Empowering Your Future

Why did you become an appraiser?

What I would tell a person of color, coming into the appraisal industry, about the Appraisal Institute, is that it's an organization that offers a lot of opportunity. There are all types of scholarships available. And there's mentoring, there's assistance for you to go into a career that is kind of a like, maybe, top secret, but it's a career that—just imagine, it ties you to the world, because the world is made up of real estate and people when you think about it, so you are just hands on in terms of a very, very, very important aspect of real estate. That's appraising; that's determining value. And it's broad. There's so many aspects of appraising and being a member of this organization and allows you to learn, to grow, to network. And now's the time. There's all types of opportunities. I would encourage any minorities with any interest to pursue this career.

Why did you become an appraiser?

I earned my designations knowing that there is so much more that you will learn coming through the Appraisal Institute. Their designations are the best in the world. We all know that. I had plenty of assistance behind me as well, other people that were in the firm that I was in at the time. They all touted the Appraisal Institute. I was young, you know; you learn from who your mentor is, and I was lucky enough to have a solid mentor that taught me the right way.

Why did you become an appraiser?

I will tell them there's, right now, no other organization that can provide them the tools to become a real professional appraiser, or at least to guide you around your jobs and the work that you're going to do as an appraiser. Because at least it gives you the right mindset to provide what us appraisers provide to the public, which is good public trust and valuations.

I think any person that wants to be an appraiser, must...be part of the Appraisal Institute. From the first day, you understand all the benefits you get in being a member. The quality of education is unique. And the network. I recommend that to everybody who asked me, how do I become an appraiser? And the first thing I said, if you're going to do this, the first step you must do is become a member of the AI.

What does the Appraisal Institute mean to you?

I have affection for the Institute. I have a respect for the Institute. But most importantly, I'm proud of being a part of that organization, because it's part of my home. A man once said, the people you hang around with, and the books read, is what you become five years from now. And that's true. It's really true now, more so than ever with the Institute.