Supervisor Spotlight – Ambrosio Valdez
In 2004, Ambrosio Valdez began taking his appraisal courses. In 2007, he became licensed. A year later, Ambrosio was a certified appraiser. Situated in Southern California, Ambrosio conducts valuations of properties in San Diego County, Riverside County, and Orange County. He became an appraiser trainee supervisor in 2010. And, is currently mentoring his third trainee: his son, Isaiah.
How have you enjoyed being an appraiser trainee supervisor so far?
Working with my son Isaiah has been easier than with my first trainee. Isaiah grew up around real estate. He went with me everywhere. He has been helping me with data entry since he was in high school and has seen the entire process. Unlike my first trainee, Isaiah already had some knowledge of the real estate industry. As a result, he’s been a quick learner. When I read his first appraisal report, I was amazed.
How has taking on trainees helped your business?
I am very open to learning and working with my son has taught me new things. While I benefit from solid appraisal fundamentals and experience, because he is younger, Isaiah is more tech savvy and has a greater understanding of that world. It really helps me out and I have found that I am a better appraiser because of it.
Has being a supervisor changed your viewpoint of the industry?
I didn’t realize how much energy and innovation a younger generation of appraisers can bring to the industry until I became a supervisor. The next generation is so full of information. As seasoned appraisers, we need to make the industry more attractive to young people with degrees. We would do a better job as a whole and it will make the appraisal industry so much better.
What is your opinion of the Solidifi Appraiser Trainee Mentorship and Scholarship Program?
The program was the tipping point in Isaiah’s decision to pursue becoming an appraiser. They’ve already sent my son his own work. And I think that puts him a step ahead than most.
Trainee Spotlight – Isaiah Valdez
How did you choose the path to become an appraiser?
I graduated from college in 2009. I started working for a real estate brokerage doing recruiting and marketing. I did that for two years then got my real estate license and started doing sales. This led to my interest in appraising. I got my trainee license and asked my father if he would be my trainee supervisor.
Why do you prefer appraisal work?
I have a passion for real estate and real estate sales, but I like the other side of it as well. I enjoy the field work when conducting appraisals and then being able to go home and focus on typing up reports. I also like having the flexibility to schedule appointments on my own time.
What’s it like having your father as your supervisor?
It’s been a great experience learning from my father. All day we collaborate back and forth. We are both heavily involved on every order that comes through the office, discussing it in depth. I ask a lot of questions. We even configured the office to enhance collaboration. We got new desks and new equipment, and we set them up in a side-by-side configuration to make it more efficient and to maximize our time together and my learnings.
Our experience as a supervisor and trainee has been a learning and growth process for us both.
Do you have any advice for appraiser trainees about finding the right supervisor?
Do your homework. Interview the people you are considering as your potential supervisor. You want to learn from the right one. Remember, the way they run their business will have an influence on how you run your own some day.