Start the New Year with a plan: Time for a long-term strategy

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.