Real Estate Appraiser

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Work Tasks

• Estimate the value and best use of a piece of real estate
• Look at the quality and condition of buildings on the property
• Take measurements, find out the property's history, and look at the location to figure how much it is worth
• Estimate the market and insurance value of property
• Work in offices or at the properties as consultants, for financial institutions, the government, private firms, and real estate brokers
• Work with blueprints, maps, architectural plans and drawings, public records, depreciation charts, zoning, government regulations, measuring equipment, calculators, computers, and appraisal reports

Salary, Size & Growth

• $61,500 average per year ($29.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (62,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 2-year degree in a related field
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in construction management
• Skills/Courses: Courses are offered by some community colleges or by the Appraisal Foundation. At least 15 course hours on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) are required.
• Certification/Licensing: All states require a license or certificate after training, work experience, and passing tests.