Career paths after CRE appraising
Did anyone start as a commercial appraiser and branch out to something different? How was the transition? Any relevant experiences anyone wants to share. Thanks in advance. 
[{"id": "cjxfb34", "text": "I've worked with a number of CRE appraisers who get into the lending side of the business.   Pretty natural transition, usually starting as an underwriter.   The people I know who did this were very successful.\n\nFrom what I've heard, you may take a pay cut off the bat, but in the long run it's better money and less stress then grinding through appraisals on tight timelines, with extensive comments/revisions that you have to juggle, etc.    A lender makes a shit ton more on a deal than an appraiser does, but the appraiser does nearly as much work.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cjxftnh", "text": "Two commercial appraisers from my office have moved into municipal/government positions in the economic development and planning departments. They were both senior appraisers and were looking for a change of pace and seem to enjoy what they do now.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cjxmkoc", "text": "Thanks for the replies. By lending side, do you mean in the appraisal department of the bank or as a loan officer? I think I'd like the latter better. \n\nAny one else have good experiences making the switch?", "replies": [{"id": "ck0cxed", "text": "Generally, that background is going to be more desirable for the credit side of the shop.   But, many loan officers/originators start on the credit side in order to learn the business and gain a reputation.   Getting directly into originations is possible with single-family lending, but it is much more difficult for commercial real estate lending. \n\nOf course, if you have good contacts and can generate business, you will be able to find a job in originations.\n\nYou may be able to find a shop that will let you try originating off the bat, but prepare yourself for a lot of cold calling and grinding for less desirable deals.", "replies": [{"id": "ck0ijms", "text": "Thank you for the reply. ", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ck8m3z4", "text": "When I got into brokerage I worked very closely with a guy who did CRE appraisal.  He still does both.  If one slows down he spends more time on the other.  Might be something to consider.  I would think your skills would be very useful to someone like a property developer as well, particularly one who does stuff like rehabs or historic tax credit work.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]