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.
