Appraisal Institute

[Brad Ellis]

Preston,

Ditto to all the fine posts. A designation can be both helpful and rewarding- no matter the organization so long as they are reputable.

When I choose appraisers for assignments I will consider a designation- not to say I would not use a non-designated appraiser and often do- but usually, I find that those who took the time to earn reputable designations produce more credible work on average. Of course that is anecdotal but over many years.

Brad

 

[Jim Onderisin]

When I started 13 years ago, my goal was to get the SRA within 4 years. State licensing began to create what appeared to be a more even playing field in residential lending work. Not that it was a good thing, just that it was reality. Over time, I decided there was no economic basis for getting the SRA, so I stopped pursuing it.

Now, 10 years later, I see life and career a little differently. The market here slowed down big-time last October. I started looking to wrap-up some of the loose ends that occurred when business was busy. I started making plans to finish the demo report and last experience review for the SRA. I decided, economically-viable or not, it was about time to start giving something back by becoming involved in the organization. I realized that there are a whole lot of us whining about the state of the industry and a much smaller percentage actually attempting to do something about the problems. I thought about AI and NAIFA members I know who are some of the "doers".

As it turns out, within a month after beginning to make plans, the AI dropped the demo requirement completely, just requiring some advanced coursework. So, I'll be taking those required courses in September, and get the last experience review out of way before the end of the year. I think it'd be a better learning experience to do the demo, but more time consuming, so what the heck.

 

[TC]

Are you sure they eliminated the demo? The current info on their website indicates otherwise.


TC

 

[Anthem]

Thanks to all who replied. As usual you can get a wide variety of opinions on this forum.... and that’s a good thing.

I think I will join AI, IMHO there courses are better than some of the local schools and I have enjoyed the conferences as well.

 

[Paul Ness MAI]

Jim, you better check that demo requirement. It may pertain to only candidates who join after a certain date, or not. It could depend on when you became a candidate.

 

[hastalavista]

Preston,

I joined the AI with the intent of getting a designation (2-yrs ago); I've made little progress in getting the designation, but have not regretted my decision of becoming a member.

I agree that any reputable organization is a plus. Unfortunately, I do not consider NAREA to be one of those, and quit after 4-years of membership in 1996.

 

[Jim Onderisin]

It is the way it is! The demo (this is for the SRA, I don't know about MAI requirements) is an optional requirement. In lieu of the demo, you can now take two courses totaling 45 hours. The courses, Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies and Advanced Residential Report Writing, are so-called parts 1 and 2 of the SRA Demo Alternative.

This is a relatively new change. I started planning demo work in November or December and was contacted by an AI chapter rep in January, who wanted to make sure I had heard about the change.

Preston: My AI dues as a residential associate member were $435 last year. I'm not sure if there is a lower-priced level of association or affiliation.