Opinion: Does it pay to have an MAI?

[Caligirl]

I think it gave AI a boost when Denis D. decided to add his support to the SRA designation program

Could not agree more. I truly believe that if more of the designated members behaved with as much kindness, generosity and professionalism that Mr. DeSaix consistently demonstrates here that the AI would pick up many, many more members.

JMO. (And yes, I am a DDS fan. )

 

[Caligirl]

BTW, whatever happened to Ben V., SRA? Like Dennis, he was an exceptional appraiser, and person, and a fine rep for the SRA designation.

 

[ezrics]

MAI Designation

The MAI designation is the best to have in the US. Its courses and instructors are the best. I have held it for over 20 years. Its still what you make of it. Like some lawyers make a lot of money and some don't. After all its a business in addition to being a profession.

The RICS designation ( Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the most known Internationally especially in UK and other countries. They have about 120,000 members, dates back to 1885. The RICS accepts credit from approved Universities rather than offering its own courses.

I have also held the ASA designation. It is the best for business appraisers. It dates back to the 1930's.







QUOTE=Mentor;2135420]It's clearly a great designation to have, now.

Some things to consider:

Political risk: AI got suspended from the Appraisal Foundation. Disagreements happen.

Risk of scandal: Where did those big Eight accounting firms go? I think it is the big 3 or 4 now. Who would have thought this would happen?

Bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Competitive designation: I don't see anything on the horizon, but that doesn't mean it isn't forming. What if a bunch of MAIs split off after a scandal and formed a competing organization? Black Swan events are possible.

AI is in the best position right now. The MAI designation branding is in good shape. But, there is lots of on going litigation & one never knows.

Go for the MAI, but, as always, have a few back up plans.[/QUOTE]

 

[JSmith43]

ezrics, thanks for stopping in and sharing your observations over time.

 

[G Man]

Just found this forum , found it worthy and just joined. Saw this thread, had to respond.

40 yrs in the business, started as a residential appraiser in a savings and loan, now semi-retired.

Been an MAI forever it seems. Worked as a mortgage banker, as a lender for three banks, a life co and a conduit. Was a commercial fee appraiser for 7 years and a bank commercial appraisal manager for 12.

Who I've worked for is not what is important, not trying to toot my horn here. The fact that I had the MAI is what gave me entry to these jobs.

GKS

 

[Lawrence R.]

Umm.yes for this reason.

Every time some Drunk and mentally disabled appraiser puts some drivel on a piece of paper and signs it, Skip skipperson, MAI...I have to explain for 10 hours to a judge why my doctoral thesis of an appraisal is superior to his name even though he appraised the wrong property.

So yeah...for now...the public thinks MAIs can wipe their rears with a HP12-C, smear it on a paper and call it superior.

 

[JSmith43]

This takes to new levels, the concept of smearing the competition. I don't agree with the approach, but let's delve a bit further into the analysis.

can wipe their rears with a HP12-C

OK, but anyone can do that. By the time an appraiser gets an MAI designation, he could at least clear the cash flow registers with a skillful wiping action, maybe enter a payment with each pass.

Seriously, obtaining an MAI designation is a tough gauntlet to run. It does prove something at the end of the day.

An ultra marathon is a tough race to run. I'll pass. It would be hard on my joints. Besides, isn't there a time limit?

If I had enough patience to crank out another demonstration narrative, and was 10-20 years younger, I might consider it. Even after reading your calculator post:blush:

 

[Michigan CG]

Every time some Drunk and mentally disabled appraiser puts some drivel on a piece of paper and signs it, Skip skipperson, MAI...I have to explain for 10 hours to a judge why my doctoral thesis of an appraisal is superior to his name even though he appraised the wrong property.

So yeah...for now...the public thinks MAIs can wipe their rears with a HP12-C, smear it on a paper and call it superior.

Dealing with the tax appeal companies? Yes they are scum mostly but you use a brush that is too large to paint with. I deal with MAI appraisers a lot and the majority are ethical and have forgotten more than you know about appraising.

I understand your frustrations, but TRY to be a little fair.

 

[Calvin the Airedale]

This takes to new levels, the concept of smearing the competition. I don't agree with the approach, but let's delve a bit further into the analysis.



OK, but anyone can do that. By the time an appraiser gets an MAI designation, he could at least clear the cash flow registers with a skillful wiping action, maybe enter a payment with each pass.

Seriously, obtaining an MAI designation is a tough gauntlet to run. It does prove something at the end of the day.

An ultra marathon is a tough race to run. I'll pass. It would be hard on my joints. Besides, isn't there a time limit?

If I had enough patience to crank out another demonstration narrative, and was 10-20 years younger, I might consider it. Even after reading your calculator post:blush:

Ditto.

The other take-away from Lawrence's post is that I will never again shake another's hand at the break of a CE course knowing they were just using an HP12C.

 

[Pittsburgh Pete]

Every time some Drunk and mentally disabled appraiser puts some drivel on a piece of paper and signs it, Skip skipperson, MAI...I have to explain for 10 hours to a judge why my doctoral thesis of an appraisal is superior to his name even though he appraised the wrong property.

So yeah...for now...the public thinks MAIs can wipe their rears with a HP12-C, smear it on a paper and call it superior.

Wow! Quite the picture painted with a broad and idiotic brush! So you write doctoral a doctoral thesis of an appraisal? Please post one--would love to see it.