The number of licensed appraisal trainees in Massachusetts has declined more than 70 percent in recent years. Some are worried that the drop poses a long-term threat and could lead to increased fees paid to appraisers.
Between February 2007 and February 2009, the number of licensed trainees in Massachusetts has fallen to 470 from 1,648, according to the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Appraisers (MBREA), a drop of more than 70 percent. Overall numbers are down as well, with the total number of licensed appraisers declining almost 30 percent in the same period.
