Appraisal Institute vs. McKissock Trainee Classes

[Joe Flacco]

What matters most? The most up to date platform/technology or best course content and recognition

Is the content better? Maybe back in the day when courses were all taught in class AI was hands down best education provider. We may find out how long failing to adapt and getting by on old reputation can last.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

It should be so that people find a job first

Who wants to pay someone who doesn't know come here from sic'um? You need to educate first with basics...save the real "meat" classes for after you get hired and a little experience, but I am just thinking from my own experience that I learned from 3 ways in order of usefulness.

3. Classes
2. Books
1. copies of appraisals done by experienced narrative writing appraisers. I also bought a number of books that had sample appraisals. The most intense ones came out of ASFMRA. Next was a series of samples put out by a commercial appraiser. Someone ended up with most of them (I think their were 5 sample reports in all.

It is in that #1 that I saw how a report was lain out. I saw why it was done the way it was done. I gained valuable knowledge about the structure of the report.

 

[Dweber]

Thank you everyone for the responses thus far. Just for some context - I am 30 and switching careers from construction management. I have done some networking and have found a local appraisal company that hires trainees. If I wanted to do live classes, I would need to drive two hours down to Boston. At some point I would like to do that. However, for the first 75 hours of class to become a trainee, the online classes will be the way to go. From the internet surfing I have done, Mckissock's website is certainly more user friendly. However, if the content of the AI courses is superior and viewed more favorably, I would lean towards that set of courses.

 

[Michigan CG]

have found a local appraisal company that hires trainees

As to the above, are the appraisers AI designated appraisers? If they are they will most likely insist on AI classes. Does the company do only commercial or do they also do residential?

AI classes in person is the optimal route. On-line the AI courses are more challenging and you will learn more compared to McKissock; I have taken both. If I were hiring a CG trainee I would insist on AI courses.

 

[jay trotta]

Going back to the Old days, all in class CEU - some of the best were with AI veterans, some really good folks brought it; have done the on line products of today. As MCG and others have noted, an in person class offers greater "on the spot" interaction, which you will not get On Line. Over the years and the many class's taken, the "Live" class, IMO offers a better interaction; some things, no matter how good they may be suffer from the loss of "war stories", real time information.
Good Luck in your choice.

 

[Fernando]

During this time, I've taken online and webinars and they save so much time in not needing to drive, park, and sit thru the continuing education classes. I like it.
In the beginning I like going to classes both AI and McKissock. I generally like AI classes but usually fill fast. With shelter in place, it's not feasible to go to classes.
With online sometimes on my iphone, McKissock is cheaper and faster to finish the courses.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

However, if the content of the AI courses is superior and viewed more favorably, I would lean towards that set of courses.

AI courses, in my opinion run the gamut from fair to very good. McKissock runs the gamut from fair to fair...I have taken a few of their courses. The old Columbia Institute was bought out, regional at the time and is now a CoreLogic Company. So I'd look at them. Look at Kaplan Real Estate. Look at Van Ed, ASA, ASFMRA - all have on line courses.

ASFMRA Education Calendar

ASFMRA education schedule

www.asfmra.org

National Class Schedule

In PA you can try https://www.vintagereacademy.com/

 

[Joe Flacco]

What makes AI in class courses better are the instructors. More competent instructors. It's not really the content itself that is better. Online there is no interaction with the instructors. You just click through content on your own.

 

[Zephyr999]

IMO would not claim one provider as superior to the other for qualifying education.
From my experience 10+ years ago McKissock began offering the CGA required courses online long before AI...cost was the deciding factor in going ALL McKissock (except for one classroom that was AI). I recall my mentor/twin sister stating I'd never be able to complete all required ed online...turns out online at that time was transitioning faster than she ever thought would occur.
Having taken/passed the MAI advanced courses suggests either service provider is sufficient...again from my experience.

 

[TC]

What makes AI in class courses better are the instructors. More competent instructors. It's not really the content itself that is better. Online there is no interaction with the instructors. You just click through content on your own.

I think the instructor does make the difference, no matter who they teach for. I've had a couple of really good McKissock instructors that I followed. Took a week long AI course years ago and the two instructors were terrible.