Looking into a career in appraisal, pointers appreciated
Hi all,

Long story short- I have a BS in economics. Experience in tech sales and claims adjusting, neither are for me. Commercial real estate appraisal has always been an interesting career path to me, and I've spoke to current appraisers who have told me the hiring market is great right now.

Money is a bit tight. I think I'm going to buy the McKissock courses to become a trainee, but I'm worried about getting hired. If I'm able to get my trainee license, are there firms who would actually hire me while I worked towards a full license? From what I understand, my education and experience fits the bill, but I don't want to be out the money for the course with nothing to show for it. I'm in the DC area, and would probably work towards a Virginia license, but I'm open to relocating anywhere.

Thanks for the help- I apologize if this is asked a lot.
[{"id": "hy6zeh7", "text": "I would suggest cold calling some local appraisal company\u2019s.  Try to get hired on as an apprentice prior to starting your coursework.  There\u2019s a good possibility the firm will pay for your classes.  I\u2019m not an appraiser anymore but that\u2019s what I did many years ago.  Definitely try to work with a commercial appraiser bc residential imo is cookie cutter and gets old quick.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hy70op5", "text": "You don\u2019t technically need to get a trainee license in Virginia but it wouldn\u2019t hurt. I\u2019ve seen plenty of postings for positions with the bigger National firms throughout the state. I\u2019d recommend looking into when the next Appraisal Institute chapter meeting is to make some connections &amp; find leads for positions.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hy70tea", "text": "You should be able to get hired and have the company pay for the classes.  Look at Altus, they're hiring like mad, and some of the roles are full remote.", "replies": [{"id": "hyclx9h", "text": "Will do, thanks", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hy782ve", "text": "Check out this job at Cushman &amp; Wakefield: Associate Appraiser - Mid Atlantic https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2931681668\n\nAt national companies the courses towards getting your Certified General license is completely reimbursed. I did the same thing and bought the McKissock courses to get my trainee license before even talking to my company, I think it shows a little initiative and that you have some sort of idea as to what\u2019s going on.", "replies": [{"id": "hyc4v8f", "text": "Thanks for the link, looks good. I appreciate the feedback", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hy92814", "text": "National firms will pay for these courses, especially in a good job market for applicants like the current market. Smaller private firms will typically make you purchase for them. I would recommend the nationals if you can\u2019t get into them.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]