To do that, I need to be one of the best educated appraisers in Alabama and I need to associate with the best appraisers in Alabama. That means Appraisal Institute membership, not brag-just fact. I know that some good appraisers are not AI members, but the largest group of the best and most respected appraisers are AI members. And that's just the residential side. Talk about meaningful education, just check out the competition and you'll see what I mean.
Nothing comes close.
Within a year of achieving my designation, I was at least on speaking terms with leaders in our industry who have leadership experience going back as far as 30 to 40 years as well as those who are leadiing our industry today. This has paid off in networking opportunities that have enabled me to call the best when an appraisal or consulting problem has me stumped or when I just want to know what someone else thinks about a particular question. This ability to network with industry leaders is at least as valuable as the formal courses and seminars. Her predecessor also held the MAI designation, as did his predecessor. That is not coincidental.