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How can I Become an Appraiser?
An appraiser determines the value of a property using several specific standards. People in this position are and continue to be in high demand due to their unique skills, by insurance companies, government agencies, tax assessment agencies, real estate lenders, lawyers, museums and private collectors. Due to the wide range of things that require appraisals, people in this position can specialize in many different fields.
A real estate property appraiser evaluates not only residential property, but also commercial and agricultural property. A personal property appraiser determines the value of automobiles, art, jewelry, antique furniture and collections. A business appraiser evaluates the value of a business and all of its assets, including its brand name. Any person in this type of job must be a good communicator and highly analytical. He or she must also be able to write concise, coherent reports for the client.
At this time, only appraisers who deal with real estate property are licensed at the state level. However, those who wish to work with business or personal property can earn and receive a designation by an organization that trains people for this type of job. The Appraisal Foundation has developed The Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB), which sets recommendations for real estate property appraisers attempting state licensure.
The minimum requirements recommended by the Foundation for a Licensed Residential Appraiser are a combination of 2,000 hours of experience in the field and 90 hours of education. To be a Certified Residential Appraiser, one must have 2,500 hours of experience and 120 hours of education. To be a Certified General Appraiser, which means that the person can work with any type of real estate, including commercial property, one must have 3,000 hours of experience and 180 hours of education. To be a personal property appraiser, one must have 1,800 to 4,500 hours of experience and 120 hours of education. A test is also required to reach each of these levels.
Many professional educational organizations offer training to become an appraiser. A college degree is usually not required, but a few associations grant higher designations only to those with college degrees. Each state sets its own requirements regarding both the licensure test and the precise number of experience and education hours required. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, which is published by the Appraisal Foundation, is widely accepted as the standard by which appraisers operate. Most states also require approximately 14 hours of continuing education every year.
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![A personal property appraiser determines the value of jewelry, like gold rings.]()
By: Tomislav ForgoA personal property appraiser determines the value of jewelry, like gold rings. -
![An auto appraiser must be able to assess whether the pieces in a classic automobile collection are all authentic.]()
By: AdrianEugenAn auto appraiser must be able to assess whether the pieces in a classic automobile collection are all authentic. -
![Appraisers often have a specialty they focus on.]()
By: Steven WrightAppraisers often have a specialty they focus on.
Discussion Comments
I commented earlier, but I don't think it posted. Anyway, the gist of my last post was that my wife took the antique and appraisal course from the Asheford Institute of Antiques, and makes considerably more than $40,000 a year. I don't know the particulars of what's involved with the school, but I know that it's pretty involved since it took my wife almost two years to complete.
I work as a an antique restorer and am thinking of taking the program myself -- as soon as I can find some time! But I know that my wife's decision was based on getting "certified" from a professional organization so that she could do higher-end appraisals - so far so good she says. Might be worth checking out if that's what you're looking to get into.
Cjdutchgirl- Appraisers generally have an art history degree and work for auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christies.
Some are hired to price estate merchandise for private sales. The average appraiser’s salary may vary, but a typical art appraiser earns an average salary of about $40,000 a year.
Where would one go to receive the necessary training to become an appraiser of personal property? What sort of income would you expect to make? I am very interested in becoming an appraiser of antiques, and I haven't a clue as to where to begin.
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