Karen Oberman started out in the settlement services industry as an appraiser and is now manager of the national review division at Forsythe Appraisals, but she hasn’t limited her accomplishments to what happens inside the walls of Forsythe.

Her nominator, John Bredemeyer, said, “Karen is a leader in the appraisal profession. She demonstrates the highest level and commitment to integrity.”

Her leadership abilities emerge crystal clear when you read her CV. She has earned her SRA professional designation. She was appointed to The Appraisal Foundation’s Appraisal Qualifications Board in 2006. She is an AQB nationally certified USPAP instructor. She has spent several years on the Iowa Real Estate Appraiser examining board. She is a member of The Appraisal Foundation’s State Regulatory Advisory Group. She was selected to participate on an expert panel to review test questions for state testing. She is chair of the appraisal Institute’s Leadership Development and Advisory Committee. She has served often as a seminar and conference presenter and is author of several articles for state newsletters. And that just scratches the surface!

She has also been active in her community, serving on her local school board in several capacities. She is also active in her church including doing mission work.



It is a family occupation, and I came to it through my father and brother.



Helping others learn and grow within the profession.



Continue to learn and recognize that anybody can teach you something new, or provide insight on a "better" way to do something you already know.



Attaining my SRA designation. This is a professional designation that is awarded after completion of rigorous education, exam and experience audits.



You wouldn't believe me if I told you! There is a very colorful patchwork of humanity that you will meet when you are in a service industry!



I have had a lot of outstanding and wonderful mentors, but one that is significant and has been with me the longest, is my brother. He has afforded me many opportunities and has never believed I wasn't up to a professional challenge. He has coached and mentored me personally, and I have had the opportunity to learn by watching him work with others. He keeps my passion for the profession alive, by showing me that there is so much more to learn, no matter how much experience we may have; and by showing me the gift of giving back.



My friends and family. Without their support, guidance, mentoring, humor and grounding, I would not have the confidence to tackle assignments which stretch my skills and make me grow as a professional and as a person.



My current favorite movie is the "Upside of Anger." It’s about learning from negative experiences. It demonstrates what happens when we jump to conclusions, what happens when we don't allow the benefit of the doubt and how if we don't follow up with questions, we are left supplying our own answers that might satisfy us in the moment, but may not be right.



I had an opportunity to serve on our local school board, which was an educational and rewarding experience. The dedication that is devoted to the next generation, at all levels of the educational process, is simply amazing. To have been part of the process provided me with a keen awareness of the necessity of community involvement.


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