Common Appraisal Questions
The information included in this page is designed to provide you with everything you need to know to become a licensed real estate appraiser in the state of Iowa. It contains the license and training requirements, examination and renewal information, and other commonly asked questions to help you get started in your new career. If you have further questions, please contact an Allied representative at (800) 617-3513.
Is Iowa approved to provide appraisal education?
Allied’s Iowa real estate appraisal program is approved by the Iowa Real Estate Appraiser Board to provide comprehensive appraisal training to students in the state of Iowa.
What are the Iowa license requirements?
There are three levels of Iowa real estate appraiser licenses:
- Associate Real Property Appraiser
- Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser
- Certified General Real Property Appraiser
Education
You must successfully complete the specified hours of approved real estate appraisal courses for each type of license, including a course of at least 15 hours that covers the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The specified hours include:
- 120 or 180 hours for the associate real property appraiser classification.
An associate real property appraiser is an individual who does not meet the experience requirements for certified residential or a certified general real property appraiser, but has meet the educational requirements of 120 or 180 hours and successfully passed either the certified residential or certified general real property appraiser examination. The associate real property appraiser must work under the supervision of a certified residential or certified general real property appraiser, depending on what examination is successfully passed.
- A minimum of 120 hours for the certified residential real property appraiser classification.
- A minimum 180 hours for the certified general real property appraiser classification.
Experience
- Applicants for a certified residential real property appraiser certificate shall have a minimum of 2,500 hours of experience in at least 24 months.
- Applicants for a certified general real property appraiser certificate shall have a minimum of 3,000 hours of experience in at least 30 months. At least half of the 3,000 hours must be non-residential.
What are the continuing education requirements for an Iowa appraisal license?
You must complete a minimum of 28 credit hours in approved continuing education programs acquired during the two-year renewal period.
- A minimum of 14 of the required 28 credit hours must include topics directly related to appraisal such as:
Real estate appraisal law and rules
Report writing
Cost approach
Sales approach
Income approach
- A minimum of 7 of the required 28 credit hours must be the 7-hour National USPAP Update course.
- A maximum of 14 of the required 28 credit hours may be completed in home study or online courses.
How do I renew my appraisal license?
Your appraisal license or certificate is valid for two years from the date that it is issued. The expiration date will appear on the license or certificate. If you are seeking to renew your license or certificate, you need to submit a completed application and the appropriate renewal fees, no later than 30 days before expiration of your license or certificate.
I am licensed or certified in another state but I want to appraise property in Iowa. How can I become licensed in Iowa?
If you are a non-resident of Iowa seeking certification in this state, you can apply by completing the forms provided by the board and paying the appropriate fees.
If you are applying for initial registration or certification within 12 months from the required renewal date, you can pay half the required fee. If you are applying for initial registration or certification more than 12 months from the required renewal date, you must pay the full registration fee.
- The board may issue a reciprocal certificate to you if you are certified in your state of residence. The certificate or license must be in good standing.
- The board shall seek verification from your home state that the certificate is valid and in good standing. A reciprocal certificate will not be issued without the verification.
- As a reciprocal certificate holder, you shall comply with all provisions of the Iowa law and rules.
- The board may exempt you from the national uniform examination provided that you have already successfully completed an examination like or similar to the examination administered by the board.
- You shall be required to pay the federal roster fee.
How can I get a temporary license to do an appraisal in Iowa?
The board may recognize, on a temporary basis, two engagements per year from an appraiser that is certified in another state. You must register with the board; identify the property to be appraised; estimate the length of time you will be in the state; and provide a copy of your current license/certificate/registration. Registration must be submitted on the appropriate form or on your own letterhead and submitted to the board office prior to the performance of the appraisal.
What is the difference between the online Real Estate Appraisal course and the traditional correspondence course?
The online course adds even more convenience to a course that was already designed to be quick, easy, and comprehensive!
Our new online Real Estate Appraisal course will save you time. With online studying, you can start the course right now - instead of waiting until you receive your course via UPS. Also, your quizzes and final exam are graded instantly for you online, which increases your study speed and memory retention!
