Opinion: Does it pay to have an MAI?

[Stephen J. Vertin MAI]

Mentor generally you give good, well reasoned advice but I don't get your prediction of the coming AI apocalypse. Do you mind spelling out what you are talking about? Under your "things change" reasoning why should any of us make an effort at anything? Is this some new drift yourself to success theory?

I can truthfully say that the only way you will find out if the MAI designation is worth it is to get one. I wasn't disapointed.

 

[JSmith43]

Mentor generally you give good, well reasoned advice but I don't get your prediction of the coming AI apocalypse. Do you mind spelling out what you are talking about? Under your "things change" reasoning why should any of us make an effort at anything? Is this some new drift yourself to success theory?

I can truthfully say that the only way you will find out if the MAI designation is worth it is to get one. I wasn't disapointed.

Stephen, it's probably those darned replies by Pete that paint it that way. Perhaps I'm being a contrarian, but nothing more. It's probably because PP is sometimes so full of himself:laugh: But, I appreciate him anyway.

I agreed that AI has the best education resources and the best branding. And, I also pointed out that the usual suspects that turn threads into AI bashing opportunities, rather than discussing foreword thinking issues, are out of line.

Right now, there is the possibility of profound economic and political distortions. It is a big commitment to get the AI designation. There are always opportunity costs.

That's all.

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.

 

[JSmith43]

Heck, coming from me, I've been giving AI glowing endorsements

 

[Stephen J. Vertin MAI]

"Right now, there is the possibility of profound economic and political distortions. It is a big commitment to get the AI designation. There are always opportunity costs."

I appreciate your explanation. I am not so sure about profound economic political distortions though. Especially in the commercial industrial real estate arena. Am I missing something or is there something you believe may have a profound effect on the industry? I only see things getting better. The commercial business is swamped in most areas. I had a deal in Ohio a month or two ago and could not even get people to return my calls. Now that is busy in my mind.

 

[JSmith43]

Mine was a macroeconomic emphasis.

The dollar has never really cracked before. The World Currency card has been played over and over. The bluff will be called when the Chinese navy is a bit more ramped up, I assume.

I hope nations choose to store their wealth in bars of platinum rather than plutonium, but it isn't looking good, 5+ years down the line from my vantage point.

 

[Stephen J. Vertin MAI]

Mentor I never took you for a "sky is falling" guy. Maybe you should take Prozac and let me guide you thorough your trip. I am always skeptical of end of the world proficiency since most have fallen flat over the last 3,000 years. I just cant see giving up on life because something may happen. It never hurts to do your best. Where is that nothing beats a failure but another try attitude? You guys that started your MAI should finish no matter how old you are. I learn something new about appraising every day. That is why I love this job. It is great.

 

[reviewer]

To answer the original poster's question:

Every position I have held in the past 15 years has been because of my MAI designation. I have never been unemployed, and my career has had a remarkable journey for someone who never intended to either go the places that I have, or do what I have done.

The MAI was the ante to get into the game, more than my MBA and most definitely more than the state certification.

I worked hard; I still work hard. I always will. But even with the utter and complete embarassment that was last year and the "good old boys" taking the USS Appraisal Institute right into Iceberg Alley, I have never had cause to regret getting my MAI.

I don't feel that way about some of my unfortunate choices in fashion trends or dating.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

...But even with the utter and complete embarassment that was last year and the "good old boys" taking the USS Appraisal Institute right into Iceberg Alley, I have never had cause to regret getting my MAI.

Might be the quote of the year. Too many confuse the trees from the forest, whatever you feel for the AI as an organization, to then apply that to the MAI is disingenuous.

 

[Pittsburgh Pete]

Iceberg Alley? Are you referring to the idiocy involving the AF?

If that is your reference, I thank the good ol' boys for taking us there--that scenario was infinitely more telling about the AF than the AI. I was not the least bit embarrassed by being put on "double secret probation" by the AF for the AI expressing its opinion on an issue (without having the temerity to check with the AF before expressing it).

 

[ARRE]

Yeah, Pete...but we lost the free USPAP books!!!

As far as I am concerned, that is the ONLY downfall of that whole issue. I would rather have the organization I am a part of stand for integrity, than fold as many others have when faced with a "we'll get you!"

I say "BRAVO" to those who had the fortitude and integrity to make the right decision, not the easy one. I really think if more appraisers had that integrity, our profession may not be in the boat it currently is riding.

But, like many have said before, there are always good and bad fish in the sea, and each of them get eaten once in a while.