I am looking for a designation

[Doug Meyer]

I understand Don. I have had my designation back from the old days when you had to be designated to do lending work. That was pre licensing days for all those kiddos out there!!

 

[Smokehouse]

I would shoot for an MD or PhD

 

[Lost Cause]

I have yet to see anyone on this board with a designation denigrate those that don't have one.

You can't go wrong by trying to increase your education.

The only designation I would put down, and frequently do, are those where only cash is required to obtain that designation. Unfortunately these are common.

For example, check out "MSA" (I think this one is handed out by the Department of Redundancy Dept.): http://www.masterappraisers.org/

 

[sean4050]

I agree with Wendy, a degree will take you much further than a designation.

 

[The Matrix]

I think I saw something advertised on the back of a matchbook...something about $ 300,000 per year with short hours, almost no work...and lots of vacations in exotic locations....

 

[Don Clark]

I agree with Wendy, a degree will take you much further than a designation.

I have a degree in real estate. No one has ever asked me if I have a degree or a designation. So, don't know how far you could say that has taken me.

 

[Pat Butler]

In twenty years I've only had maybe a half dozen prospects ask if I had my MAI. I only do residential and most of these folks were confused as to what the MAI designation was. I typically got the order anyway after explaining that most MAI folks were probably specializing in commercial. No one has ever asked about the SRA.

Seems like the MAI is a must for commercial work, but in my experience, there isn't any 'must have' designation for residential.

In any event, if time and money permit then go for it.

 

[Wendy]

I have a degree in real estate. No one has ever asked me if I have a degree or a designation. So, don't know how far you could say that has taken me.

I wasn't talking about a real estate degree specifically. Any business degree from a good school is a better investment than a designation right now. At least a business degree will help you if you have to look somewhere beside appraising for a job.

 

[LA Woman]

I agree....Degree before a designation! never know when you will need that degree to kick in and support you.

 

[Michigander]

I have had countless people ask if I have a designation (I do). The bulk of my work was divorce and ERC. In those venues, in my area, it does matter to some clients.

That said, any quality education is worth having, and in the old days, doing the demo for the SRA was the best learning experience you could get!