VIDEO: Advice to Potential Appraisal Institute Designees

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UntitledThree Appraisal Institute Designated Members share their advice for valuation professionals who are considering pursuing an AI designation.

Michelle A. Alexander, MAI; Kenneth M. Konrath, MAI;  and Don R. “Randy” Scheidt, MAI, SRPA, SRA, share the benefits they’ve received and encourage others to dedicate the time and effort to obtaining the prestigious AI designations. [Read more…]

VIDEO: 2017 Appraisal Institute President’s Message

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JAAppraisal Institute 2017 President Jim Amorin, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, outlines the organization’s plans for advancing the valuation profession in AI’s latest video.

In the next year, the Appraisal Institute will continue to implement its three-year strategic plan, which sets the parameters for the organization’s key decisions and outlines five core values: Distinctiveness, Innovation, Professional Responsibility, Advocacy and Leadership.

[Read more…]

Tips for Success in ‘Green’ Valuation

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The future for residential and commercial properties shows that all lights are “green” for energy-efficient valuation. As green and energy-efficient buildings become increasingly mainstream, appraisers who are regarded as knowledgeable and experienced in this area of practice Green_Valuation_1may find new opportunities for assignments.

The majority of construction firms of single-family homes responding to a McGraw-Hill Construction survey reported that more than 15 percent of their projects are green, with that number expected to rise to 84 percent by 2018. Green also is growing in commercial construction with 40 to 48 percent of nonresidential construction being classified in that category.

The Appraisal Institute is providing the tools appraisers need to hone their skills, to be recognized as leaders in green valuation and to provide clients with the most current information available.

[Read more…]

AI Responds to Appraisal Foundation Letter

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June 26, 2015

Dear Appraisal Institute Colleague:

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see the Appraisal Institute’s response to The Appraisal Foundation’s “Legislative Alert,” I encourage you to read it.

AI Addresses The Appraisal Foundation’s Letter on Federal Regulations

Earlier this month, you may have received or at least heard of a letter from The Appraisal Foundation titled “Legislative Alert.” This letter contained inaccurate and incomplete information.

The Appraisal Institute has maintained a full-time staff and office in Washington, D.C., for decades. With the guidance and direction of the Board and the Government Relations Committee, AI consistently protects the interests of not just AI professionals, but all valuation professionals, at the state and federal government levels.

Read more about AI’s efforts. [Read more…]

Tips for Year-end Tax Preparation

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As 2014 draws to a close and appraisers prepare to put another business year behind them, it’s important they compile their tax documents.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, owners need to consider federal and state tax issues.


deduction-1Determine a strategy

Whether it’s knowing how spending impacts tax bills, in which year to incur expenses or understanding accrual and cash basis, appraisers and other small business owners have a lot to consider to help ensure the creation of a successful tax strategy. [Read more…]

Taking Valuation Abroad

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The Appraisal Institute recently invited Ken P. Wilson, MAI, SRA, 2014 President of the Appraisal Institute; Leslie P. Sellers, MAI, SRA, 2014 Chair of AI’s International Relations Committee; and Frederick H. Grubbe, CAE, to discuss AI’s international efforts. They talked about AI’s growing global presence and outreach abroad.

AI: What is the Appraisal Institute’s global presence?USA flag pin in international collection

KW: Appraisal Institute professionals live and work in nearly 60 countries on six continents.

AI: Who are the Appraisal Institute professionals who live and work abroad?

LS: Appraisal Institute professionals outside the United States and its territories engage in a wide variety of practices, and many are highly credentialed.

KW: Nearly half of all AI professionals outside the U.S. and its territories hold the MAI designation.

FG: And organizations in at least four countries have expressed interest in AI providing its educational offerings, including China, Kuwait, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. [Read more…]

Appraisal Institute Adopts 2015 Budget

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Appraisal Institute Adopts 2015 Budget

The Appraisal Institute adopted its budget for next year among other actions taken during the Board of Directors’ November 20-21 meeting in Chicago.

The Board voted to amend existing policy to allow eligible Practicing Affiliates, upon application for admission to the Candidate for Designation program, to receive a credit for one previously-taken designation education course under certain conditions. Those individuals also would be granted a monetary credit applied toward Candidate fees in some situations. Additionally, the Board voted to maintain the 2015 chapter funding of Candidates for Designation and Practicing Affiliates at 2014 levels.

The Board also approved the 45-Day Notice shared with Appraisal Institute professionals October 6, which included proposed amendments to Regulation No. 2 regarding requirements for the SRA designation. The 45-Day Notice also included further amendments to the preamble to the AI Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and the preamble to the AI Code of Professional Ethics, in addition to various amendments to other documents. The changes to the Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice are effective January 1.

The Board also voted to send to 45-Day Notice proposed revisions of SRA designation requirements and proposed amendments to Regulations Nos. 1, 2 and 3 to make certain language in these Regulations consistent. Additionally, the Board voted to send to 45-Day Notice a proposal to eliminate the minimum length of candidacy required for general and review Candidates for Designation who do not already hold an Appraisal Institute designation. The Board also voted to send to 45-Day Notice a proposal to eliminate AI continuing education requirements for Candidates for Designation.

The Appraisal Institute’s Board of Directors is next scheduled to meet February 19-20 in Chicago. [Read more…]

Tips for Mobilizing an Appraisal Business

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With 2015 just around the corner and mobile technology becoming more prevalent in the workplace every day, now would be a good time for appraisers to mobilize their businesses.

In fact, the U.S. Small Business Administration says advances in technology are made each day that provide additional opportunities and challenges for small business owners seeking to mobilize their companies.

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Market for mobility

One of the primary areas where small business owners, such as appraisers, can benefit from mobilization is marketing. Whether it’s making a website mobile friendly, communicating with potential clients via text message or engaging in social media, having a mobile marketing presence is a key to success in today’s marketplace. In fact, a recent survey found that 80 percent of small business owners are leveraging mobile technology for work. [Read more…]