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Uncovering the story behind the data

ADI Scholarship Recipient Spotlight – Roz Booker

Roz Booker has spent nearly three decades in real estate, beginning as a licensed real estate agent before earning her broker’s license in Texas and later establishing her own brokerage. As a broker and continuing education instructor, Roz developed a deep appreciation for the role appraisers play in the real estate process. Her decision to pursue appraisal was driven by her interest in equity, legacy and the connection between homeownership and wealth building.

Roz first learned about the Appraiser Development Initiative® (ADI) scholarship opportunity at a NAREB North Texas conference, where representatives from the Appraisal Institute and an ADI scholar discussed the profession and the need for more appraisers. Inspired by what she heard, Roz applied within days and was soon accepted into the program.

Since then, Roz has completed her qualifying education, received additional scholarship support to continue her Licensed Residential coursework, and earned a practicum scholarship through Appraisal U through RSDS. Balancing her brokerage, coursework and practicum required focus and discipline. When a setback delayed her progress, Roz pushed forward, completing 60 hours of coursework in just 35 days, allowing her to rejoin her practicum and remain on track.

As Roz continues toward the next stage of her appraisal career, she remains energized by the research and analysis behind property valuation. From understanding buyer behavior and market differences to evaluating the unique characteristics that shape individual properties and communities, she enjoys uncovering the story behind the data.

Take it seriously. Keep learning, keep growing, and stay open and agile to change.

Roz credits the ADI scholarship not only with opening doors financially, but also with helping her recognize the broader impact of the valuation profession. Through the program, she built relationships with sponsors, supervisors, instructors, mentors and industry professionals who generously shared their time, knowledge and encouragement. For Roz, those connections have been just as valuable as the education itself, providing guidance, perspective, and a sense of community throughout her journey.

About the Solidifi Appraiser Trainee Mentorship and Scholarship Program

Solidifi is helping to grow our industry with our Appraiser Trainee Mentorship and Scholarship Program. As part of the Program, Solidifi is part of the Appraiser Development Initiative™ (ADI) as an Advisor Sponsor and In-Kind Sponsor that provides scholarships and mentoring for new entrants to the appraisal profession.

For aspiring appraisers, finding a qualified mentor to oversee part of their training is often cited as a significant barrier to entry in the profession. However, more and more appraisers on the Solidifi network are opening their doors to trainees. Solidifi is leading the way to attract new entrants to the appraisal profession with more than 200 trainees onboarded since inception providing valuable work experience toward their appraisal credential.

About the Appraiser Diversity Initiative

The Appraiser Development Initiative™ is a collaboration between the Appraisal Institute, National Urban League, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The goals of the Appraiser Development Initiative™ are to attract diverse new entrants into the residential appraisal field, overcome barriers to entry (such as education, training, and experience requirements), and provide support to position aspiring appraisers for professional success.

The goal of the ADI is to create relationships and partnerships with sponsors for the benefit of the ADI participants. ADI sponsors workshops and other activities to inform aspiring appraisers about the requirements to become an appraiser and the multiple career opportunities available. ADI participants are awarded education scholarships for the completion of base course requirements to become an appraiser.