About the Appraisal Institute

The Appraisal Institute is a global membership association of professional real estate appraisers, with nearly 24,000 members and 91 chapters throughout the world. Organized in 1932, its mission is to support and advance its members as the choice for real estate solutions and uphold professional credentials, standards of professional practice and ethics consistent with the public good. 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. Members of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs, and may hold the prestigious MAI, SRPA and SRA designations.

Membership Opportunities

Whether you are a career appraiser or are simply interested in gaining a better knowledge of appraisal-related topics and issues, the Appraisal Institute can meet your needs through its wide range of membership, education and publication opportunities. The Appraisal Institute offers membership opportunities for individuals in allied fields as well as for practicing real estate appraisers. As an affiliate, associate or designated member of the Appraisal Institute, you benefit from being connected to the acknowledged leader in the field. To learn more about the services and programs available from the Appraisal Institute, contact the Atlanta Area Chapter at (770) 803-0024 or the national office in Chicago at (312) 335-4140.

Membership Designations

MAI

The MAI membership designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of properties and who advise clients on real estate investment decisions.

SRPA

The SRPA membership designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of properties.

SRA

The SRA membership designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of single-family homes, townhouses, and residential income properties of up to and including four units.

Appraiser Education

To educate its members and other appraisers and foster the highest standards of appraisal service, the Appraisal Institute offers introductory and advanced courses, specialized seminars, and training materials. These programs are designed to address the needs of all appraisers, ranging from those just entering the profession to seasoned practitioners who wish to keep abreast of the latest techniques and developments. Email sbrockway@aiatlanta.org for an education/resource catalog or visit the web site at www.aiatlanta.org for the Atlanta Area Chapter schedule and course/seminar descriptions or the national headquarters web site at www.appraisalinstitute.org

Publications

The Appraisal Institute is the world's largest publisher of real estate appraisal literature. It provides members and the public with comprehensive and timely information on real estate appraisal-related subjects. The organization publishes a professional journal, a quarterly magazine, several newsletters, textbooks, and numerous specialized books. The Appraisal Institute is well known as the publisher of The Appraisal of Real Estate, the authoritative text on real estate appraisal.

In The Public Interest

The Appraisal Institute maintains a government relations office in Washington, DC. This office and the Chicago headquarters communicate regularly with federal and state legislators and regulators to encourage the adoption of appraisal policies that best serve the public interest.