Appraisal Institute revamps web site. (Technology Update).

Featuring a fresh, sharp look and improved features, the Appraisal Institute proudly introduces its redesigned web site, www.appraisalinstitute.org. The web site's features include new functions on the home page such as direct log-in for the Members Only and Online Education areas; industry-related news stories; the ability to search for local chapters or a designated member, using the popular "Find an Appraiser" function, and many more accessible links.

Also available now is online registration for the Appraisal Institute's 2002 Annual Summer conference in Hawaii. Attendees can get all the exciting details about the conference, including educational sessions, exhibition features, traveling information, a full schedule of events and other highlights. And for the first time ever, attendees can register and pay for the event directly on the site. The conference, "The New Valuation Profession: A World of Opportunity," will be held at the Sheraton Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii, on July 11-14, 2002.

The redesigned Web site is based on more than a year of reviewing and planning to determine what was needed in terms of presentation and organization and what new features would make the Web site more dynamic. The end result is a more efficient, informative and interactive Web site with an attractive new look.

"Our goal was to make the Appraisal Institute's web site more functional and simpler for both members and nonmembers to use," said Appraisal Institute president Thomas A. Motta, MAI, SRA. "The new design and features allow our Web site's visitors easy access to any part of the site with a few clicks of the mouse. This strategic technological restructuring is a big step forward in our commitment to enhance communications to our members and the real estate appraisal industry."

The Appraisal Institute's Web site serves as an essential information center to many different audiences, including members, government officials, continuing education students, news reporters, real estate professionals and others. The Web site's content has been organized to effectively service the organization's various audiences. The new and improved sections include:

* Home page - Displays the breadth of what the Appraisal Institute has to offer. A navigational bar runs along the top of the page, with links to the main sections: members, education, publications, government affairs, resources and about us. Also featured are the organization's latest products, promotions, educational highlights and links to news, issues and events.

* Members - Contains directory of members, membership and education information, local chapter listings and more. Appraisal Institute designation information, as well as downloadable membership applications, is also available in this section. Potential members can learn about membership in the "Join" area linked from this section.

* Education - Find out about the latest Appraisal Institute courses and seminars, scholarship opportunities, licensure and certification education, designation requirements and more. A link to the Online Education area is also accessible from this section.

* Publications - Locate the latest issues of the Appraisal Institute's publications, such as Appraiser News Online, Valuation Insights & Perspectives and The Appraisal Journal, and a complete catalog of the organization's prestigious books, including The Appraisal of Real Estate, 12th Edition.

* Government Affairs - Find the latest news and governmental issues, as well as information on APPAC, HUD, environmental issues, mortgage fraud and more. This section also contains an Action Alert link, a direct way to contact government representatives regarding legislative issues that affect the appraisal industry.

* Resources - Contains the organization's Lum Library as well as classified jobs. This section also includes links to the Appraisal Institute's commercial and residential databases partners, the Centre for Advanced Property Economics, local chapters and other appraisal-related organizations.

* About Us - Includes an overview of the organization, staff list and contact information, ethics and standards, media relations, advertising opportunities and more.

* Search - The new search engine is faster, more reliable and accessible from every page of the site.

"We will continue to make advancements and improve the Web site as we introduce additional features in the near future," said president Motta. "Striving for continuous growth in this medium will allow our organization to remain at the forefront of the appraisal industry."