Online MAI demo - improving the profession?

[Boonders]

*ahem*

As the OP on this thread... allow me to tell everyone what I had hoped to be the intention of this thread:

1.) To see if the people who were as opposed to the SRA demo-alternative would have the same feelings about the MAI demo-alternative.

2.) To get Forum members' views on if an online version of the demo-alternative would offer any positive/negative attributes versus an in-class demo-alternative

3.) To see if anyone would have a "lesser opinion" of the MAI designation if it was obtained through non-standard methods

For anyone who has seen ANY of my previous posts regarding the AI, AI education, AI designations, etc., you will know that I am a supporter and a believer in the AI. However, all professional groups... the AI, IFA, NAR, MBA, AICPA, etc., etc. have their inherent flaws. I, for one, am glad that we have a few different groups to choose from who offer some kind of QE/CE where we can learn from experienced instructors as well as conversations with our peers. Our some good? Yes. Are some bad? Yes.
I certainly do recongnize the shortcomings of the AI (they have many). However, I am glad to be a member and for all that they've taught me.

Regarding the MAI demo-alternative, one member aptly pointed out that it still takes a LOT to even GET to the demo/demo-alternative. It takes classroom hours, hours of exams, lots of $$$ to pay for all of this... and a lot of time/patience/know-how/intelligence, etc. If you're going to become a designated member of the AI (or any of the other appraisal-related organizations), you're going to have earned it... no matter how you get there! For those of you who have no desire to ever get designated, I'm sure that MANY of you are very fine appraisers who could, in their own right, be better appraisers than those who are designated. It all depends on the individual.

Long post...jaeez.

Its not really a "demo-alternative", the requirements are still the same, its just a different path. You still end up with the exact same demo. You still have to research it, etc., there is just more hand holding :new_smile-l:

 

[TC]

there is just more hand holding :new_smile-l:

You mean secret handshake holding.


The local AI chapter just had 7 people receive the SRA designation after having only 1 in the last 8 years. All of them took the new path to the SRA. Who's to say which is better? I know one nameless SRA who someone else write his demo. I know when I wrote mine I had a lot of help, so it's quite possible that the classroom SRAs are working totally on their own without outside help.

As to the MAI demo, it seems it's the same thing, only you'll be graded as you go.

TC

 

[JT1974]

You mean secret handshake holding.



TC

TC,

The AI taught me the secret handshake when I passed the comp exam. It's pretty difficult but with practice anyone can master it.

Here is a video clip of two recently designated MAI's practicing the secret handshake. Just don't tell anyone I showed you this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUPtjQn81Ig&feature=related

JT

 

[TC]

This is a rare photo of Joker and The Duck doing their version of the secret Handshake.

​

 

[Boonders]

TC,

The AI taught me the secret handshake when I passed the comp exam. It's pretty difficult but with practice anyone can master it.

Here is a video clip of two recently designated MAI's practicing the secret handshake. Just don't tell anyone I showed you this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUPtjQn81Ig&feature=related

JT

I can't believe you posted this. I've called my regional rep. he said you'll likely lose your AI card for posting this secret ritual.

 

[Ken B]

My mistake then.

*ahem*

As the OP on this thread... allow me to tell everyone what I had hoped to be the intention of this thread:

1.) To see if the people who were as opposed to the SRA demo-alternative would have the same feelings about the MAI demo-alternative.

2.) To get Forum members' views on if an online version of the demo-alternative would offer any positive/negative attributes versus an in-class demo-alternative

3.) To see if anyone would have a "lesser opinion" of the MAI designation if it was obtained through non-standard methods

For anyone who has seen ANY of my previous posts regarding the AI, AI education, AI designations, etc., you will know that I am a supporter and a believer in the AI. However, all professional groups... the AI, IFA, NAR, MBA, AICPA, etc., etc. have their inherent flaws. I, for one, am glad that we have a few different groups to choose from who offer some kind of QE/CE where we can learn from experienced instructors as well as conversations with our peers. Our some good? Yes. Are some bad? Yes.
I certainly do recongnize the shortcomings of the AI (they have many). However, I am glad to be a member and for all that they've taught me.

Regarding the MAI demo-alternative, one member aptly pointed out that it still takes a LOT to even GET to the demo/demo-alternative. It takes classroom hours, hours of exams, lots of $$$ to pay for all of this... and a lot of time/patience/know-how/intelligence, etc. If you're going to become a designated member of the AI (or any of the other appraisal-related organizations), you're going to have earned it... no matter how you get there! For those of you who have no desire to ever get designated, I'm sure that MANY of you are very fine appraisers who could, in their own right, be better appraisers than those who are designated. It all depends on the individual.

 

[Abester]

They provide needed structure, motivation and feedback that should help people through the demo.

I don't think that someone who lacks the structure and motivation to do it without the handholding deserves the designation.

 

[PL1957]

I don't think that someone who lacks the structure and motivation to do it without the handholding deserves the designation.

The reality of the business is that there are a LOT of very competent, very qualified appraisers who have not gotten their designations simply because of the demo requirements. Not everyone has the time or resources to devote to completing the "traditional" demo. The fact that the AI recognizes that fact and is doing something to alleviate what they consider a problem is encouraging.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

In all fairness I would be happy with the method they performed for the SRA, I know that it is not popular...but I look around at my chapter meetings and 80% of the room has me beat by a good 30-40 years. Which by my count and the unfortunate reality of the human condition means that 80% of the available MAIs will not be there in 10 years.

I would be extremely happy if the CGs in the area took the MAI courses, comprehensive exam, advisory and expereince level reviews, and took a demo module. Heck most of the CGs never take the AI course load because they are never going to get the MAI "why bother". If they shave down one of the requirements...I know my market would benefit, if not now but in 10-20 years when there is a whole lot of properly trained appraisers.

IMO

 

[Michigander]

I haven't looked at the new requirements; are Advisory Reviews mandatory for the MAI path? Actually more than the demo course, the lack of mandatory advisory reviews for the SRA has bothered me the most. I found them so helpful in the process.

As to the comment about the already designated members being the ones who object; I agree. When I received my SRA (2003 or 2004) I was one of only 6 that year. It took me years to write the demo and I was on the old path where I had 3 levels of review. It was pretty onerous and completing all the steps that were necessary made me feel like I had really accomplished something. It feels that by removing some of the steps I had to take, that much of what I did was for naught. Whether this is true or not, it is how it feels. Probably because I was one of the last group of people who did it the old way it bothers me more than those who did it years ago. BTW, I started on the path in 1991 and it took me to 2003-04 to finish. After all that time it really was a huge deal for me personally.