Licenses & Designations
State Licensing
All of our appraisal staff hold current certifications or licenses from the State of California. This type of licensing represents the minimum level of qualification needed to be a professional appraiser. Those who hold General Certifications have proven their ability to perform appraisals on all types of real estate by taking extensive education, accumulating 3,000 hours of field appraisal experience, and passing an examination. State certified appraisers are also required to take 56 hours of continuing education every four years.
Professional Designations
Along with state certifications, members of the firm also hold one or more of the following:
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The MAI designation is awarded by the Appraisal Institute, the worlds leading organization of real estate appraisers. This designation is held by fewer than 5% of appraisers across the United States and it is generally considered to be evidence of the highest level of achievement in the industry. Appraisers who have earned the MAI designation are required to have a four-year college degree, pass several rigorous educational classes, receive credit for 4,500 hours of specialized appraisal experience, undergo a peer review process to ensure high ethical standards, pass a comprehensive examination covering a wide body of knowledge, and receive a passing grade on a demonstration appraisal report involving an income-producing property. Once designated, MAIs must adhere to a strict code of professional ethics and obtain 100 hours of continuing education every four years.
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The International Right of Way Association is a professional organization dedicated to professionals who work in the right of way industry. This includes appraisers, engineers, surveyors, attorneys, and other professionals who have the technical skills needed for proficiency in providing roads, pipelines, utility systems, and other vital infrastructure that we all rely on daily. IRWA offers credentialing in a number of specialized fields related to right of way, and the R/W-AC certification is granted to those who have demonstrated expertise in appraisal. Educational courses, experience hours, and examination are all required to obtain the certification and continuing education is necessary to retain it.
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The AI-GRS designation is conferred by the Appraisal Institute upon professionals who have earned the right to be called general review specialists. Appraisers who have received this designation have demonstrated that they have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to review appraisals performed by others to ensure that they are credible and accurate. This type of verification is growing in importance throughout the real estate industry as the market seeks a higher level of reliability on which to make decisions.
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The ARA designation stands for accredited rural appraiser. It is granted by the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, whose mission is to promote high standards and education for those professionals engaged in the valuation and management of properties found in a rural setting. The ARA is earned through advanced education, proven experience, and examination. The Central Valley of California is one of the premier agricultural regions in the country, and this designation is evidence of the ability to appraise various types of farmland, permanent plantings, ranches, processing facilities, and rural residences.
