salesperson vs. appraiser

Subject: salesperson vs. appraiser
Author: Shelley
Date: 10/25/2002 1:51 pm EST

I am considering taking classes to either become a salesperson or a appraiser.

What different personal qualities are needed in these fields? My guess is that salepeople have to be more aggressive and also have the possibility to make more money, whereas appraisers don't have as much of the pressure but also don't have the opportunity to make the really big bucks.

Does anyone have any experience with what it is like to be in either of these fields that you would like to share? Are there any other factors worth considering?

Thanks!

[brett]

You guessed right. Some appraisers do make pretty good money. Real estate practice is a great general business education. Compared to appraising, it takes more personal time, often evenings and weekends. R.E. requires an outgoing personality: you have to be "up" when you might not feel like it; you have to listen to people's problems; you have to drive them around in your car; and you have to be prepared for disappoint when the sale doesn't close and you've spent time and money and got nothing for it. That's residential sales. Land and commercial sales is much different. You might make less money in appraising, but you have none of the above problems and more time to yourself. Hope this helps. We can talk some more if you want.