Online MAI demo - improving the profession?

[Michigander]

Jason, I would question whether the powers that be would listen. When the SRA alternative was proposed, I and a number of others vehemently opposed it. I didn't even get a response from the AI and wonder if they hadn't simply already made up their minds before floating the proposition. I contacted a number of appraisers in Michigan who almost all said it was already a done deal by the time it was presented, and why bother. Perhaps this is the same thing? Anyway, if it isn't easier, then that is a good thing.

BTW, I am not an AI basher. I just wish it were more focused on the residential side and that they took the members opinions into play. I don't feel that is the case and I have been active as far as having sat on committees and volunteering as a screener in the past.

Maybe this will be a positive. I hope so. Hopefully they will consider the residential side as well going forward, and not from a patronizing standpoint either.

Just my $0.02

 

[JT1974]

JT, I’m really not sure what I think of the proposal. On the one hand, I think it’s great that the AI is looking at designation requirements and is aggressively trying to figure out a way of addressing people’s concerns without diluting the overall requirements. I think having a 6-month deadline as well as an on-line mentor are both phenomenal ideas. They provide needed structure, motivation and feedback that should help people through the demo.

On the other hand, I think a significant component of professionalism is the ability to take on a difficult, arduous assignment and see it through to completion independently, without any assistance. Does the on-line demo water that down? Does it matter if it does?

PL,

I'm basically in agreement with you. I think the best things about the new proposal are the six month deadline and the fact that they will have someone checking in to ensure progress is being made. I started my Demo a couple of months ago and have put it on the back burner several times as I hate to turn down work. I think if I had someone checking in on me to see that I was making steady progress I would have instead turned down a few jobs and had it written by now.

Now I better log off this forum and finish my work and get back to writing my demo.

 

[Ken B]

And by the way, if the state of this profession is tired old crap, why are you concerned with new ways to get approved into it?

That is not what Jason stated or intended. Strike 1 against your credibility.

 

[Old Guy]

In my defense, the statement "I'm just so sick of people hijacking threads only to repeat the same tired old crap." indicated two things, 1) I was aware I was hijacking this thread and 2) that the topics I addressed were "the same old tired crap".

I did not misunderstand at all. The author of the statement allowed emotions and frustration to allow a statement that he may not have fully intended to say.

The strike against my credibility has been delivered in haste. lol

I will not be returning to this area. I do fully offer my sincere apologies for offending. I am a part of the solution and have been involved from CA to Fl. I have made major attempts in getting the attention of the media and congress on the lending and appraisal issues facing this country.

 

[Scott Lanz]

Just getting to the stage of the Demo in the MAI process is quite a feat. It's difficult classwork, very expensive and requires a huge commitment. The online version may be easier for some, maybe not for others. Accomplishing the MAI in either case requires years of work and cash and I don't think the online version will take away anything from the designation.

A demonstration report is a long-winded version of what most of us, CG's, do everyday. One may gain some insight from the process, but it's more about producing the analysis you have already done in class.

I am almost positive the clients will not care which route one takes.

I suspect the AI feels many are on the verge, demo-less, of being designated and are looking to get those close on board to pay full fees.

And Old Guy,

It takes a least 4 stars after your name to "fit in" , unless you are Zaio Thread junkie

 

[Michigan CG]

Mr. Old Guy,

Once you have been around for a while you will notice that periodically a discussion is started about the problems with the Appraisal Institute and a bashing session takes place. There are some of us who are fond of the AI, its education offerings and its attempts to lobby for the better of the industry.

That being said, I think the on-line demo will help some who feel lost in the demo writing and it will force folks who sign up to spend some late nights getting it done. Getting to the demo writing aspect is a feat in itself.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

I signed up for the online demo three weks ago as part of their pilot program. One thing like JT stated, I've started it, buried up to my eyeballs in work and cannot find the time. I'm also not in an MAI shop and do not have the luxury of someone helping me with problems questions...etc. I like being able to hear I got it right before I move on to the other section. The way the current demo is graded you could flub the entire HBU or market analysis and still get it right on the Sales and Income and still pass...somehow that seems counterintuitive to the entire process. At least this way you don't move onto till you pass the section.

I think what most have a problem with this idea is that its not the old days, I personally think the old method of hazing and rite of passage crap is cliche. At least this way you learn the process from an experienced professional, as opposaed the trial by fire method.

and I agree with Scott, getting to this point took a lot of time and money. I have two months backlog of work, another two months of engagement agreements to write...oh and a demo report 25% done that will pay "0" of my bills...and will take another three weeks of solid work to finish.

 

[Mike Phillips]

I'm not interested in hearing more AI bashing either, but I don't think a discussion about changing the requirements to obtain the MAI can progress very far without a discussion of motive. My association with, and knowledge of the SRA/AIREA (now AI for you rookies) began back in the early '80s and it is safe to say the demo requirement to earn membership has always been an obstacle.

The notion that the market for appraisers' services is ever going to to require a professional designation, especially the MAI or SRA, is just wishful thinking - history has proven otherwise.

It appears the AI is now prepared to face that fact. If the AI is able to be responsive to the needs of potential members in ANY way that will not affect the credibility of the designations then that is what they should do. The AI isn't benefiting from maintaining obstacles that discourage membership and they should be tearing those obstacles down every chance they get.

I'll guarantee you this: speaking of whiners, the ones who will whine the loudest will be the ones who already have the designations. Their primary objection will be that some "some loser" will obtain their designation without putting in all the hard work that was required "back in the day." I can hear it now: some MAI who earned his 4-year degree in Underwater Basketweaving from BFE On-Line U, will scream bloody murder "I had to complete my demo in the traditional way." Yeah right.

 

[Boonders]

I think the assigned mentor is a good idea. I had acouple MAIs to run things past which was very helpful.

I don't think the online demo is going to be significantly "easier". The two people I know that are thinking of writing their demo both said "sounds like more work" because you have to submit things in pieces and have them graded.

I generally like the idea.

 

[Financially Feasible]

Despite the Title of the thread, it is clearly intended to be an AI bashing thread.

*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.