Appraisal Institute members receive many benefits such as referrals, a solid foundation and even access to exclusive local chapters. AI can bring your business one step up by expanding your network and client base. With almost 20,000 members; Appraisal Institute advances the industry with global standards, methodologies, professional ethics and development of economics.
Donald Boucher, SRA with Boucher and Boucher Inc. told us how being a member of AI has helped his business grow.
“Just last week I got one referral from an MAI I do not know, and appraisal requests from a lender on the west coast and a mid-west Bank’s Trust Department. All found my contact information on the “Find An Appraiser” portal of the AI web site.” Donald said.
Appraisal Institute has evolved in almost 50 countries. With appraisers all over Country, their members receive a valuable source of knowledge. The organizations mission is to foster and promote the highest standards of practice. Through on-going education, research and peer review programs their members receive insight you can’t gain through field experience.
Donald has had the opportunity to meet other appraisers, stay active in his local AI Chapter, maintain a positive relationship with MAI’s, SRA’s or Practicing Affiliates that helped him achieve success.
“These referrals connect me to a variety of clients including lenders, attorneys and other professionals thereby expanding business opportunities.”
Many Appraisers, like Donald, are an independent Appraiser without a team behind them. But because of his membership with AI, he has one of the largest networks in the world.
“Being a sole practitioner, I no longer have appraisers in an office I can talk to directly to bounce around ideas. There are a number of appraisers I have met through my involvement with the AI who I call on a regular basis to bounce around ideas.”
The Appraisal Institute has developed smaller local chapters to allow AI Appraisers to stay current on legislative initiatives in local and national markets and ongoing changes with the GSE’s. The active board members and participants in AI advocate for Appraisers in front of Congress to encourage the adoption of new policies and what best serves the public interest.
“I am very grateful to AI political activities that advocate for appraiser issues. Also, interacting with other appraisers and discussing various valuation issues I deal with on an ongoing basis helps me to better develop and report my appraisals. “Donald said.
Appraisal Institute provides their members an abundant of resources. Insurance programs, online education, publications, business and public relation tools.
The designation process is sought out to help appraisers grow in the industry and encourage them to continue their outreach, education and involvement. This specific goal is an achievement but also a building block. It is not the end of one’s efforts but just the beginning points for them to accomplish more.
To learn more about Appraisal Institute visit their website here.
Appraisal Institute is a proud Sponsor of Valuation Expo and will be hosting the 2018 7-hour USPAP Course in Charleston, SC on March 18th. To learn more about Valuation Expo or sign up for USPAP, visit our website.
