Appraisal Institute Online classes popular

Real Estate Weekly, Feb 20, 2002

Ending the year 2001 on a high note, the Appraisal Institute's Online Education Program received the largest-ever number of attendees for its December 2001 session of classes. A total of 272 students were registered for the month, representing a 20 percent increase from the previous monthly record high of 225 students.

The increase in participation in Appraisal Institute online education courses can be attributed to a variety of factors. In particular, more seminars are now available online, and more states now accept on-line courses to satisfy real estate appraisal licensing or continuing education requirements.

"We have seen a significant growth in the number of participants enrolling in courses through the Online Education Program each year since its inception," said Ray Martinez, director of technology-based education at the Appraisal Institute. "About 60 to 75% of our current enrollees have taken our online courses before. I think students who have tried the courses once have found them to be extremely convenient, as well as instructionally engaging, featuring the usual high-quality content that is the trademark of Appraisal Institute education."

The Online Education Program currently offers 15 continuing education seminars covering residential and commercial topics, including Analyzing Operating Expenses, Appraising From Blueprints and Specifications, Overview of Real Estate Appraisal Principles, Residential Property Construction and Inspection and more. The most recent online seminar release, Feasibility, Market Value and Investment Timing: Option Value, focuses on the recent revolution in how investors approach investment decision-making in relation to option value. This course educates students on the dramatic impact option value could have on property value and reveals simple techniques for quantifying option value and making it an integral part of investment analysis and appraisal.

Beginning in 2002, some of the educational requirements for the Appraisal Institute's SRA and MAI designations may also be acquired through this program. Early 2002 will mark the debut online of two such Appraisal Institute courses, Course 320: General Applications and Course 430: Standards of Professional Practice, Part C. These courses can also be used toward fulfilling requirements toward state licensing or certification. The online courses are currently accepted for credit in 42 states. Additional topics for 2002 include the valuation of hotels, manufactured housing and small businesses.

For more information about the Appraisal Institute's Online Education Program, please contact Ray Martinez, director, technology-based education, at 314-457-1765 or rmartinez@appraisalinstitute.org. Course information is also available at www.appraisalinstitute.org/ai/OnlineEd/.>

COPYRIGHT 2002 Hagedorn Publication

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