Guest Author: Mark R. Linné, is Executive Vice President of AppraisalWorld, an innovative provider of advanced valuation technology for appraisers. He is a veteran appraiser who has focused on technology, data and valuation modeling and their roles in appraisal practice. He serves as a representative to the Industry Advisory Council of The Appraisal Foundation, and heads the MISMO Commercial Appraisal Workgroup. Mr. Linné is also Global Editor for the Appraisal Institute’s forthcoming book “Visual Valuation", to be published in July, 2010. He has co-authored two earlier books for the Appraisal Institute and more than twenty articles on valuation, technology and the future of appraisal. He can be reached at [email protected].
My name is Mark Linné. I have a lot of professional designations. MAI, SRA, CRE, CAE, ASA, FRICS. I ascribe that to being an overachiever. Maybe. Whatever the reason, it took a lot of work and money to get those designations. And it costs a lot of money each year to maintain those designations. Almost $8,000 every year.
Here’s my dilemma, at one time, I had a large appraisal company and the company paid those professional dues. No more. Today they are my personal responsibility. Nothing clarifies your perspective as much as having to pay for something out of your pocket.
So I started looking at the invoices that have been piling up over the last month, and I pulled out my checkbook.
Suddenly, clarity entered my world. Writing a check and spending your own money tends to provide focus very quickly.
As I looked at each invoice, I thought to myself-what have you guys done for me lately? After all, I am spending upwards of $8,000 per year for the various designations and some other memberships. Every designation has to prove its worth in today’s uncertain market.
Is it enough to get an occasional email? What about courses? Advocacy? Professional standards? Magazines?
What am I getting for $8,000? Sadly, very little and definitely not as much as I need.
It used to be that professional appraisal organizations offered their members a lot. Some still do. But increasingly, the value is diminishing, and today I think appraisers need more. This is a volatile and difficult market. Appraisers need help, guidance, advice. Do we get that from our professional organizations? I remember hearing from someone at the Appraisal Foundation that the majority of appraisers in this country are not affiliated with ANY appraisal organization. Is that because they see no need? Is it because they cannot justify the cost? Perhaps a bit of both.
What I have seen over the last decade is that increasingly, it is vendors and appraisal companies/AMCs that are starting to fill the vacuum in our profession. Certain services are provided by the associations; certain services are provided by the vendors. Some of the larger and more reputable AMCs and appraisal companies take education seriously. No one has successfully figured out how to meet the needs of the majority of appraisers.
One big area of concern is technology and information. I get my information from a combination of blogs, conferences, forums, books, magazines, etc. I also talk to a lot of people who are smart. (I figure that is always a good idea!). But what about the appraisers in the trenches? Appraisers who are working very hard every day just to survive? Who speaks for them? Who watches out for them? How do they stay connected?
No one has come up with a good solution. I think one is out there. I think that there is a tremendous opportunity for those associations who figure out how to empower an appraiser; equip them with technology; provide them with services to help their business; keep them informed and provide the necessary leadership to create a strong, unified appraisal industry.
I haven’t written the checks yet. I’m still thinking about it. But I have decided that I’m not going to write a check to at least two, maybe three of those associations.
Which designations should I keep? Why should I continue being a member?
I’d love your input. Go to my blog: www.TheFutureofValuation.com and tell me what you think.
At www.TheFutureOfValuation.com I talk about the future of appraising and the industry that I care very much about. Our industry needs to evolve. I have written numerous books, given countless speeches on this topic. There is a lot we have to do. It’s about the future - our future. For now we need to unite. I want to hear from you.
Let’s start with the associations.
Mark Linné, MAI, SRA, CRE, CAE, ASA, FRICS
Mark R. Linné, is Executive Vice President of AppraisalWorld, an innovative provider of advanced valuation technology for appraisers. He is a veteran appraiser who has focused on technology, data and valuation modeling and their roles in appraisal practice. He serves as a representative to the Industry Advisory Council of The Appraisal Foundation, and heads the MISMO Commercial Appraisal Workgroup. Mr. Linné is also Global Editor for the Appraisal Institute’s forthcoming book “Visual Valuation", to be published in July, 2010. He has co-authored two earlier books for the Appraisal Institute and more than twenty articles on valuation, technology and the future of appraisal. He can be reached at [email protected].
Source: Reprinted from AppraisalBuzz.com and The Future of Valuation blog with permission from the Author
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