TYPES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR PROFESSIONALS WITH AN APPRAISAL BACKGROUND

1. Fee Appraising - The independent fee appraiser provides appraisal services to the buying public, and generally has a number of clients. Fee appraisers are typically one of the following:
2. 1. Residential Appraiser — A residential appraiser appraises single-family residences and two to four unit residential properties. Most residential appraisers prepare form appraisals as compared to narrative appraisals. Generally the residential appraiser does not posses the skill set to perform commercial property appraisals.
   2. Commercial Property Appraiser — The commercial property appraiser appraises all types of real estate, and some even appraise single-family residences. Most commercial property appraisals are narrative reports as compared to form reports. The commercial property analysis typically includes more emphasis on financial benefits of property ownership and uses more complex mathematical concepts.
3. In-House (Staff) Appraising — There are job opportunities within financial institutions for appraisers to prepare independent appraisal analysis and or review appraisals on a full time basis as an employee of a financial institution. These positions are available with national, regional, and local lenders and mortgage investors.
4. Review Appraising — Review appraising opportunities exist for independent fee appraisers as well as in-house appraisers. There are frequently in-house review appraisers at financial institutions or governmental agencies that review the work of fee appraisers. Additionally, they order and coordinate the appraisal process for the financial institution. This function is considered an important part of risk management for the financial institution or agency. There are opportunities for review appraisers with backgrounds in residential appraisal as well as commercial appraisal.
5. Assessors — Many of the employees of the ad valorem tax assessor's office have real estate appraisal training. The techniques are different (mass appraisal) than the fee appraiser but the concepts are the same.
6. Where an Appraisal Background Can Be Helpful — Mortgage brokers, real estate lenders, real estate brokers, and related positions represent opportunities for individuals with an appraisal background to bring specialized expertise to these positions. Additionally, financial analysts with appraisal training who work in these arenas frequently have a competitive advantage in the job market.

HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO MAKE AS AN APPRAISER?

Based on a 1999 study that was published in the Journal of Real Estate Research, the average income for United States real estate appraisers was over $58,000 with a maximum of $225,000. RePEc:jre:issued:v:18:n:1:1999:p:377-393.

Entry Level — During an appraiser's "apprentice" period, it is likely that an appraiser could make more as an in-house appraiser than as a fee appraiser. It is our experience that compensation for appraisal assistants around $15 per hour, or 30 to 35 percent of an appraisal fee. This can vary depending on an individuals related work experience. An example would be someone who worked as a real estate broker or broker's assistant prior to becoming an appraiser may be able to contribute more than someone without any real estate in their background.

Residential Appraisers — As a fee appraiser many appraisers work on a "fee split" basis. This means the appraiser is compensated based on a percentage of the revenue that is generated for each appraisal. The fee split generally ranges from 30 to 50 percent of the gross fee. Within a year, an entry level appraiser should be in a position to produce an average of at least one single-family residential appraisal per day. If the typical appraisal fee is between $300 and $350 and a fee split of 30 to 50 percent; this would be $90 to $175 per day or $21,600 to $42,000 per year (48 weeks per year x 5 days per week). Experienced residential appraisers have been known to produce between two and three appraisals per day. This would result in 500 appraisals per year or more. Based on the same $300 to $350 fee for an appraisal and a 50 percent fee split this would be $75,000 to $87,500 per year (500 appraisals per year x 50% fee split).

Obviously, if one owned their own company and generated these levels of production the income could be higher.

Commercial Appraisers — Commercial appraisers generally work on a fee split as well. This fee split generally ranges between 30 to 50 percent depending on the amount of support that is being provided by the senior appraiser / appraisal firm and the contribution that is made by the junior appraiser.

The amount of revenue that commercial appraisers generate varies widely. The variables include differing levels of

1. competition in various geographies
2. competency
3. areas of specialization
4. marketing expertise
5. amount of energy that one is willing to commit to work

The potential exist for commercial appraisers to generate $150,000 of gross revenue per year and more. The potential for any given appraiser is largely dependent on their willingness to commit time, energy, and focus to their appraisal career.

WHERE DO I GET A JOB AFTER COMPLETING MY APPRAISAL TRAINING?

1. Fee Appraisers — Contact fee appraisers in your community to offer assistance as a basis for learning the appraisal process. It may be challenging to secure an appraisal trainee position, however, a positive attitude and a willingness to offer the extra effort that less experience requires will result in an opportunity to learn more about appraising. Fee appraisers can be identified in the yellow pages, from the state licensing agency or professional appraisal organizations.
2. In-House Appraisers — Contact financial institutions in your community to determine if they hire appraisers on staff and if they have openings. Developing a working relationship with the appropriate sources within these organizations could either result in employment or setting the stage to secure work as a fee appraiser with the organization.
3. Assessors — Contact assessor's offices to explore employment opportunities in their organization. Be sure to determine if the contact that has been made is for the entire organization or only one division.
4. Appraisal Trade Associations — In addition to providing a list of members, appraisal trade associations frequently have information on companies looking for appraisers as well. Trade associations can be identified in the yellow pages of major metropolitan areas and on the internet.
5. Appraisal Management Companies — Appraisal management companies appear to have in insatiable need for appraisers. Appraisal management companies coordinate the appraisal ordering and review function for a number of institutional clients. Appraisal management companies can be identified on the internet using the key words "appraisal+management."

SUMMARY

The income potential for a real estate appraiser is appealing. Additionally, many find the time flexibility, respect from other professionals, and relative ease of becoming a professional appraiser to be motivating. Both education and experience are required to reach your full potential, and finding a mentor who is willing to teach you the appraisal profession is an important part of the process. The potential for a rewarding, professional career that is well compensated is dependent on each individuals desire, motivation and commitment.