You need to know more about the Appraisal Institute - by Rey Archambault

Rey Archambault, Appraisal Institute

Whether you’re seeking the services of a qualified real estate appraiser, are interested in a career in appraising or want to join the foremost membership organization for real estate property valuation professionals, you need to know more about the Appraisal Institute. The Appraisal Institute is a global professional association of real estate appraisers. Its mission is to advance professionalism and ethics, global standards, methodologies and practices through the professional development of property economics worldwide. Organized in 1932, the Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Individuals of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs and may hold the prestigious MAI, SRPA, SRA, AI-GRS and AI-RRS designations. The Connecticut Chapter recently awarded the MAI Designation to Robert Reicher, Jr. and the AI-GRS designation to Frederick Richard, MAI.

In keeping pace with the demands of today’s marketplace, members of the Appraisal Institute form a network of Professionals Providing Real Estate Solutions throughout the United States and abroad. Because they have met the rigorous requirements in education, experience and demonstration of knowledge, appraisers holding the Appraisal Institute membership designations have long been respected by courts, government agencies, lenders, corporation and others seeking real estate appraisal services.

In need of an appraiser? It’s easy to find a designated member of the Appraisal Institute. Simply go to www.appraisa linstitute.org for our “Find an Appraiser” option. You can search for Designated members throughout the United States as well as abroad by name, city, country, state or metropolitan statistical area (MSA). You can also search for Designated members by business services and property type.

As the leader in real property appraiser education, the Appraisal Institute offers an extensive curriculum of introductory and advanced courses, as well 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 towards 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. Some courses and seminars are available online, combining the strengths of traditional, classroom-based instruction with flexibility of self-study and the enhancements of the digital medium.

Upcoming educational offerings presented by the Connecticut Chapter include: Residential Appraisal Report Writing & Valuation Issues Under Collateral Underwriter on October 20; Business Practices and Ethics on November 3; CT Appraisal Law with Supervisory/Provisional Appraiser Education on December 1; FHA Appraising for Valuation Professional: FHA Single Family Housing Appraisal on December 9; Advanced Concepts & Case Studies December 7-12. In preparation for the 2016 CT Appraiser License Renewals, we will be offering several 7 Hour USPAP Updates starting in December. We will also be offering the CT Appraisal Law with Supervisory/Provisional Appraiser Education via webinar and in person starting in December (dates TBA).

Rey Archambault, SRA is president of Connecticut Chapter of Appraisal Institute and is a principal of Archambault & Associates, Bristol, Conn.