The first step is always the most difficult when you are just starting something new.
The same is true when you’re just beginning a career in real estate appraisal, especially when you have little to no idea about the process or even the industry.
To give you some advice, the first thing you must do is to choose a real estate appraisal course that will help you learn the fundamentals and gain the skills necessary.
So with that in mind, we’re going to give you a list of the best real estate appraisal courses in Pennsylvania for 2022.
We will review each provider based on reputation, cost, and performance. In turn, this will help you decide which course provider will be the best for YOU.
Shall we get right to it?
The Top 4 Best Real Estate Appraisal Courses in Pennsylvania
Here are the top 4 education providers that offer some of the best real estate appraisal courses in Pennsylvania:
Let’s look at each provider one by one.
McKissock Learning
If you’re looking for a real estate appraisal school that is highly reputable, McKissock will likely appear on top of your Google search results.
McKissock is part of a family of e-learning brands known as the Colibri Group, and it has been an industry leader for more than two decades. It is also one of the first adopters of online education in the country, making it far more experienced than most of its competitors.
Cost-wise, McKissock is one of your best bets. It has three education packages costing from around $900 to $1,400. The most affordable bundle includes the complete qualifying courses required for appraiser trainees, while the more expensive options feature premium features such as career development tools, webinars, and a lot more.
Performance-wise, you can’t go wrong with McKissock. It has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2009 and is rated A+. It also has thousands of customer reviews on various websites such as Trustpilot.com and Indeed.com, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Over the past years, Hondros College quickly became one of the top appraisal schools, not only in Pennsylvania but also all over the US.
It has an average annual growth of 6% and is expected to grow further in the coming years. What started in 1981 as a real estate preparatory school in Ohio later expanded and began to offer a plethora of other licensing courses for a variety of industries.
As for the cost, Hondros College is the top pick for aspiring appraisers who are on a budget. The school has some of the most affordable education packages. Its trainee bundles start at around $900.
Unlike other appraisal schools, you probably won’t see many customer reviews online for Hondros College as it is less popular. However, its students report that they love how simple yet efficient the coursework is.
If later, you decide to pursue a higher appraiser license level in Pennsylvania, you might want to consider their exam prep offerings which will help you pass the exam on your first try.
The Appraisal Institute (AI) is probably one of the most prestigious associations of professional appraisers, with more than 90 chapters worldwide. Its members have the highest designations in the appraisal field, such as MAI, SRPA, and SRA.
AI also has a reputation for having some of the best instructors with decades and decades of expertise and experience.
However, Appraisal Institute’s education programs are on the pricey side. Individual courses cost a little less than $390 for members and a little over $450 for non-members.
Many would say it is worth the price, though, as AI’s course materials are co-developed with other appraisal organizations, including the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).
Note that AI isn’t technically a school. Still, it is one of America’s best real estate education providers, so it deserves a spot on our list. I mean, its course materials were produced by experts in the appraisal field, and they have the most comprehensive content that will set you apart from average appraisers in the US.
Headquartered in Newton Square, PA, Polley Associates School of Real Estate has been around since the 1970s. Over four decades, it has become one of the most successful real estate schools in the country. It offers all the educational requirements for every stage of your appraisal career.
Its self-paced online programs cost around $900, while its Certified Residential Appraiser package for trainees costs about $1,200.
You can also purchase individual courses from around $310 to $370. If you prefer to have some degree of social interaction during your lessons, you can sign up for their in-person classes.
Polley Associates may be smaller in size compared to its competitors, but it makes sure to compensate by providing the best quality of education it can offer. Students enjoy their time at Polley Associates, and they end up referring to 90% of the school’s clients.
Real Estate Appraisal Courses in Pennsylvania FAQs
Check some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming an appraiser in PA below.
How do I become a real estate appraiser in Pennsylvania?
First, you have to become a PA Licensed Appraiser Trainee.
To do that, you must complete the following steps:
- Take the required 79 hours of qualifying education.
- Find a Certified Appraiser who will be your Supervisor.
- Submit your application to the Pennsylvania Department of State.
What are the educational requirements for an appraiser trainee in Pennsylvania?
You must complete 79 hours of qualifying education, which consists of:
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 Hours)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 Hours)
- National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) (15 Hours)
- AQB approved Supervisor-Trainee course (4 hours)
How do I become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Pennsylvania?
To move up a license level to become a Certified Residential Appraiser, you must complete the following steps:
- You must complete the additional education required (200 hours including the previous coursework you have finished).
- You must have at least 1,500 documented hours of appraisal experience over 12 months.
- You must submit your application.
- You must pass the Certified Residential Appraiser Exam.
Conclusion
Education is an integral part of every career. Sure, it is part of the job requirements, but it is also an essential stepping stone as you prepare for the real deal.
Having the best quality of education will give you a competitive advantage and will prepare you for the challenges of an appraiser’s job.
And, with our list of the best real estate appraisal courses in Pennsylvania, you can be sure that you will get the quality education you deserve.