AREA: Appraisal Frequently Asked Questions

AMERICA'S REAL ESTATE ACADEMY, INC.

TENNESSEE REAL ESTATE SALES, APPRAISAL, AND HOME INSPECTION COURSES

"WHEN YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT REAL ESTATE EDUCATION"

		Home Inspection Frequently Asked Questions

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Please click a question below to find out the answer:
Questions
1)	What is a Home Inspector?
2)	What are the requirements to become a Home Inspector?
3)	How long is the course?
4)	Is there a test?
5)	What materials are included with the course?
6)	What is required to maintain a license?
7)	How do I start my own business?
8)	Is AREA recognized with any professional organizations?
9)	What is the cost of the course?
10)	Can I be a Real Estate Agent, Appraiser and Home Inspector?

Answers

1)	What is a Home Inspector?
	A home inspector performs a very important service. They inspect existing homes using professional standards as a measure to accurately report the condition of the home to those involved in the real estate transaction. They do not evaluate the home for cost or value, which is more the function of an appraiser. They do however, report objectively, in writing, the condition of all resident home systems as they appear and operate at the time of the inspection.
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2)	What are the requirements to become a Home Inspector?
	TN requires that home inspectors be licensed. You must complete 90 hours of required pre license education, pass the state exam and submit application, required fees and have E&O and liability insurance to obtain your license.
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3)	How long is the course?
	The course is a 120 hour course the state requires that you have 90 hours.
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4)	Is there a test?
	There are several unit exams for the online course designed to test your knowledge of course material, but there is no required state exam.
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5)	What materials are included with the course?
	Students who enroll in the online course will receive electronic versions of a pre-inspection agreement, field worksheet, and narrative report that can be utilized in their own business, along with additional support material. You will also receive a discounted membership for your first year with HIF (Housing Inspection Foundation) and a free year membership with NACHI (National Association of Home Inspectors). As well as demo copies of HomeGauge and InspectVue which are two home inspection reporting programs. You also will get a completion certificate mailed to you upon your course completion.
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6)	What is required to maintain a license?
	Licensees must complete 32 hours of CE each 2 year renewal period. The cost for renewal is $200.00.
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7)	How do I start my own business?
	With this course you will review business formation, marketing, and report writing which should assist you with the necessary information for getting your business started. You will need to obtain a home inspection license and have E&0 and general liability insurance.
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8)	Is AREA recognized with any professional organizations?
	AREA’s courses are recognized for a free one year membership in the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) obtaining full benefits, and discounted membership your first year with the Housing Inspection Foundation (HIF). HIF is also a recognized professional body with the state of California which fulfills the professional qualifications.
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9)	What is the cost of the course?
	AREA currently offers the 120 hour home inspection course at ____ .
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10)	Can I be a Real Estate Agent, Appraiser and Home Inspector?
	Definitely, this course will give you a complete understanding of what to look for with regards to the quality of a home to better assist your clients and prepare a higher quality report.
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Please click a question below to find out the answer:

Questions

What is an Appraiser?

What are the requirements to become a Registered Trainee Appraiser?

Is there a test?

What is a State Registered Trainee Appraiser?

What is required to maintain a license?

Do continuing education classes need to be done in a classroom?

Is a final exam necessary for continuing education?

What is the fee to apply for a license?

Can I be a Real Estate Agent, Appraiser and Home Inspector?

Answers

1)	What is an Appraiser?
	An appraiser is the person who decides the market value of a home based on its condition and the selling prices of comparable homes recently sold in the area. The appraiser computes a fair estimate of market value to help the lender decide a reasonable loan amount.
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2)	What are the requirements to become a Registered Trainee Appraiser?
	To become a Registered Trainee Appraiser in the state of Florida you must: • Be at least 18 years of age • Have high school diploma or GED • Complete and pass the state approved 75 hour course (at least 15 hours covering USPAP) • Submit application to the Division of Real Estate with the appropriate fee
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3)	Is there a test?
	There is no state examination to become a Registered Trainee Appraiser. You only need to complete the 75 educational hours and pass the final exams associated the course. A state examination is required for licensed and certified appraisers.
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4)	What is a State Registered Trainee Appraiser?
	A State Registered Trainee Appraiser is a person registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and qualified to perform appraisal services under the direct supervision of a licensed or certified appraiser. A registered trainee appraiser may accept appraisal assignments only from her or his primary or secondary supervisory appraiser. A registered trainee real estate appraiser may only receive compensation through or from the primary supervisory appraiser.
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5)	What is required to maintain a license?
	Mandatory Post Licensing is now required for Registered Trainee appraisers. If you wish to maintain your status as a Registered Trainee you must complete 45 classroom hours of Board approved Post Licensing courses plus the 3 hour Florida Appraisal Law Update course before the end of your second renewal period. Florida law requires that Post Licensing courses be completed in class, not online. In addition all registered, licensed and certified appraisers must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 30 hours of appraiser continuing education approved by the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board, without duplication of material, during each renewal period (which is two years). The 30 hours must include: (1) the 7-hour National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraiser Practice (USPAP); (2) at least 3 hours of review and update of the Florida Real Estate Appraisal License Law and Board Rules, including an introduction to other state and federal laws affecting real estate appraisals; and (3) a minimum of 20 "specialty" hours approved by the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board, without duplication of material. These three topics complete the 30-hour continuing education requirement.
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6)	Do continuing education classes need to be done in a classroom?
	CE classes can be done in the classroom and are also available through distance learning (online).
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7)	Is a final exam necessary for continuing education?
	Final exams are only required for distance learning courses. A score of 80% or better is required for passing.
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8)	What is the fee to apply for a license?
	The initial fee to apply for a license is $277.00. The two year renewal cost is $180.00.
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9)	Can I be a Real Estate Agent, Appraiser and Home Inspector?
	Absolutely. Taking a real estate or home inspection course will only improve you as a Appraiser.
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