Real Estate Appraisal Schools Basics

Make an informed decision when choosing a real estate appraisal education

Anyone with a desire to be a real estate appraiser needs real estate appraisal training and a good appraiser education. There are two types of appraisal schools; online and campus courses. Many appraisers take advantage of the online courses because of the convenience of studying from home. However, certified instructors offer real estate appraiser classes through a real estate school or through classes taught in meeting rooms or technical schools.

Requirements vary by state, but all appraisers need an appraisal license. The two licensures offered by real estate appraisal schools include the general real property appraiser and the residential real property appraiser. Appraisal schools offer both pre-licensing courses and continuing education courses. Before registering for a real estate appraisal course, consider the following:

1. Appraisers need at least a bachelor's degree. Common degree fields for appraisers include finance, economics and business.

2. Most appraisers need at least 75 hours of specific appraisal courses before they're considered a trainee.

3. Continuing education requirements vary by state, but most appraisers need at least 14 hours of continuing education courses each year.

 

Learn about real estate appraisal schools basics

Before registering for any appraisal licensing courses, find out what your state requires for licensure and education. This not only helps you see the amount of work required of a real estate appraiser, but helps you map out an educational plan for all exam and continuing education hours.
Try: The Appraisal Foundation gives a list of all appraisal regulatory boards for each state, including contact information. Look up course offerings, including the number of credit hours and which states accept online hours, by visiting the Appraisal Institute.

Find online property appraisal training schools

When taking an appraisal course online, make sure the education is state specific so that you're studying for your state exam. Most online schools offer exams and courses by state, including continuing education hours. Also, make sure any online school is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education before paying any fees.
Try: Allied Real Estate School offers accredited appraisal classes online for various states. Check the listing at ActWebServices.com for appraiser license courses and see a list of states that don't allow online education. This helps ensure you don't sign up for an online course if you live in a state that doesn't accept distance education hours.

Use online appraisal schools for continuing education hours

Continuing education comprises the core of what appraisers do in appraisal schools. Continuing education hours are required each year, and the requirements vary by state. Finding a reputable appraisal course online can help make meeting the continuing education requirements easier.
Try: Search for schools available in your state from a list provided by McKissock. Offering continuing education for 30 states, the Appraisal Academy has online courses to help you meet your requirements.

 

• When searching for appraisal schools, finding one that offers MAI license courses and SRA license courses will benefit you in the future. Getting the MAI or SRA designations increase income and make you a more reputable appraiser.

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