ADI Scholarship Recipient Spotlight – Danielle Taylor
Danielle was introduced to the appraisal industry and the Appraiser Diversity Initiative (ADI) scholarship program by her cousin Vonnia Harris Davis with Blueprint 2022. Danielle instantly saw the program as a great opportunity to branch out and do something different to help fill a need in her community.
Danielle received an ADI scholarship July 1, 2022 and now has finished the classes for residential and high and best use. Throughout her learning journey Danielle received support from the team at ADI, describing them as “off the charts” and pointing out how they are always fast to respond and help. “They remember who you are personally too and know what you need and how to get it to you,” says Danielle.
In fact, Danielle was introduced to a job opportunity by the ADI team and is happy to have started a new job with the state of West Virginia Department of Transportation as a Transportation Appraiser Trainee in the Right of Way Division. In this role she’ll assist in purchasing properties on behalf of the state which will be developed into future roadways. While in the state’s employ Danielle will be able to gain her experience hours while taking Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) training to become a certified appraiser. Her employer will provide a mentor as well.
PAREA is the online program that provides simulations to instruct participants how to apply appraisal theory and methodology to real-world examples. Danielle is looking forward to having a mentor as previous ADI students have found that the courses are so much easier when you have someone in the industry to assist you with your studies. Before pursuing a career as an appraiser, Danielle advises others to do their homework.
If you want to become an appraiser do your research first. Shadow someone before committing to see if this is what you really want to do. And, keep in mind the educational process is an ongoing process. Even after you have your license you will still need to have continuing education.
For Danielle, the most exciting part about becoming an appraiser is being able to help people. She lives in West Virginia where the majority of the state is rural. Appraisers are few and far between so it can take months to get an appraisal done. She is looking forward to being able to help fill that gap and deliver timely appraisals to the homebuyers and sellers of her state.