REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATIONS America (North & South )

Africa & Middle East |  Asia & International |  Australia & N.Z.
Continental Europe |  U.K. & Ireland

As far as possible these entries have been approved by the Association.
Requests for changes can be made by emailing us.

CANADA – Real Estate Associations

Appraisal Institute of Canada
Canadian National Association of Real Estate Appraisers
Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)
Real Property Association of Canada

UNITED STATES – Real Estate Associations

Accredited Review Appraisers Council
American Escrow Association
American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Certified Planners
American Land Title Association
American Planning Association
American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association
American Real Estate Society
American Resort Development Association
American Society of Appraisers
American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
American Society of Home Inspectors
American Society of Real Estate Counselors
Appraisal Foundation, The
Appraisal Institute
Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE)
Association of Real Estate License Law Officials
Building Owners and Managers Association International
CCIM Institute
Congress for New Urbanism
CoreNet Global
Counselors of Real Estate, The
Institute of Real Estate Management
International Association of Assessing Officers
International Council of Shopping Centers
International Facility Management Association
International Real Estate Federation
International Real Estate Institute
International Rights of Way Association
Mortgage Bankers Association of America
National Apartment Association
National Association of Home Builders
National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers
National Association of Industrial and Office Properties
National Association of Mortgage Brokers
National Association of Real Estate Appraisers
National Association of Real Estate Brokers
National Association of Real Estate Companies
National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts^®
National Association of REALTORS^®
National Association of Review Appraisers and Mortgage Underwriters
National Auctioneers Association
National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries
Real Estate Educators Association
Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS^®
Urban Land Institute

SOUTH AMERICA – Real Estate Associations

Latin American Real Estate Society

Appraisal Institute of Canada

403-200 rue, Catherine Street
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2K9
(613) 234-6533
Fax: (613) 234-7197
E-mail: info [@] aicanada.ca

Website: www.aicanada.ca

The Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) was founded in 19 and is the premier real property valuation association in Canada. With approximately 5,000 members across Canada and around the world, AIC members offer clients a wide range of real property valuation services across a very diverse range of property types.

The membership of the Institute is comprised of associates, students, candidates and designated members. AIC's two prestigious designations are the Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute (AACI) and Canadian Residential Appraiser (CRA).

Canadian National Association of Real Estate Appraisers

750 Oakdale House, Unit 54
Toronto, Ontario
M3N 2Z4

Website: www.cnarea.ca

CNAREA is a national, non-profit, independent appraisal association. The Association is dedicated to raising the standards of the profession in Canada; maintaining the professionalism of its members as qualified appraisers, and to protecting the consumer. CNAREA is a member of The Appraisal Foundation and its members are required to adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

200 Catherine Street, 6th Floor
Ottawa, ON
K2P 2K9

Website: www.crea.ca

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada's largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 96,000 real estate Brokers/agents and salespeople working through more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations.
Registrants in any province who become members of organized real estate have an obligation to act in accordance with the REALTOR® Code. This Code outlines the accepted standard of conduct for all real estate practitioners who are members of a real estate Board or a Provincial Association.
The mission statement of CREA is to represent and promote the interests of the members, enhances members' professionalism and ability to succeed, and advocate policies that protect real estate property rights and ownership.
CREA owns the MLS® and REALTOR® trademarks, which signify a high standard of service and identify members of CREA.
Only real estate professionals who are members of their local real estate board and of CREA, and subscribe to the ethical standards of the REALTOR® Code, are allowed to call themselves REALTORS®.

Real Property Association of Canada (RealPac)

One University Avenue, Suite 1410
Toronto, ON
M5J 2P1

Website: www.realpac.ca

RealPac is Canada's senior national industry association for owners and managers of investment real estate.  Its members include publicly traded real estate companies, real estate investment trusts (REITs), private companies, pension funds, banks and life insurance companies with investment real estate assets each in excess of $100 million.  The association is further supported by large owner/occupiers and pension fund advisors, as well as individually selected investment dealers and real estate brokers.

The Association is an exclusive, executive orgagization that seeks to be an influential voice in the real property investment industry and to bring together Canada's real property investment leaders to collectively influence public policy, to educate government and the public, and to ensure stable and beneficial real estate capital and property markets in Canada.

Accredited Review Appraisers Council

303 W. Cypress Street
P.O. Box 12528
San Antonio, TX 78212-0520

Website: http://arac.lincoln-grad.org

A professional association that was founded in 1987 to provide certification and recognition for real estate professionals who are involved in Real Estate Appraisal Review. The Council provides current, relevant educational opportunities for its members. It is engaged in continuous revision of the required curriculum to keep its members up to date and knowledgeable of the latest changes in the industry.

