Each month we will be featuring one of our employees in the all new Q&A with Trimavin blog post and ask them those hard-hitting questions we all want to know the answers to. Our first employee in the hot seat is the one and only Alan Chau, our Chief Appraiser.
Q: How long have you been in the appraisal profession?
A: I have been involved with appraising for over 18 years, since about 2000 or so.
Q: What made you want to become an appraiser?
A: I was looking into loan origination and found a short-term assignment that interested me. My passion for appraising took off from there.
Q: Anything you miss about working in the field?
A: I primarily work in the office so what I miss most is driving from there to the inspection site. I enjoyed having a place where I could just relax and listen to music in my car. Some people may complain about the commute, but I always enjoyed that moment of solitude in between my daily routine.
Q: What are some things you’ve learned throughout your career?
A: I got to see different types of houses, the year built, the architectural styles over the years, and the living conditions of the interior spaces, with some more recent homes being more compact than older homes in my experience. I got to hear different opinions and perspectives from my fellow appraisers and got to see how the industry evolved over time. I even saw how different the approaches to appraising were on the national level compared to how they were in just the individual market area.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?
A: Anything having to do with the outdoors like camping, hiking, fishing and sports. Growing up I was in the Boy Scouts, became a Scout Master and am still active with my troop to this day. I bring my son with me, in fact, to carry on this tradition. I love being able to share my leadership skills and give back to the community and the Boy Scouts has been the best avenue through which I’m able to do so.
Q: If you were trapped on a desert island what are a few things you’d like to have with you?
A: I’d bring a good book with me (one having to do with crime fighting and investigation), a first aid/survival kit (going back to my experience with the Boy Scouts), and water.
Q: Do you have any favorite dishes that you’re fond of?
A: Anything curry related… Thai curry, Indian curry, you name it.
Q: Finally, do you have any advice you’d like to give, whether it be related to your profession or life in general?
A: Yes, have an open mind, do the best you can with whatever you can and do it wholeheartedly. It will ultimately lead you to success.
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