Most appraisers bear war wounds from this bleak economy and some have seen their livlihoods dwindle away completely. Finally, we have some good news to report to job-hunting appraisers; TSI Appraisal Services announced last week that it will hire more than 100 staff appraisers nationwide.

Troy, Michigan-based TSI has been recognized by Fortune as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America for four consecutive years. TSI says it facilitates more than 275,000 appraisals annually.

TSI announced last month that it is also expanding its operations into Texas. It will complete the hiring the appraisers by the end of 2010.

To win a job, you must currently be an active State Certified Residential or State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in good standing with all applicable State Licensing Boards. You must have active FHA/HUD approval. You must have a valid driver's license.

And you must be able to set up your own virtual office since there are several geographic locations where it will need appraisers. TSI will want to be sure that you have a personal computer, printer, scanner, digital camera, high speed Internet access and cellphone.

For more information, visit www.tsi-appraisal.com