The Appraisal Institute welcomes 4,000 new membersMortgagePress.comAppraisal Institute, American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, new members, Society of Real Estate Appraisers, membership
The Appraisal Institute is pleased to announce that in 2008, the
organization welcomed more new members than in any year since the
former American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers and the Society
of Real Estate Appraisers merged to form the Appraisal Institute in
1991. The 4,000 new members who joined the Appraisal Institute last
year brings the organizations membership total to more than 25,000
members, the most since 1995.
"Our aggressive marketing campaign to recruit individuals into
the profession, particularly younger appraisers, was a tremendous
success," said Jim Amorin, MAI, SRA, president of the Appraisal
Institute. "It is encouraging to see so many young professionals
who care about their careers and who want to take advantage of all
the great benefits the Appraisal Institute offers its members. Best
of all, we expect this 'flight to quality' to continue in 2009 as
appraisers seek to become the trusted advisors to their
clients."
The record-breaking recruiting effort, which includes new
Associate and Affiliate members added since the beginning of 2008,
was spurred on, in part, by special membership categories created
for those just getting started in the profession. The Trainee
Associate Membership category was established for individuals
pursuing an appraisal career, while the Affiliate Membership
category was expanded to include university and college
students.
"What was unique about our recruitment program was the way in
which we took advantage of new technologies to reach potential
members," noted Amorin. "In addition to using direct mail pieces
and targeted e-mails, we also were able to use online advertising,
video testimonials and our redesigned Web site to convey the
importance of belonging to a professional appraisal organization.
And we couldnt be more pleased with the results."
In addition to welcoming 4,000 new members, the Appraisal
Institute also awarded a high number of designations to members who
earned the distinction to carry the prestigious MAI and SRA titles.
Last year, 173 members were awarded the MAI designation, which is
held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation and
evaluation of commercial, industrial, residential and other types
of properties, and who advise clients on real estate investment
decisions. On the residential side, 146 members were awarded the
SRA designation, which is held by real estate solutions providers
who are experienced in the analysis and valuation of residential
real property.
For more information, visit www.appraisalinstitute.org.
