How To Become An Appraiser In Ohio

Have you ever wondered what determines the value of a property? In Ohio, becoming a licensed real estate appraiser is a rewarding career path that offers the opportunity to analyze market trends, assess property characteristics, and ultimately provide crucial insights for buyers, sellers, lenders, and insurers. Appraisers play a vital role in the real estate ecosystem, ensuring fair and accurate valuations that underpin billions of dollars in transactions each year. Their expertise is essential for maintaining market stability and protecting the interests of all stakeholders.

The process of becoming a licensed appraiser in Ohio involves specific education requirements, supervised experience hours, and passing rigorous examinations. Navigating these steps can seem daunting, but understanding the pathways available and the specific criteria is the key to success. Whether you're looking to change careers, expand your knowledge of the real estate industry, or simply gain a deeper understanding of property valuation, becoming a licensed appraiser could be the perfect fit.

What are the specific steps to getting licensed?

What are the education requirements to become an appraiser in Ohio?

To become an appraiser in Ohio, you must complete specific educational requirements which vary depending on the appraiser license level you are pursuing. These requirements include completing qualifying education hours from an approved provider, and these hours cover appraisal principles, practices, and law.

Aspiring appraisers in Ohio must first decide which level of licensure they wish to obtain: Appraiser Trainee, Licensed Residential Appraiser, Certified Residential Appraiser, or Certified General Appraiser. Each level has progressively more stringent education requirements. The Appraiser Trainee needs 75 hours of qualifying education. The Licensed Residential Appraiser needs 150 hours. The Certified Residential Appraiser requires an Associate's degree (or 30 college credit hours in specific subjects) and 200 hours of qualifying education. The Certified General Appraiser requires a Bachelor's degree and 300 hours of qualifying education. The qualifying education courses must be approved by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing, and they must cover specific topics outlined in the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) criteria. Common course topics include basic appraisal principles, residential market analysis, income property appraisal, appraisal law, and report writing. It is crucial to verify that the courses you take are indeed approved and meet the current AQB standards before enrolling, as non-approved courses will not count towards your licensure requirements.

How do I find a supervisory appraiser in Ohio for my trainee hours?

Finding a supervisory appraiser in Ohio involves networking within the appraisal community, utilizing online resources, and contacting appraisal organizations. Seek out experienced, certified appraisers who are willing to mentor you and meet the requirements set by the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing.

Expanding on this, a good first step is to connect with local real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and other professionals in the industry. They often work closely with appraisers and may be able to offer recommendations or introductions. Consider attending local real estate or appraisal events and meetings to network directly with potential supervisors. Don't be afraid to reach out to appraisers whose work you admire; even if they aren't currently taking on trainees, they might be able to suggest someone who is. Online resources can also be invaluable. Check the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing website for a directory of licensed appraisers. While the directory may not explicitly indicate who is open to supervising trainees, you can use it to identify potential candidates in your geographic area and then contact them individually. Additionally, explore online appraisal forums and groups, where you can post inquiries and connect with experienced appraisers who may be willing to mentor you. Remember to thoroughly vet any potential supervisor to ensure they meet the state's requirements regarding experience, certification level, and willingness to provide adequate guidance and training. Finally, remember that finding a good supervisor is crucial for your development as an appraiser. Look for someone who is not only knowledgeable but also patient, supportive, and committed to helping you succeed. The relationship should be mutually beneficial, with you gaining valuable experience and the supervisor contributing to the future of the appraisal profession.

What are the different appraiser license levels in Ohio and their requirements?

Ohio offers four appraiser license levels: Appraiser Trainee, Licensed Residential Appraiser, Certified Residential Appraiser, and Certified General Appraiser, each with increasing levels of complexity in the properties they can appraise and progressively stricter education, experience, and examination requirements. Earning a higher license level permits an appraiser to appraise a broader range of properties, ultimately leading to the ability to appraise all types of real property for any transaction with a Certified General Appraiser license.

The Appraiser Trainee license is the entry point, requiring completion of qualifying education coursework (75 hours) and a supervisory appraiser. Trainees can only perform appraisal assignments under the direct supervision of a state-certified appraiser. The Licensed Residential Appraiser can appraise non-complex one-to-four unit residential properties with a transaction value less than $1,000,000 and complex one-to-four unit residential properties with a transaction value less than $400,000, requiring 150 hours of qualifying education and 2,000 hours of experience. A Certified Residential Appraiser can appraise any one-to-four unit residential property, regardless of value or complexity, mandating 200 hours of qualifying education and 2,500 hours of experience. The Certified General Appraiser license is the highest level, allowing appraisal of all types of real property without restriction. This license requires a bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent coursework), 300 hours of qualifying education, and 3,000 hours of experience, with at least 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work. All license levels also require passing the applicable state-approved examination. Continuing education is required to maintain all appraiser licenses in Ohio.

