Will AI, ASA & NAIFA Ever Unite?

[Tom McClure]

Just had a thought, what if all the major appraisal organizations joined together as ONE.

Do you think it would help our profession if we were all members of ONE large group?

It's hard to imagine what that would be like. ONE professional organization that spoke for all appraisers when dealing with government and industry problems. ONE source for all appraisal education, with quality classes, actually reasonably priced for its members.

Do you think it's possible, or is it just a dream? I'm curious, would you join?

Tom McClure, Ohio

 

[Carnivore]

Tom,


Great Idea! The organizations think so also and entered into negotiations quite sometime ago. I believe they have opened communications with the Realtors Appraiser association also.

 

[c w d]

I most definitely believe appraisers need one organization to represent their voice. What we don't need is one organization that is only too happy to sell it's members, associates and affiliates down the river as the AI has done in the past. Since the AI is the largest who do you think is going to have the largest voice? I fear if they do unite then it'll be more of the same.

 

[jhillas]

I most definitely believe appraisers need one organization to represent their voice. What we don't need is one organization that is only too happy to sell it's members, associates and affiliates down the river as the AI has done in the past. Since the AI is the largest who do you think is going to have the largest voice? I fear if they do unite then it'll be more of the same.

The AI does not sit around in a dark board room and try and find the next best way to "sell people down the river". I have witnessed the board rooms, and can guarantee that protecting and doing what is best for the profession is a driving force behind decisions made.

Sometimes, things don't turn out how they may look from the onset, but there certainly is nobody "happy to sell its members, associates, and affiliates down the river" To say otherwise is simply not true.

This would be a good time for all honest, ethical and professional appraisers to join and help the AI in its efforts looking out for the profession right now. Join and get involved.

Members of a recognized and respected professional organization can join together and have a positive influence.

I can't imagine being a professional valuer and not belonging to a professional association.

 

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

The problem with past attempts to merge these organizations is that AI doesn't see it as a merger of equals; they see it as them absorbing the other groups.

 

[Karl]

Biggest problem in the Appraisal industry; We seem to work as I and I alone are the only good Appraiser attitude, (some think that is me!!! I am flattered, BUT I assure you that is far from the truth, I know many that are much superior to myself, & that includes some just licensed & some Trainees, ) Problem is I know so many more that are Inferior to me & that includeds some Certified Generals, Certifieds, Licensed, & Trainees. That it makes me look fantasticlly good . for 10 years on here; it's been comp checks, the other Appraiser cut the rate, Can't get 10 to agree on a USPAP definition . Say something that is in a general statement & some think your talking about them & them only. Most Appraiser's have no idea about a NAIFA or AI Chapter in their neighborhood. There was a time a couple or three groups were going to go together NAIFA, ______& _______. Couldn't get enough members on either side to agree.

How many on here have actually attended a NAIFA or AI meeting?? How many have attended some State Board meetings? How many have actually written to all those in power? How many have attended a stock holders meeting of a Bank or Fannie Fredie ETC ETC how many have attended Fraud classes?? How many have assisted a person of the general public through the process of making contacts to show how difficult it is to get anyone to listen?? How many have ________ to improve the profession??

A very good source that ranks high in the NAIFA camp has said that IF things don't change soon there will be very little need for Appraisers, as we know the duties of an Appraiser as they stand today. In coming years, With computer technology & our inabilty to have a unified voice I can NOT possibly disagree.

 

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

I wonder if a single organization is all that necessary. Lately the big four (AI, ASA, ASFMRA, NAIFA) have been working together on legislative issues, and there has been more cooperation and joint effort among some if not all of these groups in education. I was particularly pleased to see the joint response to the HVCC by all four groups. And now ASA and NAIFA are developing a joint real property education program, which is very cool. I think I heard AI and Farm are doing something similar, I hope so, both groups have outstanding educational programs.

People join the different groups for various reasons. Some groups are more prominent in an area than others. Some have very active local chapters, like the Phoenix NAIFA chapter, which has very good turnout at its meetings (I think a lot of people come to see the famous Karl, I go so I can say "mobile home" to Jo Ann ). I like ASA because I enjoy knowing other kinds of appraisers. Even though I don't do farm and ranch, I enjoy ASFMRA classes, especially the spring forum they have every year in the Phoenix area. Interesting group.

The point is that it's not necessary to have only one large organization when the existing groups are cooperating more than ever and "leaving their lapel pins at the door". So join which ever group is the best fit for you, maybe the one that has the most active local chapter, or that offers the most local classes. Join the one with the cheapest dues if you want. But know that separately or together, these groups still represent a minority of appraisers, but they are carrying the water for the rest of you.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

The problem with past attempts to merge these organizations is that AI doesn't see it as a merger of equals; they see it as them absorbing the other groups.

It also appears that NAR is seeking a closer relationship with AI and I would not be surprised to see them merge in some fashion with appraisers who don't belong to AI forced to or lose their MLS privileges. I think that would be a step backward for AI and make the merger of AI with any other group even less likely.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Who, besides me, was a member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (AIREA)?

 

[Rich Heyn]

Who, besides me, was a member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (AIREA)?

I'm an old (in more ways than one) RM. I had both the RM from the AIREA and the SRA from the SREA for several years prior to consolidation.