Designations--Eyewash or commitment

[robert tyler]

:? since becoming a state licensed appraiser three months ago, i have been asked a few times about appraiser designations
or organizations on interviews. i have looked for "crea". can anyone tell what organization sponsors this? a friend of mine said it lends itself to a higher mark or skill level(preceived?) of work with these banks & some customers. any value in this?

 

[Paul Ness MAI]

CREA is the "Certified Real Estate Appraiser". It is pretty much a designation that you buy and doesn't hold that much credibility. I can't even remember the name of the organization that sells this designation. Try the National Assoc of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA), the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) or the Appraisal Institute (AI). NAR even jumped into the alphabet soup of appraisal designations about five years ago.

 

[Paul Ness MAI]

Found it. It's the National Assoc of Real Estate Appraisers. Their web page is www.iami.org. Following are their verbatim requirements for the CREA designation. It requires nothing over and above state licensing.

CREA - Certified Real Estate Appraiser

A. Applicant must be one of the following:
1. State licensed real property appraiser (or its equivalent)
2. State certified residential real property appraiser (or its equivalent)
3. State certified general real property appraiser (or its equivalent)

B. Applicant must provide a copy of applicant's state license or certification.

C. Applicant must submit an "Application Form".

D. Applicant must submit membership dues of $215.00 (check or credit card charge) with "Application Form"

 

[Randy Beigh]

Paul

It appears they have toughened up their requirements as they used to let anybody including cats as long as the check accompanied the application.

Used to work for a corporation that had an ordering person. All requests for purchasing went through her. I ordered a book that this organization had. Gave her the request and got the book. For several years, she was pre-approved for a designation. She was not an appraiser and I was. I never got pre-approved.

I believe the ownership of this organization is now different, but it still doesn't have a real need in the world.

Robert, look around in your community of appraisers and see if there is a chapter for NAIFA, AI, ASA, or some othere reputable group and stay away from the paid designations. They will have no meaning to you or anybody else. Although this one and maybe Lincoln Institute may have courses or newsletters.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Wow, they are really raised their fees. Back in the early 80s it was $100. No requirements then, if you had the money, you had the designation.

If you want to earn a designation try the Appraisal Institute or NAR's appraisal group. Most legit organizations have course work required for designation.

We formed our own appraisal organization here in Southern Colorado. Started out with 6 people meeting over lunch to help each other, now nearly 200 members. We meet 6 times a year and have a continuing education program that is recognized by the State Appraisal Board.

By the way, havent had anyone ask about a designation in years...but I still pay my dues to keep mine.