who can connect you with one)? Take some time and consider who is in your sphere. Then, reach out to appraiser contacts and ask if they’re open to mentoring you.
Explore Trainee Appraiser Job Listings Online
Trainee appraisers are often hired as researchers, property data collectors, appraisal reviewers, and assistants in established appraisal offices. Spend some time scanning job search engines – such as LinkedIn Jobs, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and other job boards – for available trainee positions. Set up job alerts to keep you informed about trainee positions at:
- Private residential and commercial appraisal firms
- Local, state, and federal government agencies
- Local tax assessor offices
- Banks and lenders
- Appraisal management companies
- Insurance companies
Network Using Social Media
Find local or national appraiser Facebook groups and follow appraisers on other social media channels. Doing this will help you get to know the inner workings of the industry and be part of the conversation. The connections you make digitally could lead to mentorship, paid positions, and more.
Go Where the Appraisers Are
The best way to make appraiser contacts is to spend time around them! Join local real estate networking groups, become a member of a local appraiser association, and attend appraiser conferences ready to network and learn. More appraiser contacts mean more potential mentor (and job) opportunities.
Reach Out and Ask For an Opportunity!
Sometimes a little bold cold-calling or cold-emailing works in your favor. Contact banks, real estate companies, commercial appraisal companies, and your city/county tax assessor’s office. Ask if there's an opportunity for a trainee to assist other appraisers or help with research. Even if there isn’t something available at that time, leave your information and follow up regularly. You’ll be on the radar when someone needs a trainee.
Using the National Registry of Appraisers
The Federal Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) maintains a National Appraiser Registry that includes a current list of active licensed residential, certified residential, and certified general appraisers in all states. Updated monthly, the ASC registry is a great tool to use to find active certified appraisers to connect with to ask about trainee opportunities in your city. To use the registry, visit this link and search by state, license level, and/or name.
Using Your State Registry of Appraisers
Your state also maintains an appraiser registry that includes a current list of active licensed and certified appraisers. It’s another good tool to find certified appraiser contacts. Find your state appraisal regulatory office website at this link and look for the state registry on your state’s website.
Working With Multiple Supervisory Appraisers
As a trainee appraiser, you’re not limited to the number of supervisory appraisers you work with. However, it’s best to check specific restrictions in your state.
Working with a few appraisal supervisors during your trainee years can be beneficial. For example, you can gain experience in different appraisal niches and appraising different property types. You might also get experience handling different aspects of an appraisal workflow such as data collection, appraisal review, data collection, comparable property analysis, and more.
Setting the Stage for Your Successful Appraisal Career
For many trainee appraisers, working with a supervisory appraiser leads to full-time employment, partnerships, and rewarding friendships. Keep this in mind as you search for a mentor who has the teaching heart and the skill to help you become the successful appraiser you’re meant to be.
Take the First Step Toward Your Appraisal Career
Interested in becoming a real property appraiser? It's an in-demand career that isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Start your journey with The CE Shop! Our flexible and engaging qualifying education and USPAP courses teach you the fundamentals of appraisal and prepare you for success in the industry. Find your state courses and take your first step to a new and rewarding career. We'll be by your side from start to finish.
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