Appraisal Institute and Professional Designations

If you are seeking the services of a qualified real estate appraiser, those that are a member of the Appraisal Institute are part of a select group. For more than 70 years, the Appraisal Institute has been the world’s leading organization of professional real estate appraisers. The organization has led the way in fostering and promoting the highest standards of practice through its designation programs, peer review process and education, research and publishing endeavors.

Members of the Appraisal Institute have met rigorous requirements relating to education, experience and demonstration of knowledge. These requirements are much more rigorous than those required for simple State certification or licensing.

Appraisers holding the Appraisal Institute’s MAI, SRPA and/or SRA membership designations have long been respected by the courts, government agencies, lenders, corporations and others seeking real estate appraisal services. These members can guide and support decisions to invest in, buy or sell property and answer questions about a property’s value, quality and suitability for various uses. They may also serve as consultants on a wide range of real estate valuation and usage issues as well as appear as expert witnesses in legal proceedings.

A cornerstone upon which the Appraisal Institute was built, and by which it continues to serve the public, is that every member agrees to conduct his or her professional activities in accordance with the Appraisal Institute’s Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. As further evidence of its commitment to ethics and standards, the Appraisal Institute administers a highly refined peer review process through which it enforces these Standards and Code of Ethics.