GETTING INVOLVED
BUT HOW?
BY CRISTY CONOLLY
APPRAISAL BUZZ FALL 2020 | 35
When I was introduced to the appraisal industry 17
years ago, I was immediately hooked. I have always
naturally analyzed things and am very inquisitive. I
to understand the why and how behind things. So,
Making observations, researching and analyzing
data, reconciling information, and reporting all of it - I
was made for this!
I quickly learned the appraisal industry has many
facets and roads to travel. There are fee appraisers
that work from home, fee appraisers that work out of
appraisers primarily work in the lending world, and
also some appraisers work in litigation as expert
witnesses. Then we have appraisers that specialize
in eminent domain, tax appeal, and other niche areas.
There are appraisers that work for their local county
or state, and there are review appraisers that work
for banks, lenders, or AMCs. The possibilities for an
appraiser’s career are vast and limited only by their
own choices (and USPAP, of course).
I’m privileged to have traveled down a few of these
roads and have enjoyed each facet of the appraisal
industry I’ve experienced. I’ve learned a lot along my
appraisal world. It’s been my privilege to have been
able to work alongside and volunteer with some of
the best people in the industry. Collaborating with
other industry professionals and making strides for
what I believe in has helped fuel my passion. While
there is much diversity, the one constant is that every
appraiser has their own thoughts and opinions on
meaningful and relevant.