Too Revealing???

[bradellis]

There seems to be two topics here:

1. Giving away designations- TRUE. This was done by most of the professional organizations decades ago when they formed. I personally knew one MAI and one IFAS who got theirs that way- but were are talking about pre-1965. One poster said they are all gone- well most of them are and it is not worth arguing or pointing fingers here. Let's remember these folks were experienced appraisers when they formed the organizations. We should not assume any lack of expertise.

2. Associations talking to one another- Well this is going on right now, and has been for a few years. The newly formed umbrella is a great step, and it may well lead to consolidation a lot faster than any one thinks. I guess I am just surprised that anyone would think the leadership of these groups are walking around blind. They are not. They must just get over the territoriality and egos- but I belive it will happen.

Here's another question: IF the umbrella and consolidations occur, will you benefit? Do you hold a designation from one of the groups that will grandfather you into any new designation or surviving designation? Will you be a part of the larger group that will seek to solve our problems or will you let "Joe do it"? No need to resppond- just offered for your own personal decision making...


Brad Ellis, IFA, RAA

 

[Anonymous]

Would it be too much to ask that everyone do what is best for the profession? We of course need professional organizations to provide education and standards. We also need political clout to advance our economic interests. It seems to me that the traditional appraisal organizations provide the education that we need. The Guild is designed to provide the political clout.

It is only logical to assume that the professional organizations would welcome the assistance of the Guild. Unfortunately they seem to feel threatened by the existance of the Guild. May I suggest that appraisers who care about professional development and economic survival support one or all of the traditional organizations and support the Guild as well.
Perhaps the membership can force the existing organizations to work together for the common good.

 

[Neil (Texas)]

What's in it for me?
I don't need a designation!
Too many associations.
"They" only care about their own turf.
Its too late!
"They" want control.
"They" want too much money.
etc, etc, etc.... :lol:

There's whole a lot in it for me. More importantly, I place a greater value on what I have to offer. Guess that's why I have clients instead of customers.

No, I dont' "need" a designation. But I take a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I have demonstrated to my peers that I have met more than the "minumum requirements".

Too many associations. Can't dispute that fact. But I believe that belonging to an association seeking an umbrella organization is more effective than watching from the sidelines.

Turf? Absolutely, why would you expect an association not to protect their members.

Too late? Throwing in the towel just simply isn't in my nature. I simply have to believe I can make a difference.

Control? No one ever "takes" control. Control is given by others simply doing nothing.

Money. Strange, but we always seem to find the money for those other things we consider important.

As Brad pointed out, there are serious talks underway for an umbrella organization. Will it work? Don't know. But it will get closer to a solution then the present situation of the vast majority of appraisers sitting on their duffs waiting for someone else to act on their behalf.

Sadly, appraisers are proving to be better spectators and comentators than participants.

I've been around long enough to have heard it all. However, I keep hoping we rouse ourselves from this self-induced stupor and become part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

 

[carol milder]

I am very disappointed in professional organizations, I am a member of two. I was also a candidate to the AI for a number of years, but eventually dropped it because of the intense/cruel peer-review to get designated in the Houston area. With all the money I have shelled out, it breaks my heart to see what is happening to this wonderful and much needed industry.
My purpose for being a part of organizations is twofold, it shows some degree of expertise to individuals that are making decisions for the approved appraiser list of lending institutions ... and I thought the organizations would be a united voice on the state and national level to protect the best interest of our occupation as well as the consumer that needs an honest appraisal, completed by a professional. What happened to the united voice? I think our annual dues went for attractive rosters, web sites and annual conventions. Why weren't we paying quality lobbyist to protect us from management companies, AVMs, deminimus levels? ... To enlighten congress about the looming economic problems and the fraud that AVMs will cause, to have legal ramifications for lenders that pressure for value for loans with govenment backed funds...I could go on ... there should be power in numbers ...
I got an email this week from an appraisal organizations that is using fear tactics to promote having ADDITIONAL designations at discounted prices to help protect the industry, I think they are just protecting their own income.
The professionals on this forum make a better "united" organization, I don't want to go to monthy meetings, I want to know what is new and what is next and I get that here, free. Thanks, I love appraising, Carol

 

[Dan/Fla]

Yes, like most I would love to get involved in an organization, but there is no one out there, that is good for all. The AI is the one I was leaning towards when 1st got into the business but soon learn, being a residential appraiser you are like the Red Headed step Child to them. Though what reason do we need for organization? Education, yes but the discount belonging, is not worth it, and too many classes that are also good, with private companies. So I would not think that all that important. Designations? If it would mean anything; some organizations all you have to be is certified and pay your dues and you now have a Designations, that is a laugh. I can spend money and get a PHD from a major University; these are almost as equal.

I believe what we are (at least I am looking) for is an organizations, which will keep us informed about the happening, in Government, Banking, and real estate which does or will effect us. An organizations which will speak for our side, of an issue. An organization, which will set up meetings to learn true but also to meet others with Ideas, we can learn from. I guess what I am saying we need is what we are already too a point getting from this Forum. Though one on one is better that typing.

Though I guess one would ask does this Forum have a voice. I believe yes we do. I am sure if we found a point, which we would really like to have, our voice, known; we could. This is just an example. I am not saying we should do this. But let say we got Wayne permission, we could somehow copy the "Appraiser's Petition" with all the names on it and each member here Emailed a copy to Every Rep. and Senator in your state and on Federal Level those from your state, Then for fun to every News Dept., In every Radio, & TV Station, and Newspaper in your State. And this was all done like over a weekend, I sure someone might notice it and run a Story on This event. If even only 5,000 appraisers did this.

Though that was just an example, and I am not looking for that to happen. But there has to be something which may come up in the Future which we will want people out the outside the business to know about. To often some of these organizations, do not even know what their members want them to fight for. Ex. I have read that AI, has there own AVM, I am sure if they did they did, some of the Residential Appraiser Members might have told them "We do not want AI doing this."

I personally believe some how if we are ever going to have 1 group with clot we are going to have to somehow align with the Realtors. Because Realtors and Appraisers together would have a LARGE group.

Like most I do not have the answer just more questions than answers.


Dan

 

[carol milder]

The appraisers and realtors together would probably be the best and many of us also have a brokers or salesmans license. When I got started ... a brokers license was required for signing an appraisal in Texas.
The Realtors may want the additional numbers as their industry is experiencing changes with the advancement of the information highway ...
I love appraising ... Carol

 

[bobburnitt]

Right on Neil!!!!!!!!!

Anybody that has the knowledge of Jameson's Theory that you have, has got to know what he is talking about.

BB in Texas

 

[Neil (Texas)]

Bob,

What can I say... I suspect everyone possesses some arcane bite of knowledge that is ignored by the so called gurus, in all areas of scientific endeavor. Sort of like the folks at A. Anderson sticking their heads in sandy holes. "If I don't see it, it doesn't exist. And if I see it and ignore it, maybe it will go away and I can claim it doesn't exist."

 

[Austin]

Neil: I am comfused after reading your critique. Are you talking about the appraisal profession or the Republican party? Sounds like an association of Southern Baptist too. All three have a common goal, but none of them can agree what color to paint it. :lol:

 

[Neil (Texas)]

No Austin, none of the above. Bob and I were conversing about something we had discussed at a recent meeting. Besides, I was told long ago it was impolite and fruitless to belittle another man's politics or religion simply to enhance one's self image.