New appraisers, and those who are thinking of getting into the business, can find encouragement in the stories and advice shared by older, more experienced real estate appraisers. Are you just starting out in the appraisal profession? Here are some encouraging words of advice from seasoned industry professionals.
“Be patient,” “stay focused,” and “always keep learning,” are typical comments. “Work hard. Too many people expect to work part-time while making full-time salaries. It’s a good career if you’re hard-working and self-motivated. Don’t let the older appraisers scare you out of the industry.”
Appraisers earned $102,620 a year in 2022, on average, according to recent survey data from McKissock. The highest earners in the profession, certified general appraisers, earned an average annual income of $145,094 in 2022.
Several appraisers admit that in some markets, it’s hard to enter the profession directly. Appraisers don’t always have the time and desire to train newcomers, and some markets appear to offer too little work for too many appraisers. However, market observers generally agree that hard work and intelligent networking—plus professional integrity—will lead to a good living in just about any MSA in the country. Persistence and professional excellence—both of which any appraiser can develop—are the decisive factors.
“The best advice that I can give trainees is, don’t give up, no matter how many roadblocks you encounter along the way,” says Jo A. Traut, appraisal curriculum program director at McKissock Learning. “An appraisal career can be very rewarding. However, to get started in this profession will require a strong commitment to planning and networking—and willingness to handle mundane tasks.”
Traut says many appraisers complain that changing circumstances in the real estate industry generally, and in appraisals particularly, have made the profession less rewarding—both financially and emotionally….