Real estate appraisers determine the value of residential and commercial properties.

All appraisal transactions involving the federal government now require appraisers to be state certified. Included in these federal transactions are home loans made by federally regulated banks and valuation of federally funded for subsidized properties.

In response to the need for more state certified real estate appraisers, the Office of Economic Development at Southeast Missouri State University is sponsoring real estate appraiser courses designed to meet state requirements for certification.

"Appraising the Single Family Residence" is scheduled for June 22, 23, 29 and 30 at the University Center on the Southeast campus.

The course is 30 hours in length and costs $385 which includes all materials and refreshments. The course will be taught by Linda Blake, a state-approved instructor and practicing general appraiser.

The state of Missouri offers three levels of certification: general, residential and state license.

General certification is granted to those completing a total of 165 classroom hours of approved real estate appraisal subjects, accumulating 2,000 hours of appraisal experience over two years, and passing a half-day exam offered in Columbia. General appraisers have no restrictions on the types or values of properties they may appraise.

Residential certification requires 105 hours of approved education, accumulation of 2,000 hours of experience over two years and passing a state exam. The level of certification allows a practitioner to appraise any properties up to $250,000 in value. Those properties exceeding $250,000 must be residential, 1 to 4 family units.

A state license is earned by completing 75 hours of approved education, accumulating 2,000 hours of experience and passing a state exam. State licensed appraisers may value any properties up to $250,000. Those over the $250,000 value must be residential 1 to 4 family non-complex units valued at no more than $1 million.

Illinois offers two levels of certification and state license. State certification in Illinois is similar to general certification in Missouri. It requires 165 classroom hours of approved education along with 2,000 hours of appraisal experience, and passing an exam. The state license requires 75 hours of approved education and passing a state exam. Licensed appraisers may value residential properties only. State certified appraisers may appraise any type or value of property.

For more information on the Southeast class, call 651-5911. For more information on real estate appraisal certification in Missouri, call 751-0038 and in Illinois call (217) 782-8556.