The American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers is the oldest appraisal association in the United States and the only one affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®.  Since 1932, members of the Appraisal Institute have been leaders in the field of real estate valuation.  The RM and MAI designations are the best known and most widely respected by courts, mortgage lenders, and others who require professional appraisal services of the highest quality.  The Appraisal Institute is also known throughout the real estate industry for its extensive training and publishing programs covering all aspects of real estate appraising.