How do I become an appraiser?
Click here to see what the NCAB says

Is it difficult to find work as a trainee?
Many students take the courses without having a supervising appraiser. We do not hear from everyone but we hear from some students that are able to find positions and others who show up years later in CE classes that are working as appraisers. We also know of others who have yet to find positions or have resigned from searching for positions. Taking the courses, paying the fees and becoming a registered trainee is the easiest part of the process & finding a supervising appraiser can be the most difficult.

I want to become an appraiser, what do I do?
You need to take the following classes: Basic Appraisal Principles, Basic Appraisal Procedures, Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use and the 15 hour National USPAP course. You should take these courses from Board approved sponsors. Note: you need to take these classes in consecutive order.

When you begin courses you should start preparing your application and request a criminal record report, which can be found at:

Application
Criminal Record

The Appraisal Board phone number is 919-870-4854

After you complete all courses and the board receives and processes your application you will be granted exam approval. The Board staff will send you information on how to contact the testing site and make reservations for the exam. Note: you schedule the test at your convenience. You are not assigned a test date; you make arrangements around your schedule.

When you pass the state exam, send the NCAB your original test result.

When they receive your test result the Board staff will look to see if you have had a character issue. For those applicants who do not have a character issue, your registered trainee number will be assigned and mailed to you. For those applicants with a character issue, your application must go before the Board for approval. Regardless of the category your application falls into, you will be notified by the Board staff.

Note: once your trainee number has been assigned to you, you are eligible to begin working as a registered trainee.

Why should I take a course from Realetech?
Don is an AQB certified instructor capable of providing all the required courses to become a Registered Trainee in NC. The courses are well thought out and do a good job of preparing you for the Trainee exam and working in an appraisal office. Plus, see all the testimonials on the right side of this page!

How do I go about finding a supervisor?
That is entirely up to you. One way is to network in your community. Talk to appraisers who are friends of yours and friends of your family’s. See if they will agree to become your supervisor. If you don’t know anyone personally, talk to people you do know and see if they know any appraisers and would personally put in a good word about you with them. Use the yellow pages in your phone directory. Look up “appraisers,” find their business and go introduce yourself. Give them a resume and sell your qualities to them. Be persistent and professional and someone will take an interest in helping you succeed.

Where are the courses held?
2520 Delaney Avenue (click for directions)
Wilmington, NC 28403
In the same building as Dr. Ronald E. Robinson, DDS

How much do Trainees make?
It depends. Most trainee positions are performance based, they are generally not salary positions. Our students have reported earning between 30% and 40% of the appraisal fee once they are able to find a position.

How long will it take me to become licensed once I become a trainee?
That varies from trainee to trainee. It depends on how quickly you work and how many hours per week you work. Typically, it takes anywhere from one to two years.

What are the Appraiser Qualifications Criteria?
Click here for a complete rundown of the required criteria:

Did you take a class from Realetech, click here to include your testimonial on the website. Be sure and include your name and when you took a class!! Thanks, Don

I just wanted to let you know that I passed Appraiser Trainee exam! Your informative yet enjoyable instruction style brought the complexities of appraisal down to the practical level instead of just theory. Thank you for being such a great instructor. I highly recommend Realetech to anyone who is interested in entering the world of real estate appraising!

Belinda Jarrard
City of Wilmington

I took your Crammer class this past March and I took my exam this past Wednesday and I Passed my exam!!!!!!!!!!

I am so happy and now I can go to work as soon as I get my number and License from Raleigh.

Thank you, so much for having this class and it was really a great help.

Thanks again, Ashley Williams
shallotte, NC

Don, Passed my test on the first try. Your syllabus was right on the money. Reviewed my notes and went for it.........99.9 % of it I knew. Plus just thought you'd like to hear that when I started actually working for an appraisal company, the guy told me he was honestly shocked. He said in his 30+ years of appraising he never has had a trainee come in and actually know something besides the answers to the test questions. He said and I quote " glad to know that guy (you) down there is actually teaching people things instead of just getting them past the test".

Mike Dickson , Grandy, NC

I just wanted to write and say thank you for teaching a great class. You made learning the subject matter and understanding it easy with your particular style of teaching. I am much more excited about appraising now than I was a month ago. I'll be sure to reccomend you to anyone who is interested.....................Thank you,

Justin Deese, New Bern, NC

"I attended R-1, R-2, R-3, and USPAP courses at Realetech and I have to say I was quite surprised. Many people think of courses as boring and unnecessary, however, the classes at Realetech are informative, interesting, and even fun. If you are going to take these courses...take them at Realetech. You won't regret it."

"Don White was instrumental in giving me the knowledge and confidence to change careers into the field of appraising. After taking his courses, I was able to pass my exam on my first attempt and obtain a job in commercial appraising within 3 months. Thanks, Don."
Denise West, Klontz Newkirk Real Estate Group, Wilmington, NC

After going the cheaper route and taking some of my classes at a local community college and some with Realetech, I realize just how much more of a quality of education I was getting with Realetech. The classes at Realetech prepared me for my state exam much better than the others. It is definately worth the money.

Chris Noe, GMC Real Estate, Wilmington, NC

"Don's class made the difference." I had tried appraisal classes with another instructor and decided I was not cut out for the appraisal business. A friend suggested Don's class so I decided to try one more time. This time there was no doubt I could do the work, I just needed someone who knew how to teach the material and actually allowed the class to be fun. I am now finishing up my "Trainee" status and look forward to working in this business, and for myself. There are many classes and instructors; I would highly recommend Don White to anyone seriously considering the appraisal profession.
Hamp Thomas-Pinehurst, NC

The appraisal classes I took from Don White were some of the best classes I have ever taken, bar none. Don has a thorough knowledge of the subject and presents the material in a clear and interesting manner. He is an excellent instructor whose professional and ethical principles set a commendably high standard for his students and for the appraisal profession. I highly recommend him.
Jim Bradley, Prudential Carolina Real Estate, Wilmington, NC

I took my appraisal classes ....with Don White in August 2003. The fact that I drove from Asheville, NC to Wilmington for four weekends to take these courses says a lot about how I feel regarding Don as an Instructor.
I found him to be extremely up to date on all laws, rules and changes in the appraisal industry. He covered the basics very well and never minded silly questions from those of us who were insecure about our learning. He is confident, knowledgeable, entertaining and patient.
I have ended up having to take the helm of a company that has 1 certified and 2 licensed appraisers and I have never felt inadequate with being in charge of these people with more experience
than I...........
I highly recommend him to anyone considereing taking the appraisal classes
Janice W. Trantham, Asheville, NC

(Don's) method of instruction is clear, direct and well organized. Elise Rocks
Worsley Real Estate Company Wrightsville Beach, NC

"Don is a very good teacher and made UPSAP interesting!" ...
Nancy Brice, Wilmington, NC

Don is a professional from top to bottom. His appraisal seminars are
factual, precise, practical and complete. Although there is a tremendous amount of information packed into one of his "multi-weekend courses", it flows in a manner that allows one to absorb it readily. His sense of humor is dry, quick, relentless..........and if you can survive his jokes, the class will be a breeze!