Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal

About PAREA

Are you working to become a real estate appraiser but finding it challenging to meet the experience requirements? We’ve got you covered. Struggling to find the right mentor? We’ll choose one for you.

PAREA, the Appraisal Institute Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal program, is a standardized and convenient approach to gaining the experience you need to become a real estate appraiser. AI PAREA FAQs

A Personalized Approach to Meet Your Needs

PAREA’s flexible, hybrid learning environment allows you to gain appraisal knowledge and experience on your own time, from wherever you are, to achieve the licensed residential (LR) appraisal credential.

We’ll automatically assign you a dedicated mentor sharing their years of real-world experience, practical insights, and dedication to the highest standards in the profession, to help you navigate the program and prepare for a successful career.

You’ll also have exclusive access to customer service, online tools, networking opportunities and more.

Learn more about PAREA and start shaping your future as a real estate appraiser today.

PAREA Sponsors

The Appraisal Institute thanks the following organizations for their generous contributions to the development of the AI PAREA programs

Let's Get Started!

Are you ready to pursue AI PAREA and achieve your goal of becoming a real estate appraiser? We’re here to support you! Veterans, minorities, and those in designated rural areas are especially encouraged to apply.

Step 1: Check Your State
First, check to see if your state accepts PAREA.

Licensed Residential Acceptance

Step 2: Readiness Checklist
Prepare for AI PAREA, then complete the Readiness Checklist to verify you’ve finished all required education and credentials before starting the program. Please log in or create an account to access your Readiness Checklist.

Licensed Residential Readiness Checklist

Step 3: Complete PAREA
Once your Readiness Checklist has been verified, you’re able to register and begin AI PAREA! Most participants will finish the program within 12-18 months.

Want to Save on AI PAREA?

When you become an AI Professional, you're eligible to save $430 on AI PAREA. Join AI as a Practicing Affiliate to receive the AI Professional Rate.

AI offers monthly and quarterly installment options for the program at no additional cost.

AI Professional Rate:  $3,995  

12 payments of $332.92 with monthly installment plan
4 payments of $998.75 with quarterly installment plan

Full Rate:  $4,425

12 payments of $368.75 with monthly installment plan
4 payments of $1,106.25 with quarterly installment plan

At the Appraisal Institute, our mission is to help you succeed and advance. When you join AI, you not only save on AI PAREA.

You gain a professional partner, equipping you with the education, resources, connections and support you need at every career stage.

Don’t let financial limitations hold you back. AIERF offers a scholarship that can be applied to AI PAREA.

Join AI Today AIERF PAREA Scholarship

How It Works

With AI PAREA, you’ll complete the experience requirement by virtually appraising properties under the guidance of a dedicated mentor.

As part of the AI community, we’re with you every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect:

A Dedicated Mentor

Appraise properties virtually with one-on-one guidance from a designated certified appraiser to help you navigate the path to credentialing. Your mentor will answer your questions, offer constructive feedback, boost your confidence, and help you develop the problem-solving skills you’ll lean on throughout your career.

Simulated Appraisals

Complete 10 practice assignments and immersive skills activities designed to help you apply the knowledge you’ve gained to real life examples. These hands-on experiences are the key to turning theory into practice.

Fulfill Your Experience Requirement

Cross the finish line by completing the final graded assignments—a milestone moment in your journey with AI PAREA and a significant step toward becoming a real estate appraiser. This isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about celebrating your growth and commitment to your future in the appraisal industry.

Knowledge Center

Access online tools such as cameras, MLS, forms software, GIS, measuring and sketch tools, and data services, as well as a student and mentor directory, PAREA module resources, and more.

Unparalleled Exposure

Connect with your AI Chapter – a key benefit of the program. Network with local professionals at various career stages and access additional resources and encouragement on your AI PAREA journey.

Mentors To Help You Succeed

PAREA mentors are Designated Members who represent the best of the best in the valuation profession. Your mentor will share their advanced knowledge and extensive experience to accelerate your growth and learning.

Beyond just guiding you through practice assignments and other program elements, your mentor will help you prepare for a thriving career as a real estate appraiser. Ask them questions and lean on their support – they’re there to assist you, with an open dialogue throughout the program and beyond.

With them by your side, you’re not just a learner—you’re an emerging appraisal leader.

Briana Kathryn Criqui

SRA, AI-RRS

PAREA Mentor

Most of my 35+-year appraisal career has been as a fee appraiser focused on residential appraisal and specializing in complex properties, proposed construction, and private assignments involving litigation. I also owned a small residential appraisal firm employing certified and trainee appraisers. I’m a past regional representative, Education Committee member, and Finance Committee member for AI’s Seattle Chapter, and currently serve as director and Budget Committee chair for the Appraisers’ Coalition of Washington.

Bruce Flanagan, Jr.

SRA

PAREA Mentor

I’ve worked in residential appraisal for large lending institutions for more than 37 years and ran my own firm for more than 22 years. I’ve appraised a variety of property types on the East and West Coasts of the U.S. and mentored many appraiser trainees. I serve as an SRA Candidate Advisor and have also served on the board of directors of AI’s D.C. Chapter.

Sarah VandenBerg

SRA, AI-RRS

PAREA Mentor

I have been in the appraisal industry for 25 years, including 15 years as a fee appraiser specializing in rural and waterfront vacant land, single-unit, and 2–4 unit residential properties in Southwest Michigan. For nine years I worked as the Director of the Appraisal Department for a mid-size lending institution, responsible for overseeing all aspects of appraisal operations for the retail and wholesale lending divisions. I then transitioned to residential mortgage lending and have experience in appraisal management, review, training, and underwriting. I am ready for this next challenge and thrilled to have the opportunity to work as a Mentor within the AI PAREA program.

Allan Waller

SRA

PAREA Mentor

I have over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, starting with residential renovation, then moving to home inspection, and finally transitioning to residential appraisal specializing in complex, multiunit, and rural properties. Prior to being an AI PAREA mentor, I spent the last eight years as the Assistant Vice President and Residential Review Appraiser for a lending institution. I have presented at the Appraisal Institute’s Annual Fall Conference and have taught real estate appraisal to local lending and real estate professionals in Seattle, WA. I look forward to mentoring AI PAREA participants as they enter this exciting field.

Dana Thornberry

MAI, SRA

PAREA Mentor Manager

As a practicing appraiser for over 35 years, I’ve worked with a range of clients and property types. I am currently the AI PAREA Mentor Manager and have been involved with AI PAREA since 2023. I’ve been an AI instructor since 2011 and have taught several educational offerings AI PAREA participants are required to complete. I’m also a Certified Distance Education Instructor (CDEI) and an AQB-Certified USPAP Instructor. I was previously a Candidate for Designation Advisor and I’ve held various positions – most recently past president – for AI’s Bluegrass Chapter, based out of Louisville, Kentucky.

Face Value Podcast

The Appraisal Institute is thrilled to relaunch its popular podcast, Face Value, hosted by Tonia Vailas. MAI, AI-GRS and Warren Boizot, SRA, AI-RRS. The revamped show boasts a fresh look and sharp sound in both video and audio formats while maintaining Boizot and Vailas' lively banter from the first two seasons. Topics will range from major industry changes, like the NAR settlement, to lighter subjects like the value of artificial grass and how to describe appraisers' sense of humor.

We want to hear from you! If you have great podcast ideas, send them along facevalue@appraisalinstitute.org.

Watch on Youtube Listen to Face Value Now

Still have questions?

Get quick answers to common questions on our AI PAREA FAQs, or, reach out to us directly.
(312) 335-4493

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