• The Appraisal Institute is an international association of more than 20,000 real estate professionals.
• We are the largest appraisal organization and the acknowledged leader in real estate appraisal education, publishing and research.
• We offer general and residential designations to qualified members.

2. What can the Appraisal Institute do for me?

• Membership in the Appraisal Institute increases your business potential.
• Provide members and the public high quality real estate appraisal education.
• We offer the most widely recognized designations in the industry.
• Members receive regular periodicals with up-to-date information and discounts on all our courses, seminars, and publications.
• Members also have access to group insurance benefits, the Lum library and research service, and an advocate in government relations on the national and state levels.
• Individuals in related fields can gain access to qualified real estate appraisers and consultants across the country through our directory of members.
• Bankers, lawyers, government officials and others who deal with real property transactions can also benefit from our educational programs, publications and periodicals.

3. How do I become an appraiser?

• To appraise real property, all states require appraisers to be licensed or certified.
• The Appraisal Institute offers basic real estate appraisal courses that will help you meet your state’s requirements.

4. What are the costs of membership?

• Most members of the Appraisal Institute begin as associate members and pay $310 a year in dues to the national organization plus local chapter dues that vary.
• After completing designation requirements, designated residential members pay $740 a year and general designated members pay $840 per year plus chapter dues.
• For individuals not pursuing an Appraisal Institute designation (MAI or SRA) or are not state classified real estate appraisers, affiliate membership is available for $190 a year plus chapter dues (Atlanta Chapter is $140).
• Additional processing & tuition fees are charged for educational programs and other requirements throughout the designation process.

5. What does an appraiser do?

• The fundamental role of an appraiser is to provide an opinion, usually an estimate of market value, to be used in making real estate decisions.
• Typically appraisers are employed by lenders to estimate the value of real estate involved in a loan transaction. Appraisers also provide opinions in litigation cases, tax matters, and investment decisions.