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Real Estate Appraiser
SalesYou determine how much properties are worth, which means you're the person who tells homeowners their house isn't worth what Zillow says. You'll inspect properties, analyze comparable sales, and produce appraisal reports that banks use to decide whether to approve a loan. Everyone hates you when the number is low and forgets you exist when it's high.
Salary Range
Low
$38k
Median
$58k
High
$95k
10-Year Growth
average
US Workers
67K
Education
Bachelor's degree + state appraiser license (requires 1,000-1,500 hours of supervised experience)
Environment
both
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
- ▸Comparable sales analysis and adjustments
- ▸Appraisal report writing (URAR, 1004 form)
- ▸Property measurement and site inspection
- ▸MLS databases and public records research
- ▸Appraisal software (ACI, Bradford Technologies)
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Objectivity and independence
- ▸Attention to detail
- ▸Critical analysis
- ▸Professional communication
- ▸Time management
Learn the skills
Courses and certifications to get you job-ready
MLS databases and public records research
What you'll actually do
- 01Inspect properties and measure square footage while homeowners follow you around defending every renovation choice
- 02Research comparable sales in the area and adjust for differences that matter — and some that barely do
- 03Write appraisal reports that satisfy lender requirements and can withstand review board scrutiny
- 04Deliver valuations that disappoint sellers, worry buyers, and frustrate real estate agents equally
- 05Navigate the delicate politics of appraising in hot markets where everyone expects the number to match the offer
- 06Drive to properties all day because no one has figured out how to appraise a house from a desk
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