2 Mickissock Electives Vs 1 AI Advanced Course

[Funky Obsolescence]

Hi everyone. I'm in Illinois. Just about done with my education for Certified General Commercial. I just need to take my 2 electives and then I can take the state certification exam. Apparently, the elective requirements can be met in two ways.

1 - Take two elective classes online with McKissock

2- Take one advanced course (also good for credit for MAI education) with the Appraisal Institute.

It would seem option #2 would be the obvious way to go, however, I had a hell of a time with Income 2 and (for personal reasons) I need to get my Certified General Commercial designation ASAP. I'd rather take two easier classes now, get my designation and then start working on my MAI later.

McKissock lists two elective classes:

1. Expert Witness for Commercial Appraisers
2. Commercial Appraisal Review

I don't want to just assume that these are easier than the Advanced AI courses. Anyone taken these two courses?

Thanks!

 

[Michael S]

I took advanced income for my elective. Of the four days of class (fifth day is the test) the first 1.5 to 2 days were mostly a rehash of income cap 2, lots of yield stuff, not a lot of direct cap. Long term that's probably the way to go, but that class may not be offered near you very soon, plus it's likely going to be more expensive.

 

[Funky Obsolescence]

Thanks Michael S. Yeh, Advanced Income isn't until August 10 here in Chicago. I also just saw there is an Advanced Education Diagnostic Test you have to take before you take any advanced courses. So, I probably will just go ahead with McKissock as the goal is certification ASAP.

 

[Michael S]

Thanks Michael S. Yeh, Advanced Income isn't until August 10 here in Chicago. I also just saw there is an Advanced Education Diagnostic Test you have to take before you take any advanced courses. So, I probably will just go ahead with McKissock as the goal is certification ASAP.

The diagnostic test is basically to make sure you know how to use Excel so the teacher doesn't spent half the class trying to teach the one person who's stuck in the stone age. I think it takes an hour or two at most. Advanced Income is a lot of spreadsheets, though most aren't too complicated. A lot of calculating actual yields by filling in information on the debt and equity.

 

[3 Putt]

I would make my decision based on your knowledge of the instructors. A good class can be worthless if you end up with a lousy teacher.

 

[SpartanAG]

I'd take the Advanced Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use course if I had my choice. I think that was probably the best class I've taken.

 

[argllc]

I would definitely take another course from AI instead of the other option you gave. If you take an advanced AI course you will learn more, improve your resume and likely make professional connections.

The only good argument for doing it the other way that I can think of is that you can save the advanced courses for closer to when you take the comp exam someday. Others have told me otherwise, but I took several of the advanced courses right before the comp exam and it helped me immensely.