Becoming a Real Estate Appraiser in California
Real estate appraisers in the state of California must be licensed through the California Office of Real Estate Appraisers. This is the state body that oversees the profession, grants licenses and sometimes takes disciplinary action in the aim of protecting California real estate consumers. The basic credential for appraisers in California is a residential license, which allows appraisal of residential properties with transaction values of up to $1 million and nonresidential properties with values of up to $250,000. Once you gain experience as a residential appraiser, you can apply for the higher credentials of certified residential and certified general licenses.
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Instructions
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Complete your initial real estate appraisal education. You must complete at least 150 hours of real estate appraisal education from a REA-approved provider. In this program, you must complete courses in basic appraisal techniques, residential market analysis and report writing. You must also complete the the 15-hour national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice course within your 150 education hours. The REA website provides a search tool to locate a education provider in your area (see Resources).
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Apply for a trainee real estate appraiser license. Once your have completed your initial educational requirements, apply for a trainee license. You can download and print this application from the REA website (see Resources). You must include detailed personal information, two passport-sized photos and proof of your real estate education. You must use and attach a REA Form 3002 for your proof of education. You can find this form on the REA website (see Resources). As of 2010, the application fee for a license is $220. Submit your completed application package to the REA.
Office of Real Estate Appraisal
1102 Q St., Suite 4100
Sacramento, CA 95811
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Complete your work experience requirement. You must work under the supervision of a real estate appraiser licensed in California for at least 2000 hours. If you are working full time, it should take approximately one year to satisfy this requirement. It is your responsibility to find a licensed appraiser willing to take you on as a trainee. As you complete your work experience, you must keep a log of hours worked using REA Form 3004.
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Apply for a residential real estate appraiser license. Once you have completed your work experience requirement, you can apply for a residential real estate appraiser license. The application form and fees for the residential license are the same as for the trainee license; however, you must include your work experience log with your residential license application as proof of your work experience.
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