I am looking for a designation

[screwmoose]

I passed by state exam last summer and now I am looking to get a designation behind my name. What is best one for me to get? It is slow so I might as well work on this. Secondly do you think it is actually worth gettting a designation behind your name? Do company actually look at this? I am sure they do, I just want somebody elses opinion on it. Thanks for your help.

Jerry

 

[Luzette Eaves]

MAI from the Appraisal Institute

 

[talltx1]

As soon as I earned my SRA designation, the state certification was initiated. Ask me how many times someone has asked for a copy of my SRA designation in the last 16 years. Once, I think. In my opinion, the only designation that still means something is the MAI. Get it and get out of this residential mess!

 

[Howard]

What types of property will you be appraising?

 

[farmguy]

You beat me to it Howard.

 

[Joyce Potts]

I'm also looking for a designation that's really worth something. Please let me know what you find.

Joyce J. Potts, SRA

 

[JT1974]

If you plan on doing residential work, I would recommend you go for the SRA. During the housing boom a designation was pretty much worthless for residential appraisers as lenders and mortgage brokers just wanted fast and cheap and didn't care about quality. However, now that the housing market is in the tank, I would guess that lenders may indeed start looking for the best appraiser available rather that the cheapest. I guess only time will tell but if you're just sitting around anyway why not further your education?

 

[Joyce Potts]

If you're geared toward commercial work, by all means go for the MAI.

If you're geared to residential, I wouldn't bother with the SRA if I were you. It's time for the residential membership of the AI to break away and form a new organization that is truly looking out for their paying membership, IMO.

 

[Michigan CG]

As soon as I earned my SRA designation, the state certification was initiated. Ask me how many times someone has asked for a copy of my SRA designation in the last 16 years. Once, I think. In my opinion, the only designation that still means something is the MAI. Get it and get out of this residential mess!

Although you don't get much recognition from the designation you should be proud that you took the initiative to take the time, effort and dedication to get that designation. I am sure you would agree that it made you a better appraiser. Less than 5% of your peers have put in the effort you have.

 

[Wendy]

If you don't have one, I'd pursue a degree before I chased a designation.