With the online course, the entire first chapter of the textbook will be here on your computer! You can start reading Chapter 1 and take the first quiz within minutes of enrolling. As soon as you sign up for the online course, we ship you the full Real Estate Appraisal course, so you may continue on to Chapter 2 whenever you are ready.
All quizzes are online, as is the final exam. With the online course, the final exam may be taken in your own home or office - a monitor is required.
What exactly does an appraiser do? What kind of jobs can an appraiser qualify for?
An appraiser inspects real property (land and/or structures) to estimate an accurate value and verify the condition of the property and its improvements. An appraiser must have in-depth knowledge of building techniques, geography, finance, and economics to arrive at a representative value of the appraised property. In order to secure a bank loan, the property must have an appraisal by a licensed appraiser.
Appraisers often work for themselves. They can also work for mortgage firms, real estate brokers, lenders, corporations, and government agencies. Anyone that wants to invest in real estate needs accurate and concise information describing the property, its condition, and its value.
Real estate appraisal is an excellent additional skill for real estate salespeople, brokers, home inspectors, or other professionals who deal in the real estate industry.
What are the differences between Residential, Certified Residential and Certified General appraiser licenses?
There are state by state variations; however, as a general rule the dollar value of the property being appraised is the primary factor that indicates what license level is required to effectively appraise it. Contact Allied for specific state information.
Why should I take a distance education course instead of a live class?
Distance education is a win-win situation. Not only do you get a quality education, but you can complete the course in a flexible, convenient and fast manner. You have all of the benefits of a live class – teacher/student interaction, relevant course material, ongoing student support – with the added benefits of learning from home.
Below is a list of just some of the differences:
| Drive to class and sit in a classroom |
vs. |
Learn from the comfort of your home |
| Learn limited amount of material in class |
vs. |
Learn as quick as you want from home |
| Take your final exam at school |
vs. |
Take your final exam online from your home or office |
| Balance work/family issues |
vs. |
Choose to learn when it’s convenient |
A live class does not let you be in charge of your education. Allied’s distance education options let you choose where, when and how to learn.
Why should I take appraisal courses from Allied?
Allied is approved by the Appraiser Qualification Board (AQB), as well as an affiliate member of the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA). We have partnered with NAREA in order to offer our students a free one-year membership to a professional trade association. Membership to this organization offers appraisers the following great benefits:
- E & O Insurance at discounted group rates.
- Subscription to The Appraisal Times (the official newsletter of the NAREA).
- Useful appraisal supplements and guides to assist you in appraising quickly and accurately according to current standards.
- Eligibility to attend NAREA's annual trade show and conferences.
- NAREA Code of Ethics, suitable for framing.
- And much more!
The Allied family has been in education and publishing since 1979 and offers a full-time student services department with Internet, fax, and e-mail capabilities. With this assistance, along with our trained counselors, help is only a phone call away. Allied has the most up-to-date materials available, which includes software, sample tests and review materials that will help you pass the state exam on your first try!
For California students: In the state of California, the Office of Real Estate Appraisal (OREA) does not accept distance education courses unless those courses meet specific requirements. To meet these requirements, Allied's appraisal courses have been reviewed by the American Council on Education's College Recommendation Service and these courses have been recommended for college credits. That recommendation allows Allied to provide these courses to you via distance education. Therefore, Allied's appraisal courses have been approved by OREA. and meet the minimum standards set by the national Appraiser Qualification Board (AQB).
Is NOW a good time to start my appraisal career?
ABSOLUTELY! The ever-growing real estate industry can provide an abundance of opportunities for licensed real estate appraisers.
Employment of real estate appraisers is expected to grow as levels of real estate activity increase in markets across the country. This will lead to a greater need for licensed professionals to provide accurate and reliable home appraisals.
A growing population is projected to create a greater housing need in the U.S. With a robust economy, individuals will be more likely to buy, sell, refinance or insure their homes.
Be a part of this exciting field! Now is a GREAT time to get your appraisal license!
How can I get started with Allied's Appraisal course?
Allied's Appraisal course includes all required instructional materials, supplemental reading, a workbook, clipboard and other materials. From the moment you enroll, you will have everything you need at your fingertips. Enroll online or contact a friendly Admissions Representative at (800) 617-3513 for assistance today.