How to Become a Home Appraiser in Georgia

Potential appraisals?

A home appraiser provides a fair, unbiased opinion on the market value of real estate. Items which are evaluated include the size, age and overall condition of the physical property, how much land is involved, the appearance of the neighboring area, and the market value of similar homes in the general vicinity. In Georgia, there are four classifications of real estate appraisers: state-registered real property appraisers, state-licensed real property appraisers, state-certified residential real property appraisers, and state-certified general real property appraisers.

Instructions

1. Complete your education. You need to have a high school education or GED to become a home appraiser. You can also continue your education by enrolling in classes provided through trade schools, local colleges or online programs. Course work in appraising real estate will teach you the fundamentals of the business and how to evaluate properties effectively and professionally.

2. Do your homework. The requirements to become an appraiser are complicated. You will need to understand the basic principles and procedures of appraisal, real estate concepts, neighborhood analysis, data collection, and finance. You must be 18 years old and be a resident of Georgia or comply with non-resident statutes. You can work independently or be employed by mortgage firms, real estate brokers or lenders.

3. Take all necessary courses. You need to complete 90 hours of appraisal education approved by the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board. This involves a 75-hour Appraiser Qualifying Education Course and at least 15 hours of education covering the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). You can satisfy the 90-hour curriculum requirement if you have a degree in real estate. However, you still will need to fulfill the 15-hour USPAP course requirement.

4. Pass the required examinations. A state exam for classification as a registered appraiser is not necessary. You do need to pass the exams associated with the courses which make up the 90 hours of appraisal education. However, successful completion of a state exam is necessary to become a licensed or certified appraiser.

5. Apply for your license. After completing all necessary coursework and testing, you need to apply to the state for your license. Necessary paperwork includes a State Registered Appraiser Application, Background Clearance Application, and a Georgia Criminal Information Center report. You will also need to pay a non-refundable registration fee.

6. Continue your education. Continuing education is required after you are licensed by the state of Georgia. All appraisers are required to take 14 hours of continuing education per year and a minimum of seven hours of USPAP education every two years for license renewal.

References

• America's Real Estate Academy: Appraisal FAQs
• Merrell Institute: Careers in Real Estate Appraisal
• American Investment Training: Real Estate Appraisal Career