Opinion: Does it pay to have an MAI?

[Mr Rex]

Following the movement of the weiner "story" closely Pottsie?

 

[Ken B]

The real question is : What premium can MAIs charge above their simple State Certified Generals for the same work(and still get the work), and how much work is only available to MAIs? Going forward will this effect remain stable, increase, or decrease? Given recent set backs to the AI from the powers to be (the slap fest with the AF) may indicate a dimunation of power of the AI going forward, deliberately so from the power players at the top of the food chain. I dunno, but the AI flexed their muscles, and the AF said we don't need to see your weiner (to bring things up to current affairs) in so many unwritten and uncertain terms.

It isn't just a fee issue. There is a big difference in the quantity and quality of assignments that an MAI can demand compared to what a non-designated appraiser receives. This is a direct personal observation of mine.

There are more than a few in the profession who think that the AI-TAF split is not a bad thing for AI. Let me qualify that. There are more than a few whose opinions actually matter that think this to be true.

 

[Mr Rex]

Will this hold true when the AF, with backing from "other sponsors" trashes the AI, in the same vein that the AI has trashed non designated appraisers? I am not trying to start a new AI bashing thread, but realistically asking, if the AI is kicked out of the loop, can and will there be real repercussions from the folks on the hill? Pizz the folks off inside the DC metro loop, and the AI and MAIs may be running lemonade stands in the suburbs.

 

[AnonApprsr]

The AI represents a small percentage of appraisers. There are more success stories involving appraisers without an AI designation than with, although you're more likely to hear about the AI story. Are there any local organizations that are well respected in your market? Does your market even know what the AI is? What segment are you going for, as far as your business plan is concerned. Start there, see who's doing the work now. Are they designated from the AI? From another group? Not designated?

 

[TianaR]

Thanks everyone for their input!

 

[Pittsburgh Pete]

It isn't just a fee issue. There is a big difference in the quantity and quality of assignments that an MAI can demand compared to what a non-designated appraiser receives. This is a direct personal observation of mine.

There are more than a few in the profession who think that the AI-TAF split is not a bad thing for AI. Let me qualify that. There are more than a few whose opinions actually matter that think this to be true.

I would echo the first observation. The market, at least my local market, recognizes the quality of a designation.

As to the second paragraph, the only downside I see is that we now have to pay for the USPAP book!

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

Why is it that everyone who is a CG on here speaks of the merits of the MAI, even if they do not have it? Yet all those who denounce the AI, try and make this an AI bashing thread, or explain the downfall of the AI all seem to have Certified Residential licenses?

Every CG I know that makes $200 - 300k a year has an MAI, the ones I know that do between $400 and 500K also have it as well FRICS and CRE. The sheer amount of Fed, local, and State RFPs that require it is staggering...the sheer amount of lease with option to purchase contracts that have clauses that state MAI to determine sale price is staggering.

The statement there are more stories about the success of appraisers without an MAI is huge, while the stories with are nominal...is complete and utter BS. Every book you read and cite in this profession authored by an MAI...Yellowbook....written by an MAI. Most of the template of USPAP comes from early AI ethics books, written by...you guessed it an MAI.

You may not like the AI, or MAIs for that matter, but saying they are on a sinking ship or that the designation means little or nothing makes the poster look like an idiot then a rational professional.

 

[Michael S]

I frequently see engagement letters that require either an MAI inspect the property or sign the report. So if you're not an MAI, or don't work with one, that kind of work is pretty much out of reach.

I'm still working towards my CG but I plan on going for the MAI designation. I figure at the rate I'm going I should be able to get it by the time I'm 30.

 

[Pittsburgh Pete]

Even if not designated there is a positive to being an AI member: just received an email from a nearby county looking for bids on what would be a fairly lucrative assignment. Sent to all members of the local AI chapter (designated and associate).

 

[Michigan CG]

Why is it that everyone who is a CG on here speaks of the merits of the MAI, even if they do not have it? Yet all those who denounce the AI, try and make this an AI bashing thread, or explain the downfall of the AI all seem to have Certified Residential licenses?.....

I am guessing that was a rhetorical question with no response expected.