As a Commercial Real Estate (CRE) appraiser, you know that your business is based heavily on people. Your clients, coworkers, superiors, and peers all play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of your work and your personal and professional growth in the industry. People are power, and growing your network of CRE appraiser peers will help you keep up with the latest industry standards and technology advances. Here are the best places to network with your CRE appraiser peers.
The Appraisal Institute Annual Conference
The Appraisal Institute is a global association of CRE appraisers. Membership extends across 50 countries with over 17,000 individuals. Those members hold a wealth of experience and information that will be invaluable to you as a CRE appraiser. The Appraisal Institute also offers designations specifically for commercial valuation, including industrial, retail, and multifamily properties. Every year, the Appraisal Institute hosts a conference specifically for appraisal professionals. There are keynote speakers, roundtables, and breakfast networking opportunities. One standout feature of the conference is the emphasis on getting regions of CRE appraisers together to share knowledge and meet other professionals who work in their area.
Local Appraisal Institute Chapters
If you’re looking for something smaller and on a more local scale, you can search the Appraisal Institute’s database of local chapters to find a group of appraisers near you. A local chapter can offer networking and professional support year-round. From informal after-work happy hours to a list of AI higher education classes, a local chapter can keep you informed on the latest industry and help you grow your contacts in the community.
The Mortgage Bankers Association
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is a professional association for all professionals involved in real estate finance. As a CRE appraiser, you play an important role in the financial aspect of real estate: valuation. The MBA represents and connects all segments of the industry. MBA membership is company-based, so if your company is already on their roster, you can create an account and get all the access benefits. They offer conferences and education specifically for CRE, and host events both online and in person.
The NAIOP
The NAIOP, or the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is a professional organization for the office, industrial, and mixed-use real estate business. With over 18,000 members in North America, the benefit of the NAIOP is that its membership isn’t just for appraisers but for developers, owners, and other CRE professionals. Among its offerings, the NAIOP provides networking and educational opportunities that connect professionals from all aspects of the CRE business. Similar to the Appraisal Institute, there are several ways CRE professionals can connect from national and local offerings, with a mix of online webinars, conferences, and chapter events.
Online
If you’re looking for more ways to connect with your fellow CRE appraisers or CRE professionals in general, the internet can provide several resources. You can find like-minded industry pros on social networking sites and follow them to stay in the loop. You can also use your social media presence to become a source of industry information. You can blog on LinkedIn and if you find success doing so, consider starting a regular newsletter that you share via email to all your industry contacts.
As you grow your network, your business will too. And as you start taking on new clients and projects, you’re going to need a tool that can keep up with that high demand. Valcre’s appraisal manager can help streamline and maximize your workflow.