MAI - Is it worth it?

[tsiegel]

You're young, and sharp, (I've read many of your posts) - sounds to me like it might be a great idea. Good luck!

I'm flattered. Thanks. I have been thinking a lot about it and talking to everyone I know and I think I have decided that I will begin to chip away at it. It must be my time.

Now I just have to go sell one of my children to pay for the classes, dues and candidacy

 

[rbrienza]

I joined AI in September, to work on the designation. I'm still very unsure of belonging to the AI is a good thing or bad thing. It took the just past chapter president 6 years to talk me into it. (I have reviewed many "well-respected" MAIs reports that were not credible and in some cases fraudulent. Few reviewed reports were well supported and thought out.) I don't care for the MAI attitude "I'm a MAI - I am an Appraisal God and I know what I am doing; and if your not, then go be among the peasant's....". I think some of the classes AI has are great, but the majority of the classes need to be rewritten.

Ultimately, I joined because I think that in the long run it will benefit me. It might bring in more business and open up to other clients. Especially, when I move to Turks & Caicos in approximately 5 years and possibly appraising in the islands part-time.

- Ray

 

[PL1957]

Ultimately, I joined because I think that in the long run it will benefit me. It might bring in more business and open up to other clients. Especially, when I move to Turks & Caicos in approximately 5 years and possibly appraising in the islands part-time.

- Ray

If that's what you're shooting for, I'd go for the MRICS instead. Most of the islands have European roots and a RICS designation would be more helpful than the MAI.

 

[rbrienza]

If that's what you're shooting for, I'd go for the MRICS instead. Most of the islands have European roots and a RICS designation would be more helpful than the MAI.

I thought about it... and will most likely get that once I have the MAI just in case I don't move to the islands. In Colorado, there are only about 4 people that belong to RICS.

 

[John Glass]

They do. GMAT or 30 credit hours for certain Gen Ed courses (which I don't have because I went to music school and the AI apparently doesn't care at all about my "Music of Miles Davis" class).

I don't think anyone has mentioned that the degree alternative for designation expires 12/31/13. Additionally, the Appraisal Foundation will require a 4-year degree for all new certified residential and certified general applications starting on 1/1/2015.

 

[sputnam]

I've heard many lawyers advise people not to become a lawyer too. You think that sometimes, just maybe, it's because they don't really want the additional competition?

Some of the worst appraisal reports I've seen were done by MAIs. Some of the best were done by people without designations. But...it is true that being able to put those letters behind your signature, will help you get more business, different kinds of business, and may allow you to charge higher fees. Just remember that being an MAI doesn't make you competent for a particular assignment. I used to work with an MAI who was a really good commercial appraiser. Not so good with residential work.

 

[rbrienza]

Sputman

VERY WELL SAID.....

Some of the worst appraisal reports I've seen were done by MAIs. Some of the best were done by people without designations. But...it is true that being able to put those letters behind your signature, will help you get more business, different kinds of business, and may allow you to charge higher fees. Just remember that being an MAI doesn't make you competent for a particular assignment.

My experience is the same.....

 

[tsiegel]

I don't think anyone has mentioned that the degree alternative for designation expires 12/31/13. Additionally, the Appraisal Foundation will require a 4-year degree for all new certified residential and certified general applications starting on 1/1/2015.

I spoke with the institute recently and they seemed to be telling me that the GMAT alternative option will likely continue, however, the ability to transfer credit hours may not. That said... they are not definite on anything.

 

[GCJim]

imho, one should pursue a designation because you want to be as professional and knowledgeable as you can be.

I believe that financial rewards should follow from there, and not just because one has this or that degree or designation. Too many pursue certain degrees, designations, etc. 'for the money', which is putting the cart before the horse.
Do it because you want to be the best, then become THE BEST. Reward will certainly follow.

In my case, I find that certain appraisal ability coupled with sales ability helps to overcome most obstacles in securing appraisal assignments. Sales ability is especially important, the more competitive the environment.

 

[John Glass]

I spoke with the institute recently and they seemed to be telling me that the GMAT alternative option will likely continue, however, the ability to transfer credit hours may not. That said... they are not definite on anything.

On this the AI is definite. The GMAT and coursework alternatives will continue until 12/31/13, per the AI website. They have gone through the long process of reviewing and deciding on the alternative. It makes no sense to continue the alternative when the Appraisal Foundation will require a four year degree (no alternative) for a general certification, a year later.

http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/airesources/guides_education.aspx