Professional Designation:
Accredited in Appraisal Review (AAR)

American Escrow Association

Crystal Park III
2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22202

Website: www.a-e-a.org

The American Escrow Association is a National Trade Association of settlement (escrow) industry professionals. Its members are located in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The Associations main focus is to coordinate legislative efforts throughout the United States and to enhance the education of the settlement professional.

American Institute of Architects

1735 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006

Website: www.aiaonline.com

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has been advancing the value of architects and architecture for more than 135 years and is the foremost professional body representing some 62,000 architects in the United States and abroad. AIA is concerned with social and environmental issues such as affordable housing, community assistance and clean air. The association is organized into state societies and local chapters, with over 300 chapters nationwide and in Europe and Asia.

American Institute of Certified Planners

1776 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Suite 400
Washington, DC 20077-5824

Website: www.planning.org/aicp/

AICP is a non-profit public interest and research group representing 30,000 practicing planners, public officials and citizens involved in urban and regional planning. It is the professional institution within the American Planning Association. CERTIFIED PLANNERS are required to have practiced professional planning as defined by AICP; have achieved a combination of planning education and experience as set by the national AICP Commission; have passed a nationally administered and constantly updated examination covering the field of planning; and to agree to live up to the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Professional Designation:
Certified Planner (AICP)

American Land Title Association

1828 L Street, N.W., Suite 705
Washington, DC 20036
E-mail:      service@alta.org

Website: www.alta.org

Founded in 1907, ALTA is the only trade association representing the interests of the land title industry on a national level. Over 2,500 abstract and title companies are active members of ALTA. ALTA members search, review, and insure land titles to protect real estate investors, home buyers, mortgage lenders, and other investors in land. Associate members include attorneys, builders, developers, lenders, real estate brokers, surveyors, consultants, educational institutions and related national trade associations. ALTA advocates safe and efficient transfer of real property within the free enterprise system; provides information and education to consumers, to those who regulate, supervise, or enact legislation affecting the land title evidencing industry, its members, and to affiliated regional and state associations; maintains liaison with users of the products and services provided by members, and with government; and maintains professional standards and ethics in the industry. In particular, ALTA has developed title insurance policy forms that are widely used throughout the US and many states require the issuing of an ALTA policy prior to the transfer of land.

American Planning Association (APA)

122 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603-6107

Website: http://planning.org/

With over 30,000 members, the American Planning Association (APA) is the largest national organization actively involved in working for better-planned communities. APA bring together the professional planner and the citizen member of a board or commission; the elected official and the member of the community group; planners for big and small cities, states, regions, and rural areas; and practitioners, students and teachers. APA's goal is to address the needs of members through various products, services and publications dealing with contemporary planning practices and subjects. In addition, the APA-affiliate the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) seeks to advance the quality and integrity of the practice of planning through certification and professional development of those belonging to AICP and APA.

American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association (AREUEA)

Indiana University, Kelley School of Business
1309 East Tenth Street, Suite 738
Bloomington, IN 47405

Website: www.areuea.org/

The American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association (AREUEA) is a non-profit association that was founded in 1964 to provide information and analysis in the fields of real estate development, planning and economics. The Association fosters the exchange of information and opinions between academics and professionals, as well as those in government, who have a concern with urban economics and real estate issues.

American Real Estate Society (ARES)

James R. Webb, Executive Director
Department of Finance-BU327E
James J. Nance College of Business
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH 44114

Website: www.aresnet.org/

The American Real Estate Society (ARES) was founded in 1985. Members are drawn from academia and the profession at large, both in the United States and internationally.
The objectives of the American Real Estate Society are to encourage research and promote education in real estate, improve communication and exchange of information in real estate and allied matters among college/university faculty and practicing professionals, and facilitate the association of academic, practicing professional, and research persons in the area of real estate.
ARES is the leading real estate research and education organization globally whose mission is to influence real estate thought leadership and decision making. To accomplish this mission, the entrepreneurial leadership of ARES over 25 years has developed six real estate journals, a special topics monograph series, an extensive newsletter, and an Annual Meeting held in world-class-water locations that now features over 200 research paper presentations, 18 panel sessions, a Doctoral Seminar, and an all-day "Critical Issues Seminar" that is jointly organized and sponsored by major industry trade associations.
The ARES organization of over 1,400 members is managed by an all-volunteer team of 15 officers, 20 directors, 24 appointed position holders, 3 international board representatives, and 14 committees.
The organization has been instrumental in originating and developing affiliate regional real estate "sister" societies, representing every continent throughout the world (3000 members), a job opportunity website for members and students, and an Education Tract that focuses on the development of best practices in real estate education throughout academia and industry. The associated societies are: the African Real Estate Society (AfRES), the Asian Real Estate Society (AsRES), the European Real Estate Society (ERES), the African Real Estate Society (AfRES), the Latin American Real Estate Society (LaRes) the Middle East North Africa Real Estate Society (MENARES), and the Pacific-Rim Real Estate Society (PRRES). Thees societies form the network of the International Real Estate Society (IRES), which aims to further develop international property research and education.

