Real Estate Appraisers
Description OES Code:43011
Real estate appraisers are specialists in estimating the value of real property. Real property consists of land, buildings, and natural resources such as water, oil, or minerals. Estimates of value, known as appraisals, are made when property is bought, sold, assessed, taxed, condemned, insured, or mortgaged. They may also be required in divorce actions, when partnerships are dissolved, and when property is listed as a business asset. Appraisers, especially independent fee appraisers, may give expert testimony in court. They may also act as consultants.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $15.46
25th Percentile $18.33
50th Percentile $23.46
75th Percentile $31.56

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The normal workweek is 40 hours, however, evening and weekend work are often necessary. Schedules of independent appraisers are considerably more variable.

Most employers offer benefits including paid vacations, sick leave, holidays, retirement, and health plans. Life insurance is available at group rates. Some also offer profit-sharing plans and pay for books, seminars, and association fees. Some employers furnish cars, while others reimburse appraisers for private car use.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 3,100
Projected Employment 2008 3,400
Percent Change 1998-2008 9.7%
Separations 1998-2008 700

Employment Trends by California County.

Working Conditions
Appraisers may walk around property and climb stairs in buildings. The research, analysis, and writing are usually done in an office setting. Occasional out-of-town travel is required and a valid California driver's license is necessary.

Advancement
Trainees or junior appraisers are required to pass an appraiser examination after one year of training. More advanced positions such as senior, principal, and chief appraiser involve supervisory duties as well as more difficult appraising assignments. Promotion in governmental agencies is usually by competitive examination. State-approved courses in various aspects of appraisal are offered by the professional associations and by local colleges. Successful completion of these courses, together with experience, is required by the State to promote within the classification.

Promotion in lending institutions depends largely upon the individual appraiser gaining advanced training and experience. There is little opportunity for promotion in small independent appraisal firms. Appraisers may join professional associations, in order to increase their skill level, keep up with changes in the profession, and to meet fellow appraisers. Educational opportunities offered by professional associations can help land promotions. Some Real Estate Appraisers become consultants and specialize in an aspect or type of appraisal such as investment counseling, court work, oil fields, bridges, skyscrapers, and shopping centers.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Applicants should refer to civil service announcements for openings and dates of examinations. They should also make direct application to companies with appraisal departments, such as banks, savings and loan institutions, utility, and insurance companies. Local chapters of professional associations, class instructors, and the California Employment Development Department Job Service are additional sources of job opening information.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Real Estate Appraisers are required to obtain a license from the State Office of Real Estate Appraisers. Appraiser experience and satisfactory scores on an examination are needed to be certified, but college education may be substituted for a portion of the experience requirements. Many community colleges and evening adult schools offer courses in real estate appraisal. Some colleges offer courses relating to appraisal that lead to a bachelor of science in real estate. Courses in economics, real estate, business administration, and mathematics provide a good background for this occupation. Many companies provide classroom training for their beginning appraisers. A long training period is necessary to become skilled in appraising the more complex types of real estate. Professional associations and colleges offer seminars and classes conducted by leaders in the field.

In most cases, applicants must have a bachelor's degree to be considered for hire by government or by private companies. Many firms require an additional six to eight months' experience. A few lending institutions, however, will hire high school graduates who have had experience in real estate, construction, architecture, or building inspection.

Skills & Other Requirements
Applicants should possess an inquisitive nature and sound judgment. They should be able to write and speak clearly and make mathematical calculations. They may need to prepare a written description of a property and make an estimate of its value; complete standardized checklists as they evaluate a property and the neighborhood in which it is situated; examine the income records and operating costs of income properties; estimate building replacement costs using building valuation manuals and professional cost estimators; verify legal descriptions of property with county records; measure the property and compare the measurements with the legal descriptions; draw land diagrams and note conditions and special features of buildings; analyze and evaluate the data and prepare a written report outlining methods by which the fair-market value was estimated. Computers are becoming indispensable tools in this complex work.

References
California Occupational Guide #228

Related Occupations: Real Estate Agents, Right-of-Way Agents

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)