I wonder sometimes if people are worried about some stranger wondering freely around their house with a clipboard taking notes and pictures. I know I might be worried too, except that I know what it takes to be an appraiser.
Most people know that appraisers go through a lot of education and training, and have to pass some comprehensive exams on appraisal practice and ethics, but do they also know that each appraiser goes through an extensive background check?
Even before becoming a trainee, an applicant has to submit fingerprints for a background check. It the applicant has committed any crime, aside from a minor traffic violation, then he or she cannot become an appraiser. Additionally, if a practicing appraiser commits a crime, then they get their license revoked.
You can see the status of an appraisers license on the web site for the Office of Real Estate Appraisers (OREA). You can also see a list of appraisers who have had disciplinary action taken against them. (It makes for some interesting reading)
Although the list seems long, there are over 15,000 licensed appraisers in the state of California (Not including trainees), so the number of appraisers with problems is really a very small percentage.
If you'd like to find out more about appraisers or appraising, or anything else for that matter, go ahead and give me a call (760-525-2742) or shoot me an email (paulmcewen@cox.net). I always like "talking shop" with people.