Appraisal Institute

[Terrel L. Shields]

don't have a Southern California Chapter.

So start one.

Really

If you have no cohesive group nearby, it is realistic to start a group. Whether AI, NAIFA, ASFMRA, ASA, etc. Associating in one form or another is a plus for you.

 

[Carnivore]

Terrell

Do you mean to suggest that if I join NAIFA I could be president of my chapter overnight!

Whooo hoooo!

Seriously, this is a great suggestion. I know of several appraisers who would probably join and promptly vote me out of office.

hmmmmm, OK, Naifa people, how do I start a chapter in a metroplex that has one million people? Charlotte, Mecklenburg County wich should include Gaston, Union, Lincoln, Cabarrus for starters.

Maybe I missed an already existing chapter?

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

http://www.naifa.com/chapter/united_states.html

Contact someone in your state--they can direct you to the chapter nearest you. Remember all professional organizations are volunteer groups. So join a group and volunteer!!!

 

[Jim Onderisin]

I've been an associate AI since 1993. Initially did some work on the SRA designation requirements, but stopped when I suspected there was no financial advantage to the designation. I still hear mixed opinions as to whether it is worth it or not. In the recent REV magazine, Henry indicates an opinion that the MAI is probably still worth it, otherwise, all other designations from any organization are equal. I don't know if he's right or not.

 

[Mike Phillips]

I will coutinue to respect the SRA and MAI designations and state that MAIs and SRAs, *in general*, are the best and the brightest in the business. I was short my demo, like many, many others when I stopped paying dues. Frankly, I don't know what my status is today. I can probably complete the demo and get my SRA. And I might for the sake of pride in the profession. That said, IMO the AI has proved to be nearly worthless in advancing the state of the profession. They should have been the leaders, the standard setters. They should have asserted themselves. They were not - they are not. Nine-hundred or so in dues per year for what? You know how many people have handed back their designations? If you are a residential appraiser when is the last time anyone asked you if you had your SRA?

Mike

 

[wyecoyote]

This year droped my associate membership after 4 years. Went to a few of the local chapter meetings and found it was geared toward commercial appraisers. Even their CE courses are that way from what I have seen.

Now I will probably joing the NAIFA since their local chapter meetings are more in favor of residential appraisers.