What exams do I need to pass to become a licensed appraiser in Ohio?

To become a licensed appraiser in Ohio, you will need to pass the exam corresponding to the level of licensure you are pursuing. Specifically, you must pass the national appraiser examination administered by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) for either the Licensed Residential Appraiser, Certified Residential Appraiser, or Certified General Appraiser credential.

The specific exam required depends on the scope and complexity of the appraisals you intend to perform. The Licensed Residential Appraiser exam allows you to appraise non-complex one-to-four unit residential properties with a transaction value less than $1,000,000 and complex one-to-four unit residential properties with a transaction value less than $400,000. The Certified Residential Appraiser exam allows you to appraise one-to-four unit residential properties without regard to transaction value or complexity. Finally, the Certified General Appraiser exam is the highest level of licensure and permits you to appraise all types of real property, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Before you can sit for any of these exams, you must complete the required qualifying education and experience hours, as determined by the Ohio Real Estate Appraiser Board. Once you've met those prerequisites, you'll apply to take the exam and, upon approval, schedule your test through the testing provider (currently PSI). Passing the exam is a crucial step towards obtaining your appraisal license and beginning your career as a real estate appraiser in Ohio.

What is the application process like for an appraiser license in Ohio?

The application process for an appraiser license in Ohio involves completing required education and experience hours, passing the necessary examination, and submitting a detailed application package to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. This package includes transcripts, experience logs verified by a supervisory appraiser, examination results, background check information, and payment of applicable fees.

To elaborate, the first step involves completing the required qualifying education from an approved provider. The specific education hours vary based on the desired license level (Registered Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General). After completing the education, aspiring appraisers must gain practical experience under the supervision of a licensed appraiser. Detailed experience logs, documenting the hours and types of properties appraised, must be maintained and verified by the supervisory appraiser. Once the education and experience requirements are met, applicants must pass the appraiser examination administered by a testing vendor approved by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB). After successfully passing the exam, a complete application package, including all supporting documentation, must be submitted to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. The Division reviews the application to ensure all requirements are met. This includes a criminal background check. If approved, the license is issued, allowing the individual to practice as an appraiser in Ohio at the designated level. Ongoing continuing education is required to maintain the license.

How much does it cost to get an appraiser license in Ohio?

The total cost to get an appraiser license in Ohio varies depending on the license level you're pursuing (Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General) and the specific education provider you choose. However, you can generally expect to spend between $1,500 and $6,000+ on pre-licensing education, examination fees, application fees, and background checks. Continuing education costs will also be incurred to maintain your license once obtained.

The majority of the cost associated with obtaining an appraiser license stems from the required pre-licensing education. These courses can range significantly in price depending on the provider, format (online vs. in-person), and the level of license you're aiming for. Trainee licenses require fewer education hours and therefore have lower course costs compared to Certified General licenses, which demand extensive education. Beyond education, each license level incurs application fees to the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. Also, exam fees are paid to the testing provider, currently administered by AMP (Applied Measurement Professionals). Background checks are a relatively minor cost but are a mandatory part of the application process.

To provide a general idea of the fees involved, consider the following breakdown:

Remember to factor in the cost of textbooks and study materials, which can add to the overall expenses. Furthermore, once you're licensed, you'll need to budget for continuing education courses to keep your license active.

Are there any specific Ohio state laws I should know about appraising?

Yes, as an aspiring or practicing appraiser in Ohio, you must be aware of Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 4763, which governs real estate appraisers and appraisal management companies. This chapter outlines licensing requirements, standards of practice, disciplinary actions, and other regulations specific to the appraisal profession within the state.

Beyond the general requirements outlined in federal regulations and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), Ohio law adds specific nuances. ORC Chapter 4763 establishes the Ohio Real Estate Appraiser Board, which is responsible for overseeing appraisers and enforcing the laws. It defines the different levels of appraiser licensure (Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General) and the qualifications required for each, including education, experience, and examination. Understanding the specific requirements for each license level in Ohio is paramount.

Furthermore, Ohio law details the grounds for disciplinary action against appraisers, which can include violations of USPAP, fraud, misrepresentation, incompetence, and other unethical conduct. Familiarizing yourself with these grounds is essential to maintain ethical and professional practice. The Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 1301:11 provides further details and regulations related to appraising in Ohio, supplementing the ORC. Keeping up-to-date with changes to both the ORC and OAC related to appraisal is crucial for compliance.

So, there you have it! Your roadmap to becoming a licensed appraiser in Ohio. It might seem like a lot, but with dedication and hard work, you can definitely achieve your goals. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide has been helpful. Feel free to come back and visit anytime you need a refresher or have more questions along the way. Best of luck on your appraisal journey!