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The Appraisal Institute’s Role
For more than 75 years, the Appraisal Institute has been the world’s leading organization of professional real estate appraisers. The organization has led the way in fostering and promoting the highest standards of practice through its designation programs, peer review process, education, research, and publishing endeavors.
Professionals Providing Real Estate Solutions®
Members of the Appraisal Institute form a network of Professionals Providing Real Estate Solutions® throughout the United States and abroad. Because they have met rigorous requirements relating to education and experience, appraisers holding the Appraisal Institute’s MAI, SRPA, and/or SRA membership designations have long been respected by courts, government agencies, lenders, corporations and others seeking real estate appraisal services. A cornerstone upon which the Appraisal Institute was built is that every member agrees to conduct his or her professional activities in accordance with the Appraisal Institute’s Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
The Leader in Appraiser Education
As the leader in real property appraiser education, the Appraisal Institute offers an extensive curriculum of introductory and advanced courses, as well as a wide range of seminars on specialty topics. These programs are designed to address the needs of all real estate appraisers, ranging from those just entering the profession and earning credit toward state licensing or certification, to seasoned practitioners who wish to keep abreast of the latest techniques and developments. Many of these programs also serve to help other industry professionals gain further insight and understanding of real estate valuation techniques and processes.
The World’s Leading Publisher of Appraisal Literature
The Appraisal Institute is the world’s largest publisher of real estate appraisal literature. In addition to a series of general reference books, every year the Appraisal Institute adds to its extensive list of publications, covering contemporary practice issues, advances in methodology and technology, and the valuation of a wide range of special purpose properties. The Appraisal Institute also publishes
Appraisal Journal and
Valuation magazine. The peer-reviewed Journal has served as the top forum for appraisal professionals and has become the most frequently referenced periodical in appraisal literature. VIP magazine focuses on innovative features and practical ideas.
Appraiser News Online keeps appraisers abreast of industry trends as well as legislative and regulatory matters impacting appraisers.
A Voice in Washington
The Appraisal Institute maintains a government relations office in Washington, D.C., which regularly communicates with federal and state legislators and regulators to encourage the adoption of appraisal policies that best serve the public’s and industry’s interest. The office pursues opportunities for Appraisal Institute members and other leaders in the profession to testify before Congress in the interest of the real estate appraisal community and provides background briefings to legislators and their staffs on critical real estate appraisal industry issues. We have also forged strategic coalitions with consumer groups, homebuilders, the mortgage insurance industry, and various related professional real estate associations.
A Resource to the Profession
The Appraisal Institute also serves as a resource for the profession in other ways, including its Y.T. and Louise Lee Lum Library, InfoExchange,
and job search services. Through its extensive collection of books, journals, reference sources, and online databases, the Lum Library provides support for the research needs of members as well as the profession. Another resource is our Leadership Development and Advisory Council
(LDAC), which fosters the development of new industry leaders and recognizes the importance of establishing an “appraiser presence” in Congress. In addition, our Appraisal Standards Committee keeps vigilant watch for issues concerning appraisal ethics and standards.
A Global Influence
Over the last several years the Appraisal Institute has expanded its education programs to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and has a growing international membership. The organization also continues active involvement in regional and international real estate federations including the International Valuation Standards Committee, the International Real Estate Federation, the Union of Pan-American Valuation Organizations, the International Federation of Surveyors, and the European Group of Valuers’ Associations.
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