ADI Scholarship Recipient Spotlight – Bri Bridges
At the 2023 Valuation Expo Conference in August in Las Vegas, Solidifi had the opportunity to engage Bri Bridges, JPMorgan Chase Staff Appraiser Apprentice and Appraiser Trainee in IL and IN, along with her manager, Miriam Lopez. Miriam, a FL Certified Residential Appraiser, serves as the Valuations Fulfillment Director within the Collateral Valuations Group at JPMorgan Chase and her responsibilities include management of their staff appraisers.
Bri Bridges is the epitome of passion and determination. Possessing a keen interest in learning about real estate and investment opportunities, she attended an ADI appraisal seminar hosted by Chicago’s Urban League. As the seminar speakers shared the fundamentals of appraisal and the typical day of an appraiser, Bri decided the appraisal profession was “right up her alley.” Meeting with the ADI team led to her submission of the required essay and being awarded an ADI scholarship in 2019.
After being awarded the ADI Scholarship, Bri proceeded to take the classes, and upon successful completion, began the arduous task of finding a supervisor. Bri recognized this hurdle would be a tough challenge and spent more than a year networking while working full-time as a marketing director. Having met with over 30 people while seeking the right individuals to help her break into the appraisal profession and connect with potential supervisors, Bri’s internet research finally delivered the career-changing opportunity with JPMorgan Chase.
Bri loves a challenge and likes having systems and processes to use as guides. When appraising, she feels that every house is a unique challenge. It allows her to use her brain, use her learned skills, and give back. Serving the Chicago market, whose neighborhoods have historically been divided along racial lines, Bri believes seeing diversity represented in the industry is beneficial. She has had clients and customers tell her that it was so nice to see someone who looked like them fulfilling appraisal services, which makes Bri feel like she is contributing to change. The biggest part of being an appraiser apprentice for Bri is being able to give back to the community.
Bri’s enthusiasm and determination to become an appraiser is contagious. She is passionate about creating positive change in the world, as is represented in her being an active proponent and ambassador for the Appraiser Development Initiative™ (ADI), frequently sharing her story at ADI seminars across the U.S. Her tips and tricks are always encouraging to the incoming trainees in the audience and resonate with those who have been in her shoes when they started their careers.
The biggest piece of advice Bri would give to aspiring appraisers is not to give up. She is two-plus years into the process, but hopes to be certified by year end. Networking and connecting with others is an ongoing endeavor. She feels lucky to have such great support to help her continue moving forward toward her goal. Miriam adds that in a down market, sometimes you have to get creative which led Bri to align with two JPMorgan Chase staff appraiser supervisors – one in IL and the other in IN. Having a supervisor who wants you to succeed and is in your corner is a winning combination.
Bri experienced that big aha moment through her supervisor’s consistent emphasis on ensuring a concise narrative is drafted for the intended user of the appraisal report. She recognizes that report development must ensure that the reader of the report not only understands everything about the subject property but how it compares to the neighborhood properties and local market conditions.
People are the best part of Bri’s job! She truly enjoys being welcomed into the clients’ homes and meeting with them. They are always excited to have her. She also enjoys learning more about the communities and the market segment she serves.
My passion is to add value to valuation and bring innovative ideas to life. Stepping outside the box and being a creative problem solver can lead to breakthroughs you would not imagine. As a habitual line stepper, I welcome and seek out change, and am excited for the new changes that the industry faces with new products, tools, and forms to better serve our clients.