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Comparing the 3 Best Real Estate Appraisal Courses In Illinois

Last updated on January 6, 2022

The Best Real Estate Appraisal Courses In Illinois

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In Illinois, the appraisal industry is competitive, which means you need to take advantage to set yourself apart from others.

And because of that, it isn’t enough to just study the 75-hour qualifying education to fulfill state requirements. 

You need to make sure that the courses you study are of the best quality. The ones that will allow you to fulfill the required education, as well as help you succeed in your career.  

With that in mind, we’ve made a list of the best real estate appraisal courses in Illinois. The great news is that these quality courses can be completed online!

So let’s review these awesome courses!

The 3 Best Real Estate Appraisal Courses In Illinois

These are the top 3 best real estate appraisal education providers:

  1. McKissock Learning
  2. Appraisal Institute - Chicago Chapter
  3. Hondros College

Let’s look at them one by one.  

McKissock Learning

Best Real Estate Appraisal Courses in Illinois (2022) McKissock

For many years, McKissock has remained the number one choice in real estate education for both new and seasoned appraisers. 

The school provides complete education packages that not only let students meet their licensing requirements, but also provide them with great knowledge, including new developments in the industry.

What makes McKissock stand out is its interesting and interactive coursework. I mean, they feature real-life examples videos that make lessons easy to understand. In turn, this helps students retain information better.

Rest assured it isn’t like those dry, boring, and heavy textbooks.

Now, McKissock offers Illinois appraisal qualifying courses in two delivery formats: 

  • Online self-paced 

  • Live-streaming

Online self-paced programs are perfect for those who are disciplined self-starters who prefer to study at their pace. 

The Live Streaming package, on the other hand, is most suitable for those who learn better with classes that offer some degree of social interaction. 

Their online self-paced programs are available in three packages:

  • The Basics ($900)

  • Advanced Pro ($1,150)

  • Unlimited Subscription Learning ($1,400)

The first two bundles include the mandatory 75-hour education as well as the Three-Hour Supervisor-Trainee course. 

The Unlimited Subscription Learning package includes up to 300 hours of Illinois appraisal education, professional development tools, and other premium perks, all of which you can access for a whole year. 

The school’s packages are some of the best deals you will find online. Overall, you can’t go wrong with McKissock Learning. 

Best Real Estate Appraisal Courses in Illinois (2022) Appraisal Institute

Appraisal Institute is a professional organization composed of more than 20,000 appraisers with the highest designations in the industry. 

Apart from promoting equality and non-discrimination among appraisal professionals, it also strives to offer a quality education that will produce more competent appraisers in the country. 

According to customer reviews on Indeed.com, which averaged 4.7 out of 5 stars, the top four things they loved the most about AI are the instructors, flexible class hours, positive environment, and hands-on training. 

For one, AI’s members are highly knowledgeable in the field and are the best at their jobs. They have extensive experience, too. 

This can only mean they are better able to explain concepts, provide examples, and even give tips to students. Instructors at AI also see to it that they answer the students’ questions and help them however they can. 

As for delivery methods, AI offers appraisal courses in three formats. You can either attend their classroom courses or sign up for their online self-paced and synchronous programs. 

What’s more, AI is not only focused on educating future appraisers. They are also concerned about building relationships in the profession. They incorporate these early on through their programs by giving students a positive study environment and offering help at all times, providing hands-on training where they can.

Best Real Estate Appraisal Courses in Illinois (2022) Hondros College

Hondros College is an industry leader in appraisal, real estate, mortgage lending, home inspection, etc… 

Hondros College offers the complete associate trainee appraiser package at around $900, which saves you a little under $300 compared to purchasing courses individually (which they also offer). 

Its online programs are 100% self-paced, divided into lessons that run from between 20 to 30 minutes each. The lessons are presented in short, easy-to-digest information. The provider’s course offerings are simple, straightforward, and most suitable for those who are not Internet-savvy. 

Should you have questions, you can always reach out to their technical support team, which offers excellent service. 

Real Estate Appraisal in Illinois FAQs

What are the license levels of real estate appraisers in Illinois? 

Unlike other states, Illinois has only 3 license levels for appraisers, namely:

  • Associate Real Estate Trainee Appraiser
  • Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser
  • Certified General Real Estate Appraiser

What are the qualifications to become an Associate Real Estate Trainee Appraiser in Illinois?

To qualify as a trainee appraiser in Illinois, you must be able to check the following:

  • You must be 18 years old or above. 
  • You have a valid social security number. 
  • You must be a US citizen or legal alien
  • You are a highschool diploma holder or possess its equivalent (GED).

That’s right. No college-level education nor prior work experience is required for trainee appraiser applicants.  

What are the steps to become an Associate Real Estate Trainee Appraiser in Illinois?

  • You must complete 75 hours of qualifying education and a three-hour Supervisory-Trainee that satisfies the specifications of the AQB. The 75-hour mandatory courses include Basic Appraisal Principles and Procedures, and the National USPAP. 
  • You must apply to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The good news is you can submit your application online. Here is a link to download the relevant form
  • Within 60 days of your application, you must complete the criminal background check by scheduling an appointment with a licensed fingerprint vendor. Check this link for a list of vendors.
  • You must pass the Associate Real Estate Trainee Appraiser Examination. There may not be state exams in other parts of the US, but in Illinois, it is mandatory. 
  • Find a Supervisory Appraiser.  

How much does it cost to apply as an Associate Real Estate Trainee Appraiser in Illinois?

The cost of applying as an Associate Trainee Appraiser is around $225. You can pay by check or money order. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable. 

Conclusion

Want to succeed as an appraiser in Illinois?

You need to find the highest quality courses to keep you on the race. 

If you want an overall best that checks all categories, you might want to go with Mckissock Learning. 

If you plan to make significant network connections later on as you advance in your appraisal career, the Appraisal Institute may be the best choice. 

Finally, if you prefer to sign up with an industry leader that can offer just as good a quality of education, you might want to go with Hondros College.  

The choice is yours. But rest assured that, whichever you pick, you’re getting the best of the best in Illinois. 

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