Appraisal Institute Or Private Edu.

[SamTheSquare]

which one is better when looking for a job/ mentor.

i am wondering what one i should do. The private class (taught by the local realtor associtation MLS group)is better for me as of time and location but i hear from the grape vine that these types of classes arn't worth a hill of beans.


thanks

jim

 

[Walter Kirk]

I have always considered the Institute classes to be the best. NAIFA classes are also quite good. In my judgement courses offered by profit making companies are generally not of the same quality as Institute courses. A course provided by a local group may be fine. One additional point in favor of a course provided by a local group is the contacts that you can make with others active in your local market, these may be more valuable to you in the long run than the course content.

 

[TC]

Try them all, Naifa, AI, McKissock, local realtors. All offer good programs, a lot depends on the instructor.

TC

 

[Michigander]

I've given up taking anything BUT Institute classes (although I will try Rich Heyn one of these days) because I have so incredibly disappointed in the classes that I've taken with other groups. Some folks out here don't like them though; it is probably in the end a personal decision (I think the Institute is the way to go).

 

[Dave Smith]

(taught by the local Realtor association MLS group

You are kidding, right? Surf this forum for all the comments about the majority of (non appraiser) Realtors. I've been a a Realtor for 32 years, the last 20 years as a full time appraiser. I have been our Board President, MLS VP, taught professional standards at orientation, etc., etc., etc. and I can't believe the Realtor MLS has anything much to teach you. That is, if you want to learn it right the first time.

As TC said, try them all, but not your local group. Is it even approved by your state to teach the appraisal courses??? I would be surprised if it is.

 

[Ann O'Rourke]

I get lots of emails and phone calls from wannabes. Here's my advice:

Don't take a correspondence class. You won't be able to do any networking and won't have face to face access with your instructor.

If you are serious about appraising, take classes from a non-profit appraisal association (such as AI, NAIFA, ASA) preferably from one that has an active chapter in your area.

Appraisal classes offered by a local college can work if they are taught by a local, well respected appraiser.

Yes, people do break into appraising with correspondence or for-profit school classes, but they decrease your chance of getting hired.

Don't take classes until you have a job. If you do, consider it the same as taking a few college classes for educational purposes as you will probably not be able to find a job.

 

[TC]

Dave,

In my area the Realtors do a pretty good job with Appraisal CE. One of the local SRA's and MAI's rotate the classes. Pricey, but both instructors are good. As far as those who teach the Broker CE, that's another story.

But as stated before, try them all.

TC

 

[SamTheSquare]

thanks everyone this is why i love this forum. i've learned so much for the pro's its a wonderful tool.

 

[Rich Heyn]

Rachel,

You posted:

I've given up taking anything BUT Institute classes (although I will try Rich Heyn one of these days)

Just to set the record straight, the majority of my work is for Appraisal Institute chapters. I do some work here in Michigan for Northern Michigan University (and I assume that is what you are referring to) but most of my venues are scattered around the country for various AI chapters.

Actually, AI and NMU have formed a strategic alliance whereby NMU purchases seminar materials from AI and uses them in their CE program.

Rich