As the new year approaches, now is the perfect time to look ahead and develop a career plan for 2023. If you’re at the beginning of your career, it’s especially important to set goals. Are you an appraisal trainee working toward becoming a licensed or certified real estate appraiser? Here are some top appraiser trainee goals for the coming year.
1. Find a supervisor
If you haven’t found an appraisal supervisor yet, put this at the top your list. Finding a supervisor under whom you can work to gain your required experience hours is a common hurdle for new appraisers entering the profession. However, don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of things you can do to achieve this goal. Find useful tips and advice in the following articles:
2. Pass your licensing exam
This is a big career milestone. In order to advance your career beyond the Trainee Appraiser level and become a Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser, you’ll need to pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam. Once you’ve met the appropriate qualifying education and experience requirements for your desired license level (outlined below), it’s time to study for and pass the national exam.
Real property appraiser qualification criteria
Hours required include specific curriculum courses and hours — please see the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria for details. Individual states may have stricter requirements.
Interested in starting an appraisal career? Download our FREE guide, How to Become an Appraiser.
3. Practice your networking skills
Building a strong professional network can be extremely helpful as you launch and grow your appraisal career–from finding a supervisor to building your client list. After living through two-plus years of the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related shutdowns, social distancing, quarantines, etc.), your networking skills might be pretty rusty. This year, make it a point to practice your in-person networking skills, as well as your online networking skills.
4. Continue your education
This goal should be on everyone’s list. It’s never a bad time to continue learning and improving your professional skills. Continuing education can teach even the most experienced appraisers something new. In 2023, enroll in continuing education classes that will further expand your real estate appraisal knowledge, and study, study, study!
5. Learn about appraisal specialties
As you train to become a licensed or certified appraiser, now is a great time to explore different areas of appraisal. Figure out what appraisal specialties interest you most, and begin learning more about them. Developing a niche specialty can be a great way to advance your career and grow your income down the line, so why not get started now?
6. Keep up with industry news and technology
There’s a good deal of uncertainty in the housing market as we head into 2023. As a real estate professional, you’ll need to stay on top of local housing trends and keep a watchful eye on industry changes. One way to put yourself ahead of the competition and set yourself up for success is to learn new technology tools that will give you a leg up in the appraisal industry.
Join McKissock Learning, in conjunction with AppraisalBuzz, for a FREE webinar on Thursday, January 12th at 2:00pm ET, 2023 Housing Outlook: The Economic Indicators All Appraisers Should Monitor.
7. Track your goals
Don’t let your New Year’s goals fade out after January! Write them down and track your progress on a weekly or monthly basis throughout the year to help you stay on task. Try to set specific, attainable objectives and give yourself realistic deadlines so that you don’t become discouraged as you pursue your appraiser trainee goals. Check in with your goals at least once a month, and reevaluate them as needed as you advance your career.
What are your appraisal career goals for the coming year? Join the conversation! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Plus, check out our Appraisal Trainee blog for more tips and insights to grow your career.
