Unlocking Opportunities in Real Estate
In the game of real estate, there are numerous roles to play, each with its own set of rules and strategies. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the real estate industry, I always knew I’d find my place in this captivating career field. However, I never quite imagined I’d end up where I am today – as a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser (and soon to be Certified General Real Estate Appraiser).
Join me on this journey as I reveal how I stumbled upon this unique path, what it takes to become a Certified Residential Appraiser, and why it’s a decision I’ve never looked back on.
Chapter 1: From Real Estate Enthusiast to Appraiser Apprentice
In a family of realtors, property managers, landlords, and developers, real estate was practically embedded in my DNA. But while the idea of becoming a realtor initially crossed my mind, I found myself gravitating towards a different piece of the real estate puzzle – appraisal.
Why, you might ask? Well, it came down to stability and market dynamics. In my general area in the midwest, average home prices were on the lower side, and I realized that becoming a realtor here might not be as advantageous. Being an appraiser offered a sense of stability – you get an order, complete it, and get paid. It’s a straightforward process, unlike the unpredictable nature of real estate sales. In a sense, I didn’t like the idea of wasting my time with people, that may sound harsh, but it’s true. I wanted to be paid for my time and I am generally not a salesperson.
Chapter 2: The Education Process
Becoming a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser isn’t a walk in the park. It’s more like a marathon. The educational journey involves taking many many many courses and passing proctored exams. This isn’t a fast process, but I was determined to complete it while I was still young. I honestly do not know how I would do it if I were married with a family. I have so much respect for those who do have a career change, go back to school or are on a different life path. I was fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time. That doesn’t mean there were not difficult days, but overall, I continue to have a great experience being an Appraiser and I am still in the process to upgrading my license to Certified General where I will be able to perform appraisals on commercial property.
Chapter 3: Balancing Personal and Professional Life
I feel as if I do need to include this; however I may not be the best to ask on this subject as it is currently almost midnight as I am creating this blog post HA! As I am in my early-mid 20’s, no family (just a dog mom), I am heavily focused on my career. I understand there will need to be boundaries at a certain point in my life; however I am not there yet. When I get a rushed order and they need it completed asap, I get it done. I will work nights and weekends if need be. I believe this builds trust and reputation among my colleagues, clients and other people in my sphere.
When I listen to podcasts on my inspection days when I have a lot of time in the car, I will hear people say “you need balance, learn to say no…”. While I agree with these ideas, I also believe there is a time and place. And as someone just starting their career, I am building my reputation. My clients send me emails saying how they can always count on me and are truly appreciative of my work. THAT is what I building currently.
Now, I am not saying I do not have time for myself, I love to travel! As we speak, I am packing for France for 2 weeks with my girlfriends. I am in a work hard, play hard mindset currently LOL! I am working the extra hours needed ahead of my trip and my boss will be accepting orders for me while I am gone so I have a full workload the week I return. I call that work/life balance, anyone else? LOL
Chapter 4: Advice for Aspiring Appraisers
So, you’re considering becoming an appraiser? My advice: GO FOR IT! It’s a career that’s often overshadowed by real estate sales, but it can be just as lucrative, depending on your market area and business plan. However, you’ll need to be self-driven to complete all the training hours and overcome the challenges. I try to be very transparent regarding income, so I will make a future post on my earnings as a trainee and so on. This is a very important topic to me as I feel it is very taboo to talk about; however it is something we all want to know–at least I did starting out, but I jumped in blindly.
Unlocking Your Real Estate Adventure
The path to becoming a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser is a unique journey that brings together passion, education, and determination. It might not be the first choice for everyone, but for those who embrace it, the rewards are boundless.
So, fellow real estate enthusiasts, if you’re ready to dive into this captivating world, don’t hesitate to take that leap. Your future as a Real Estate Appraiser awaits, and it’s a journey filled with opportunities to unlock and express your unique real estate voice.
Stay tuned for more insights and guidance on your real estate adventure as we explore the world of certified residential appraisers in-depth. Until then, keep your dreams alive and your passion for real estate burning bright!
