The real property appraiser is the valuation expert in real estate. They are the one agents and property owners look to for the fair market value of a given property. Taking into account all aspects of the property from its condition to its surroundings, appraisers are a vital part of the real estate industry.
For appraisers just starting out in the industry, the job hunt may be the most intimidating part. But don’t worry – you already have what it takes to find a comfortable place. Here is your guide to everything you’ll need to get hired in the appraisal industry.
Skills you need as a real estate appraiser.
Are you someone who loves solving puzzles? Never late to the train? Really great at math? Maybe you come from a family of appraisers, or maybe you just want to make a positive change in a field that is evolving with the times. However you fit the picture, you’ve made it this far, and you’ve got the skills it takes to get hired.
Being good with numbers is a great start, but it’s not the only skill you’ll need to make it in the appraisal industry. Employers are looking for a variety of skills, from analyzing the market, to walking people through the valuation of their property. And by the very nature of the industry, there are constant opportunities to learn and grow as an appraiser. With that in mind, here are some skills that you should have or work toward to help you find success:
- Analytical skills
- Great customer service
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
- Field and economic expertise
- Flexibility
- Ability to travel
Build and expand your appraiser network.
Sometimes, getting hired is about who you know, just as much as what you know. It’s very common for appraisers to find job connections through their supervisory appraiser while completing their initial work experience. But often, you can achieve the same by networking with the right people. Here are some insider tips for networking as an appraiser.
Join appraisal networking organizations.
Especially when you start your career as an appraiser, it’s helpful to surround yourself with others in the field. Look to build a diverse group with varying degrees of experience, knowledge, and connections of their own. Becoming a member of The Appraisal Institute is a great way to network and seek professional development, as they offer appraisers a place to connect and stay up-to-date on news in the industry. They also have a career center to help you find jobs!
Get active on appraiser social media.
Social media is a useful tool for meeting people, showing off what you have to offer to potential clients, and establishing an online presence. Here are a few of our favorite sites:
- LinkedIn is a great choice for networking and curating a space for yourself to find connections, as well as putting yourself out there in the job market.
- On Facebook, there’s a popular group called the Appraisal Buzz Forum, where you can go to meet other appraisers, ask questions, and find professional guidance if and when you need it.
- Reddit has a fairly active community of appraisers, which is a great option for casual discussions among both established professionals and those looking to get into the industry.
Types of appraiser work environments to consider.
Independent work.
Though everyone’s experience is unique, most appraisers find their work environment to be independent and self-paced, with half of their time spent in an office and half on the move. In this setting, you can expect to devote most of your time to appraising property, taking comp photos, and writing reports. For some appraisers, this split can look like spending one day out appraising property, and the next day in your home office writing reports.
The nice part of this work style is that you can really mold your schedule however works best for your workflow. Being flexible is key, as your schedule may not always line up with that of property owners’, agents, or others you’ll work with. Another big part of this career is travel — good news if you find yourself getting restless in the same work environment every day!
Work within a larger company or firm.
As an appraiser working for a company, you’ll reap the same benefits of independent work with the added socialization and cooperation that you might miss going it alone. Working for a local bank or mortgage company not only provides you with the job connections you would otherwise seek on your own, but also keeps you connected to your community in a more hands-on way.
In terms of workflow, you can expect a similar schedule: your time will be split between the office and the sites you appraise. You can still expect a lot of travel and changes of scenery. Hopefully you have a good collection of audiobooks to keep you company on the drives!
Career advancement opportunities for appraisers.
If you’re an overachiever looking for the most possible career advancement, you’re in luck. The best way to advance in your career is to obtain the highest license level possible in your state. Most often, this is the Certified General Real Property Appraiser license. It will take some time to earn your experience hours and complete your courses, but the time and energy you devote pay off – appraisers at this level of expertise are hard to come by. Here are some of the career benefits you’ll soak up as a certified general appraiser:
- Appraise any kind of property, including niches such as:
- Theme parks
- Subdivisions
- Farmland
- Airports
- Franchise businesses
- Control your fees — earn more per assignment
- Less job competition
You’ll have the flexibility to appraise any kind of property, meaning both residential and commercial appraisal opportunities are available to you — meaning, the most job opportunities out of all license types. And the chance to make the most money.
If you’d rather spend your time becoming an expert on residential properties than studying and completing unpaid experience hours, the first license level might be right for you! It’s also a good option if you want more of a traditional work-life balance, or want to work as an appraiser part-time alongside another career.
Earning potential as an appraiser.
Get ready to earn, baby, earn! The salary you make as an appraiser depends largely on your education and experience, as well as the type of work you perform. The best way to make the most money as a real property appraiser is to earn your Certified General Real Property Appraiser license — after which you’ll be able to appraise large commercial real estate properties. The average national salary for a commercial appraiser is $110,000*.
If you are starting out in appraisal and want to make the most of your career, taking the time to earn your license is worth it. You’ll give yourself the tools you need to conquer any job. And, because of the time commitment it takes to get there, there is a very high demand for appraisers with this level of expertise. That means you’ll be setting yourself up for nothing less than success — what could be better than that?
*June 2023 Salary Data
So, ready to land your dream gig as an appraiser?
We know you are. The appraisal industry needs people like you to step up to the plate. You've got the skills, now get ready to swing. We’ve got the Qualifying Education, Continuing Education, and USPAP courses you need to get to the next level. And we’re cheering you on! Learn more about finding success as an appraiser today.
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