To work as a real estate appraiser in the “North Sound” area of Washington (north of Seattle: Snohomish, Skagit, Island, etc.), you must follow Washington State’s appraiser licensing path and then work locally in that region.
1. Understand the license levels
Washington has four main appraiser license levels.
- Appraiser Trainee – entry level, you work under a supervisory appraiser.
- State Licensed Appraiser – can appraise many 1–4 unit residential and some non‑residential properties within value limits.
- Certified Residential Appraiser – can appraise virtually all 1–4 unit residential properties, no transaction value limit.
- Certified General Appraiser – can appraise all types of real property (residential and commercial), highest level.
2. Basic eligibility
In Washington, you generally need to:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Be able to pass a background check and meet character/fitness requirements.
3. Step 1 – Become an Appraiser Trainee
To register as a trainee in Washington:
- Complete 75 hours of approved appraisal coursework (four core trainee courses).
- Find a supervisory appraiser (a licensed or certified appraiser who agrees to train and sign your reports).
- Apply to the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) for an Appraiser Trainee license and pay the fee.
Only after you are registered as a trainee can most lenders accept reports you assist with and sign under supervision.
4. Step 2 – Gain experience and upgrade your license
While you are a trainee in the North Sound area (for example with firms like North Sound Valuation in King/Snohomish/Skagit/Island counties):
- Log experience hours under your supervisor (inspections, data research, report writing).
- For State Licensed Appraiser in WA:
- Complete at least 150 total hours of qualifying appraisal education (the initial 75 trainee hours plus roughly four more appraiser‑specific classes).
- Accumulate at least about 2,000 hours of experience over a minimum of 1 year under supervision.
- Pass the state licensing exam and apply to DOL.
Higher levels (Certified Residential and Certified General) require more education, a college‑level degree/credits, and additional experience hours, then passing their respective exams.
5. Working specifically in the North Sound area
“North Sound” is a regional term often used for areas north of Seattle such as King’s northern suburbs, Snohomish, Skagit, and Island Counties.
- Firms like North Sound Valuation and other local companies appraise in these counties and hire or supervise trainees.
- Once you hold a Washington appraiser license, you can appraise anywhere in the state, including the North Sound region, as long as you are competent in that local market.
6. Practical tips for getting started
- Enroll in Washington‑approved 75‑hour trainee coursework through an online school or community college that lists WA approval.
- Start contacting local appraisal offices in Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and north King County to ask about trainee positions and supervision. Firms with “North Sound” or “Puget Sound” in their name usually focus on that region.
- Join local professional groups (e.g., Appraisal Institute chapter, North Puget Sound Association of REALTORS® as an affiliate) for networking and education opportunities.