It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. (Epictetus)

As the end of a difficult year approaches, I think back to what was accomplished during the past "slow year" in the business cycle.  With the oversupply of downtime, most appraisers exclaimed what they need to do, what they should do, what they want to do; and sadly, most did nothing.  I have found that my key to keeping sharp in this industry is to continuously attempt to educate myself through various paths.  I interact here on Active Rain with other industry professionals, hoping to glean knowledge from others experiences, I also belong to numerous online forums (InlandCAAppraisersForum@yahoogroups.com, Total2000UsersGroup@yahoogroups.com, http://appraisersforum.com/) that provide idea sharing and the offering of recommendations to difficult appraisal issues.  In addition to peer knowledge, structured education is essential in gaining reliable and applicable knowledge.  Over the last 15+/- years of live courses with numerous appraisal schools ( Lincoln Graduate Center, McKissock Appraisal School, Bert Rodgers School of Real Estate, IFREC), I have found the Appraisal Institute to have the most consistent quality in both instructors and course framework.  

It finally appears that clients are now scrutinizing appraisers for both education and experience thus, the utilization of my extra time to pursue more education, has placed me above and beyond many of my local competitors.  Another added benefit I have found is that I avoid the procrastination game that many appraisers typically play as the cycle deadline approaches.  The Florida appraisal license cycle ends 11/30/2008 requiring 30 hours of continuing education including USPAP, FL Law, Roles & Responsibilities, and 17 hours of general electives.  Many appraisers will begrudgingly wait until September of 2008 to begin the dreaded CE courses. My path enables me to complete all that is required  which permits me to circumvent the mass rush to get everything turned into the state for renewal.  Yes, education is expensive, and in a down year may not be prudent for most.  On the flip side, if one treats this as a professional career, the expense could be offset with knowledge that can help expand your client base.

Knowledge is of two kinds: we know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.

 (Samuel Johnson)