Knowing that an Appraisal Institute designation identifies you as one
of the best in the profession is important, but every once in a while its
nice to know "What’s in it for me?" This section answers that
question by highlighting some of the many programs and benefits that are a
part of Appraisal Institute membership.
Personal Achievement and Earnings Potential
Members have repeatedly said that earning an Appraisal Institute
designation is the most satisfying achievement of their careers. Going
beyond the sense of accomplishment and pride, an Appraisal Institute
designation brings opportunities for career growth, higher income, and
professional recognition.
Enhancement of Professional Quality
Where do you go when you have a question on appraisal standards,
ethics, or professional practice? Guidance on these issues is available
from the Appraisal Institute Ethics and Counseling Division. This
division enforces the Appraisal Institute’s Standards of Professional
Appraisal Practice and Code of Professional Ethics. Hundreds of
appraisals are reviewed every year to enhance the quality of service
members provide to the public.
Directory of Members
The Appraisal Institute Directory of Members is widely considered the
best source for finding qualified appraisers. In an average year more
than 20,000 copies are distributed to corporations, individuals,
financial institutions, and other users of appraisal services. Placing
the directory on the desk of the decision maker creates business
opportunities for members.
The Finest in Appraisal Education
Almost 50,000 participants annually can attest to the fact that the
Appraisal Institute provides professional training that no other
organization can match. A variety of educational courses, seminars, and
workshops allow you to meet continuing professional education
requirements while staying on top of the latest in appraisal theory and
technique. Tuition discounts are offered to members and affiliates.
Marketing, Promotion, & Public Relations
Through print advertising, direct mail, and trade show exhibits, the
Appraisal Institute tells the marketplace that its members are the best
real estate appraisers available. A variety of informational brochures
are published and distributed to promote members and educate the public
about the appraisal profession. These brochures are also available for
purchase by members to promote their own businesses.
Appraisal Institute officers are regarded as spokespersons for the
appraisal profession and are often sought out and quoted by the news
media. Whenever an interview is arranged and the officer is quoted in
the press, the resulting publicity strengthens the reputations of all
designated members.
Through advertising, public relations, and other means, your chapter
promotes you at the grass roots level. These efforts position members as
the recognized authorities on real estate appraisal in their own
communities.
Advocacy
The Appraisal Institute’s Washington, DC, office is your advocate
in our nations’ capital, promoting membership’s interests to
Congress and federal agencies. The State Legislation Division
collaborates with the regions, states, and chapters to represent member
interests, enhance the Appraisal Institute’s image in state
legislatures, and promote uniformity of state laws and regulations.
The Appraisers Political Action Committee (APPAC) accepts voluntary
contributions from members and uses these funds to support political
candidates who share appraisers’ interests and concerns. Through APPAC,
you have an opportunity to share the political processes that affect
your profession.
Unequaled Professional Periodicals
Appraiser News
keep you up-to-date with issues and events affecting the appraisal
industry, as well as activity within the Appraisal Institute. The Appraisal
Journal serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas, providing
in-depth exploration of appraisal issues and valuation techniques.
Receiving these top-quality publications is another benefit of Appraisal
Institute membership.
Leading Edge Publications
They say knowledge is power. Appraisal Institute products and
publications keep up with your changing needs and provide the power you
need to get ahead in today’s competitive environment.
Specialized books, monographs, and readings analyze and report on the
latest "hot topics" within the industry. With videotapes
becoming more and more important as training tools, the Appraisal
Institute now offers 11 different titles to meet your training needs. To
help you keep up with changing technology, new user-friendly software
products are developed and released. And The Appraisal of Real Estate,
Appraising Residential Properties, and The Dictionary of Real
Estate Appraisal remain the cornerstone texts of appraisal
education. Members enjoy discounts on every publication and product the
Appraisal Institute offers.
Appraisal Library and Research Services
When faced with unique or unusual appraisal problems, you have an
unparalleled resource at your disposal -- the Lum Library. With
extensive holding and on-line database capabilities, the library is one
of the most complete appraisal libraries in the country. You can visit
the library in person, or work with the research staff over the phone.
They can quickly and efficiently help you find the information you need
to complete the assignment. Many services are provided to members free
or at a nominal charge.
Networking Opportunities
Appraisal Institute membership provides an open forum for appraisers
to share their knowledge, interest, and concerns with colleagues.
National and regional functions offer opportunities for you to network
with your peers. Chapters offer associate memberships, providing
opportunities to forge and maintain important business and professional
relationships within your community.
Insurance Programs
Through group buying power, the Appraisal Institute offers its
members high quality, low cost insurance benefits, including
professional liability coverage, group life, medical and disability, and
employee coverage. Insurance programs are continuously reviewed to
ensure that members are receiving the best coverage at the lowest
premiums.
Your Appraisal Institute membership helps you keep -- and increase --
your professional advantage in today’s demanding business environment.
Ongoing projects, such as the recently completed member profile and
needs assessment survey, enable the organization to develop more new and
exciting programs to ensure that your needs are met in the years to
come.
