Supervisor Spotlight – Nita Sloan
September 15, 2022
Nita Sloan has been a certified appraiser since 2002. She started her career serving the Northern and then Southern California areas. In 2008, she moved to Louisiana where she continued her career as an appraiser. In 2013, Nita moved to Arizona. She provides appraisal services to clients in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and is mentoring not one but two trainees, Yessica Valenzuela and Elaine Rodriguez.
“When I was a trainee 25 years ago, I didn’t have someone holding my hand. I had to keep asking questions,” recalls Owner of Sloan Appraisal Services and Appraisal Trainee Supervisor Nita Sloan. “I always said that if I ever trained people, I would teach them in the way I would have wanted to learn. I want to make sure that anyone I mentor understands what they are doing.”
“The way Nita trains us has been phenomenal,” says Elaine Rodriguez, one of two trainees Nita is currently mentoring. “She is hands-on and has taught us to be hands-on,” says fellow trainee, Yessica Valenzuela. “She shows us how something works and goes through it step-by-step.” “With Nita, it’s all about building a process, working with files, getting used to reporting and then going into the field,” adds Elaine. “We’re learning how to do an inspection the right way.”
The key to your success
“Performance and turn times are critical for your success, your AMC, the lender and the homebuyer’s experience. You have to start the stopwatch as soon as the order comes in. Knowing this and being efficient in your work process is critical,” says Nita.
“The key to success as a supervisor is having a process for how you will train and a repeatable process. Like making sure you start the appraisal process with the right information and photos before you ever begin your work, so you do not have to go back onsite,” Nita continues. “Scheduling your day to be able to maximize your appointments and work is critical to getting the job done. As a supervisor there are a lot of coachable moments, and I enjoy sharing in these.”
It all began with a twist of fate
Most trainees set about trying to line up a supervisor to show them the ropes by reaching out to appraisal offices. For Yessica and Elaine, their mentoring relationship with Nita came about in a different way. “I met both of my trainees while inspecting their homes,” says Nita.
“Before I met Nita, I was ready to give up on getting someone to mentor me, says Yessica. “At the time the market was hopping. Everyone was super busy, and no one wanted to take on a trainee. I met Nita when she inspected our home. At first, I didn’t want to ask if she was looking to take on a trainee. But I finally did, and it all fell into place. I am so happy that it did.”
Elaine Rodriguez met Nita the same way. She was so impressed by Nita that Elaine became inspired. “After meeting Nita, I decided to change my career and become an appraiser.
I believe in having a passion for what you do and building relationships. Taking this approach will leave a lasting impression on your trainees, yourself and your business.
Nita Sloan – Owner of Sloan Appraisal Services and Supervisor
Building a strong bond
Many appraisers are reluctant to take on one appraiser, let alone two, but Nita is glad she agreed to mentor Yessica and Elaine.
“They are my godsends. I call them The Sloan Appraisal Angels,” glows Nita. “My trainees are both about 20 years younger than me. I often joke with them that they have a fresh mind and good eyes. They have a fresh perspective on things, even technologically. There are a lot of wonderful things that come from working with trainees.” The feelings of respect are mutual. “I have a very high regard for Nita,” says Elaine. “Yessica and I are not just representing ourselves. We are representing Nita and her company. And, we are a direct reflection on her brand and reputation. We want everything we do to be sound, without errors.”
“I would like to stay on with Nita,” says Yessica Valenzuela. “Nita has so much experience, and I look up to her. I want to be able to stay with her and grow.”
As for her fellow appraisers who are approached to become trainee supervisors, Nita encourages them to think of the big picture. “If we don’t get new blood into the industry, it will fade away,” cautions Nita. “We need to help by bringing in the next generation. I want to do this for our industry because this is an industry that I love and that has done so much for me. It is my turn to give back and help it grow.”