I am looking for a designation

[Couch Potato]

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!

I certainly agree with that statement. I am not going to waste money on an SRA designation, but taking the education for the designation was money well spent, IMHO.

 

[Couch Potato]

They have not beein in that location for about 8 years. They are now located in Minnesotta.

http://www.iami.org/NAREA/home.cfm

That link didn't work for me; it must be for members only.

Try http://narea-assoc.org/

 

[Bilderberg]

the MAI certainly carries some weight, from what i have seen. I do my commercial work under a MAI, and he lands clients based on his resume and samples. The other non-MAI AGs in the office dont even bother using their credentials on marketing materials-they use his. in order to get the MAI you need to have a bachelors degree.

 

[ResResearch]

If commercial appraisal is your thing join the Appraisal Insitute and go for the MAI. If in the residential arena, go for the SRA as I am (my final experience review has been filed and I'm waiting for the call from the reviewer, this is my final step). As stated above, I and others feel this is a very positive professional achievement. I do work for lenders & some AMC's who do not really understand this designation for typical residential assignments in my area. However, I find that there is a recognition of the quality education and designation process of AI when the client is a QC/foreclosure/work-out dept., private banking unit with high net worth borrowers and their high-end price range properties in my market, complex properties, attorney work etc. Many appraisers in my market, when time for renewal of their license, take the cheapest, quickest, easiest seminar to get their renewal hours - and nothing to increase their skills/exposure to advanced property methods and/or issues. I'll take more advanced courses that expand knowledge and take me out of my comfort zone. When completed I drop a line to my top clients on what I've done to further my skill set so when they have a tough one I get the call and not someone else. I'm hopeful to get through the process and attain my SRA by mid-year and continue doing what I have enjoyed for many years - appraising, regardless of market conditions or industry changes (i.e. HVCC agreement). If you are not already, get involved with your local AI chapter and seek out others working to attain the SRA or MAI, as well as those who have attained a designation for mentoring.

 

[incognito]

Joyce, I just read this thread today for the first time, and laughed very hard when I read your post from a while back:

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

Joyce J. Potts, SRA

Thanks for the Friday PM laugh!

Bill Geiger, Jr., SRA

(also looking for a designation that really means something)

 

[Ken B]

One has to wonder why anyone would continue to pay the not so cheap membership fee in order to retain the SRA designation if it did not mean anything? There is an inconsistency in the argument.

Kenneth W Brown, SRA

 

[incognito]

Kenneth, I have been an SRA over 20 years, and have never received an assignment because I was designated. At the time, the RM (now the SRA) seemed to be a good idea. I do not regret having the SRA, but certainly feel it is worthless in todays appraisal world.

After the AI bailed from NAR, and the deminimus thresholds for residential appraisals went up (due to the Institutes virtually non existent ability to lobby on the matter, and NAR out of the picture) I lost most of my respect for the AI. (Funny thing is now, that it doesn't matter, the AI is considering reaffiliating with the NAR).

As of 2009, when it appears as if some sort of AMC type entity will be passing out residential appraisal orders, what do you REALLY think will matter:
Your (and my) SRA, your (and my) countless hours of CE, your (and my) many years of experience, your (and my) countless hours of AI committee memberships, leadership roles, etc.,

OR​

your fee and turnaround time. I think you know the answer.

So you ask why I keep paying the dues? Cheaper CE (I'm not the type who goes out every 2 years and takes the cheapest 30 hour course there is, and I really like LEARNING something), and reasonably decent medical and disability insurance.

Why do you continue to pay your dues? Do you feel there are other reasons than I have stated? Membership loss at the AI is at an all time high. New memberships are at an all time low. I certainly am not the only one...

 

[Pat Butler]

The answer to that is easy. It cost people a lot of time and money to achieve the designation in the first place. Every year they have to weight whether or not the fee is worth it. I'm saying anything good or bad about the SRA but this payment scheme to keep a designation is a good one for revenue sake.

I joined the CCIM group many years ago as a candidate and was thinking of possibly working towards my CCIM. They had a similar thing going where you had to continuously be a member for all of the years prior to getting the designation or else you would lose credit for the classes you took. So long as you paid the money then somehow you could have a long duration in between classes.

 

[Ken B]

Even bigger disconnects in the argument now. To each their own, I suppose. All I know is that I would not have spent almost $1,200 to renew my membership this year if all I wanted was to save money on CE courses.

I have stated a number of times that if that is one's business plan is restricted to residential lending work, a designation is not necessary. In that event, I would just pay the reduced rates for an associate membership and enjoy the discounts on educational offerings.

 

[ScottAAustin]

The designation is about demonstrating competence. It's not about jumping through hoops. As such, get several years of experience under your belt, then pursue a designation. I determined to train under only designated appraisers. That was a good decision. In time you will determine which organisations have a greater local presence and which are committed to training appraisers. I just completed my demonstration report so I've been down that road. The best organization is the one that is the best, for you.

Scott A Austin