I mentioned in a blog earlier today that not all appraisers are created equal.  In today's market, it is crucial that qualified and experienced appraisers be used.  Below is a breakdown of each appraiser license level(based upon definitions provided by the Colorado Department of Real Estate):

1.  REGISTERED Appraiser- Must complete the following courses and pass a state exam:

• 75-hour Real Estate Appraisal Principles Practices and Report Writing Course - This course gives you a solid background of the appraisal field, and the facts and reasoning to provide accurate property appraisals. Learn how to become an effective appraiser with the tools to estimate the current market value of a home.

• 60-Hour Additional Appraisal Courses - New 2008 AQB regulations require you to complete an additional 60 hours of education to get your appraisal license. Allied's Real Estate Appraisal Market Analysis, Real Estate Appraisal Sales Comparison, and Real Estate Appraisal Site Valuation and Cost provide you with the hours you need.

• 15-Hour National USPAP Course - This course provides you with information on the generally-accepted and recognized standards of appraisal practice in the United States. Learn the rules used in appraising the value of property.

2.  LICENSED Appraiser- To become a Licensed Appraiser, one must be a Registered Appraiser and complete an additional 75 hours of specified licensing education. They must also complete 2,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience(supervised by a Certified Appraiser) during a minimum period of one year, and then pass the Licensed Appraiser exam. Can appraise no more than four residential units in one transaction, total value cannot exceed $1,000,000.

3.  CERTIFIED Residential Appraiser-  Must complete the 150 hours of approved education required to become a Licensed Appraiser PLUS and additional 50 hours of approved education for a total of 200 hours of approved appraisal education. Additionally, they must have attained a college level associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university. In lieu of the required degree, you may complete twenty-one (21) semester credit hours covering the following subject matter courses: English Composition; Principles of Economics (Micro or Macro); Finance; Algebra, Geometry or higher mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; and Business or Real Estate Law. Can appraise no more than four residential units in one transaction, with no limit on value.

4. CERTIFIED GENERAL Appraiser- Must complete the 200 hours of approved education required to become a Certified Residential Appraiser PLUS and additional 100 hours of approved appraisal education for a total of 300 hours of approved education. Additionally, you must have attained a college level Bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university. In lieu of the required degree, you may complete thirty (30) semester credit hours covering the following subject matter courses: English Composition; Micro Economics; Macro Economics; Finance; Algebra, Geometry or higher mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; Business or Real Estate Law; and two (2) elective courses in Accounting, Geography, Economics, Business Management, or Real Estate. May perform an appraisal for any real property.  

Stefan Geyer

Certified Appraiser / Realtor

http://www.stefanmax.com/