Best Real Estate Appraisal Schools Reviewed
Choosing a career in real estate is an exciting undertaking and whether it is your first career, or you’ve recently decided to make a career change, finding the right school is the best way to get started.
There are all kinds of careers within the real estate industry, but if you’ve decided that a real estate appraiser job is the right profession for you, then this article will prove to be extremely helpful.
Here we’ll take a closer look at some of the top real estate appraisal institutions across the United States so that you’re sure to get off to a great start.
What Is a Real Estate Appraiser?
In order for a home to be sold or bought it's important to know its value, and that's where a real estate appraiser comes into play.
They are responsible for determining the value of a property, which can be a commercial or residential property.
They need to prepare a report of the appraisal that takes into account the market at the present time.
To put this report together they will often need to visit the property, take pictures, do research on the market, collect data not just on that property but others in the area, and also put together the legal description of the property.
If you choose the career of the real estate appraiser you may work for a bank or a real estate company. Of course, in order to become a real estate appraiser you will need to attend appraisal school.
Examining the Top Rated Real Estate Appraisal Institutions
Obviously you want your career as a real estate appraiser to be successful, so getting proper real estate appraiser training is imperative.
This can be done by attending a great real estate appraisal school. Not only will a real estate appraiser school prepare you for your career, it's also a requirement that you be licensed in the state you wish to practice in.
This means you need to pick a real estate appraiser school that will offer training based on your state’s requirements. As a real estate appraiser you will need to have your Bachelor's degree, and then your certification and / or licensing.
While it’s impossible to highlight all the different schools across the country, I have put together a list of some of the top ones.
School | Foundation | Where Offered | Delivery Formats | Study Groups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1938 | All 50 States | Computer | Yes |
 | 1996 | 40 States | Computer & mobile devices | No |
 | N/A | All 50 States | Computer & mobile app | No |
 | 1982 | 7 States | Computer | No |
 | 1932 | All 50 States | Classroom or Computer | No |
#1: Kaplan Real Estate School
Foundation: 1938
Offered in: 50 states
Delivery format: Computer
Kaplan Real Estate School is one of the most renowned real estate schools in the United States. It has been voted as the country's number one online school for the real estate industry.
Kaplan's Real Estate appraisal courses are offered in all 50 U.S. states and are acclaimed by their superior quality. All important information regarding appraiser training is covered in-depth and Kaplan's professors are experts in their field. They are also available to answer to your questions and assist you by email within 24 hours.
Study groups are offered by this school and this is one of their best perks that sets them apart from the rest.
#2: Real Estate Express
Foundation: 1996
Offered in: 40 states
Delivery format: Computer & mobile devices
Another great option for online appraisal training is Real Estate Express. Their courses are offered in 40 U.S. states and accessible through your computer or mobile devices.
Real Estate Express' studying material has everything you need to learn and get your license. This school has served more than two hundred thousand students in the United States.
A great benefit this school has to offer is their money back guarantee. If you fail your state exam after passing their prep test, you can have your money refunded.
Here's a short video presentation of Real Estate Express.
#3: Career Webschool
Offered in: 50 states
Delivery format: Computer & mobile app
Another option is Career Webschool OnCourse Learning. What makes this online educational school so unique is that you've got a few options when it comes to real estate appraisal courses.
There are qualifying courses you can enroll in, which are required in order to become licensed in your state. There are courses intended for exam prep so that you are able to pass without any issues. And lastly there are continuing education courses for those who are already licensed but want to be sure they stay up-to-date on all the latest information.
It should also be noted when you take your appraisal courses online you have the luxury of learning at your own pace, reviewing your material and answers as often as you like, and even changing answers if need be. It's a much more flexible way of learning that seems to fit well with people’s busy lifestyles.
#4: Allied Schools
Foundation: 1982
Offered in: 7 states
Delivery format: Computer
A big trend in education these days is to do online training from your own home. Allied Schools offers at home appraisal school giving you the ability to work the training around your own schedule. Not only is it convenient but the courses meet all the state requirements, which is a top priority when searching for schools.
The entire Real Estate Appraisal Residential Licensing package takes 154 hours to complete. Once you complete the course you can then schedule a time to write your exam. Passing the exam means you will then be licensed in your state. It’s also important to note that online training can be a budget-friendly option.
#5: Appraisal Institute
Foundation: 1932
Offered in: 50 states
Delivery format: Classroom or Computer
With over 80 years of experience in the field, the Appraisal Institute offers both conventional education in a classroom setting and also online on demand courses. All 50 states can benefit from the Appraisal Institute trainings and programs.
The Appraisal Institute is much more than a school. It is also an association with 22,000 professionals in almost 60 countries offering resources, publications, professional practice and news to everyone who decides to join them.
Choosing Your Path
When it comes down to choosing one from the best real estate appraisal schools, go with the one that works with your schedule, your budget, and will give you all the training you need to successfully become licensed in your state.
My recommendation is Kaplan Real Estate School. It has everything you need to learn, preparate and educate yourself the right way so that you can reach success in the real estate field you choose.
It might not be that less expensive option, but it is certainly the best. Remember: getting proper education is not throwing money away, it's an investment in yourself and in your career.
