OPT Real Estate Appraiser Jobs
Real estate appraiser jobs on OPT require employers willing to sponsor or support your work authorization before your OPT window closes. Most roles demand state licensure, which takes time to obtain, so starting your job search and licensing process simultaneously is critical for F-1 students.
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Summary
The Commercial Review Appraiser reviews completed real estate appraisals to ensure completeness, accuracy and compliance with First Horizon Bank Appraisal Risk Management Policy and Procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assures that all appraisers used by First Horizon Bank are familiar with the guidelines and requirements regarding real estate appraisals, by directly communicating such guidelines and requirements to them.
- Prepares RFPs and solicits bids for appraisals, ensuring quality, timing and cost factors are met - Selects pool of appraisers and assigns jobs to selected appraisers.
- The Commercial Review Appraiser is capable of reviewing all completed real estate appraisals ordered by First Horizon Bank, and reviews them to ensure that:
- The correct properties have been appraised as ordered;
- All appropriate valuation concepts have been applied correctly;
- Comparable values referenced are sufficient in number, and are recent enough to be indicative of current market conditions;
- Appraiser's opinions of highest and best use are consistent with current market conditions;
- Assumptions made regarding discount rates marketing period, occupancy rates, depreciation, income and expense streams and any other factors affecting property value are clearly presented and adequately justified; and
- Ensures that valuations are reasonably supported, credible and compliant with federal and state regulations, bank policies and guidelines, and industry standards - All requirements presented in the Appraisal Policy and Procedures have been observed, and the accepted appraisal practices have been followed.
- Accepts or rejects appraisals based upon the examination and works with appraisers to correct unsatisfactory appraisals. Coordinates with appraisers for any necessary report corrections and/or revisions.
- Knowledge of First Horizon Bank procedures and guidelines in general, plus specific and detailed knowledge of appraisal regulations including FIRREA, the Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines, etc.
- Knowledge of negotiating skills in order to successfully resolve disputes regarding appraisal fees and interpretations of the adequacy and accuracy of appraisals.
- Good interpersonal skills in all dealings with the general public.
- Capable of planning all activities, so that all job-related functions may be accomplished efficiently and effectively.
- Familiar with broad trends in the local markets for all property types of commercial real estate and able to analyze available market data, applying such market knowledge to interpreting accuracy of real estate appraisal reports. Must also be aware of any local and/or State ordinances and zoning restrictions that may affect property values.
- Evaluates appraisers on job assignments and provides input on eligibility for continued inclusion in the approved appraiser list.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university, preferably in a business or real estate related field and a minimum of three years related experience and/or training in real estate appraisal review or banking, with focus on commercial real estate lending preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be able to meet critical deadlines and manage several projects simultaneously. Strong written and verbal communication skills including: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Must have the ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals and to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
High Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry and to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Very High Skills: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form, and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Computer and Office Equipment Skills
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office products.
Experience with appraisal management procurement software preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Current license/certification such as State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser is required and/or nearing completion of same.
About us
First Horizon Corporation is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states across the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank.
Benefit Highlights
- Medical with wellness incentives, dental, and vision
- HSA with company match
- Maternity and parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Mentor program
- 401(k) with 6% match
- More - FirstHorizon.com/First-Horizon-National-Corporation/Careers/Our-Benefits
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Real Estate Appraiser
Target appraisal firms with trainee programs
Large regional and national appraisal firms often hire trainee appraisers and have experience navigating OPT work authorization. Smaller independent appraisers rarely have the infrastructure to support international students through the sponsorship process.
Start your state licensing process immediately
Most states require 1,000 to 2,000 supervised hours before you qualify for a full appraisal license. Beginning your Trainee Appraiser application while job searching ensures you don't lose OPT time waiting on bureaucratic processes after receiving an offer.
Align your degree with appraisal requirements
Many states require coursework in economics, finance, or real estate for licensing eligibility. If your degree is in a related field, document that alignment clearly when applying, as employers will need this for any future H-1B visa specialty occupation petition.
Highlight your STEM OPT eligibility if applicable
Degrees in economics, statistics, or finance often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you three years of authorized work. Confirming STEM eligibility before your job search lets you honestly communicate a longer runway to prospective employers.
Prepare to address the H-1B sponsorship question early
Appraisal is classified as a specialty occupation under USCIS standards when a bachelor's degree in a specific field is required. Research whether the firms you're interviewing with have previously sponsored H-1B workers before the question comes up in conversations.
Use your supervised hours strategically
Supervisory appraisers are listed on your state license application and become informal professional references. Building a strong relationship with your supervising appraiser during OPT increases your chances of employer support for H-1B sponsorship when the time comes.
Real Estate Appraiser OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a real estate appraiser on OPT?
Yes, F-1 students on OPT can work as real estate appraisers, provided the role is directly related to your field of study. Most qualifying degrees include finance, economics, real estate, or business. The work must be full-time during post-completion OPT, and your employer must be willing to employ someone on OPT work authorization. Trainee appraiser positions that meet the degree-relatedness test are fully eligible.
Is real estate appraiser considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Real estate appraiser roles can qualify as specialty occupations when the employer requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as finance, economics, or real estate as a minimum entry requirement. Roles where any bachelor's degree satisfies the requirement regardless of field are harder to support. If you're planning ahead for H-1B sponsorship, confirm with your prospective employer that the job description specifies a degree in a relevant discipline.
Does my economics or finance degree qualify me for STEM OPT extension as an appraiser?
It depends on your exact degree program and CIP code. Economics degrees listed under CIP 45.0601 are STEM-designated. Finance degrees under CIP 52.0801 are also STEM-eligible. If your degree falls under a qualifying CIP code, you're eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years total to work and secure long-term sponsorship. Confirm your CIP code with your Designated School Official before making any commitments to an employer.
How do I find real estate appraisal firms that hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find appraisal firms and real estate employers that are open to hiring F-1 OPT students. Filtering by visa sponsorship willingness saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a firm won't support international candidates. Firms that have previously filed H-1B petitions in the appraisal or real estate sector are strong indicators of sponsorship experience.
Can I work as a trainee appraiser on OPT while completing my supervised hours?
Yes, trainee appraiser positions count as qualifying OPT employment as long as the work is related to your degree field and you're in valid OPT status. Supervised hours required for state licensure are accumulated during regular employment, so a full-time trainee role satisfies both your OPT employment requirement and your state's licensing prerequisites simultaneously. Confirm with your DSO that your specific role and employer arrangement meet SEVIS reporting requirements.