American Resort Development Association

1220 L Street N.W., Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005

Website: www.arda.org/

Established in 1969 as the American Land Development Association, ARDA is a trade association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. ARDA has around 1,000 members drawn from companies with interests in vacation ownership resorts, community developments, fractional ownership, second homes and resort communities.

American Society of Appraisers (ASA)

555 Herndon Parkway, Suite 125
Herndon, VA 20170

Website: www.appraisers.org/

The American Society of Appraisers is an international non-profit, independent appraisal organization. The ASA was originated in 1936 and incorporated in 1952 and is thus the oldest appraisal organization and it is the only organization representing all disciplines in the appraisal of real and personal property. ASA represents over 6,500 members with chapters and branches in the United States and abroad. The American Society of Appraisers is a sponsoring organization of The Appraisal Foundation.

Professional Designation:
Accredited Farm Manager (AFM)
Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA)
Accredited Real Property Review Appraiser (RPRA)
Accredited Agricultural Consultant (AAC)

American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA)

950 S. Cherry Street, Suite 508
Denver, CO 80222

Website: www.asfmra.org

ASFMRA was formed in 1929 and is thus the oldest association of professional appraisers in the United States. Members of the society are required to abide by its Code of Ethics, the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice, and a peer review of their professional practice with a stress on the home inspector's responsibility to act in a strictly fair, impartial, and professional manner, and to protect consumers from conflicts of interest. Members include independent appraisers, managers and consultants, employees of financial institutions, government agency representatives, farm management firms, rural appraisal firms, and other institutions. The Society currently has 37 local chapters and over 2,500 members in the United States and Canada. The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers is a sponsoring organization of The Appraisal Foundation.

Professional Designations:
Accredited Farm Manager (AFM)
Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA)
Accredited Real Property Review Appraiser (RPRA)
Accredited Agricultural Consultant (AAC)

American Society of Home Inspectors®, Inc.

85 West Algonquin Road
Arlington, IL 60005-4423

Website: www.ashi.com/

A not-for-profit professional society, established in 1976, whose volunteer membership consist of private, fee-paid home inspectors. ASHI's objectives include promotion of excellence within the profession and continual improvement of its members' inspection services to the public.

American Society of Real Estate Counselors (ASREC)

See Counselors of Real Estate

The Appraisal Foundation

1029 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005

Website: www.appraisalfoundation.org

"A not-for-profit educational organization founded to foster professionalism in appraising through the establishment and promotion of appraisal standards and appraisal qualifications". The Foundation was first established in 1987 and was empowered by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989and is authorized by congress as the Source of Appraisal Standards and Appraiser Qualifications (12 USCA §§ 3345, 3350). The Foundation is directed by a Board of Trustees, which appoints two independent Boards: the 'Appraisal Standards Board' (ASB), which promulgates the generally accepted standards of the appraisal profession, and the 'Appraisal Qualification Board' (AQB), which establishes the minimum education, experience and examination criteria for the state certification of appraisers and sets minimum standards for practicing appraisers. The Board of Trustees has also appointed The Appraisal Foundation Advisory Council (TAFAC) which is composed of 55 non-profit organizations that represent appraiser, users of appraisal services and regulators (including the American Society of Appraisers; American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers; Appraisal Institute; Appraisal Institute of Canada; Association of Real Estate License Officials; Counselors of Real Estate; International Association of Assessing Officers; International Rights of Way Association; Mortgage Bankers Association of America; National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers; National Association of Real Estate Appraisers; National Association of Real Estate Broker; National Association of REALTORS®; and the National Council of Real Estate Fiduciaries; most of the federal real estate lending institutions of the United States; as well as the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the U.S. Department of Army (Corps of Engineers), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management and Fish & Wildlife Service), the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of State).

Appraisal Institute

875 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60611

Website: www.appraisalinstitute.org

Today and throughout its 65-year history, the Appraisal Institute is the leading organization for professional real estate appraisers. Through its extensive educational programs, the Appraisal Institute's more than 20,000 members are skilled in the up-to-date methods of real estate valuation for commercial and/or residential properties. Reflecting their unbiased and objective approach to real property appraisal and analysis, members of the Appraisal Institute adhere to a strict Code of Professional Practice. Currently the organization has 103 chapters located throughout the United States and Canada, with a small but growing number of international members.

Professional Designations:
The Appraisal Institute grants two professional designations upon the completion of its rigorous educational and professional testing standards

SRA for residential appraisers
MAI for commercial appraisers.

In addition, the Appraisal Institute recognizes its members who hold the SRPA, RM and SREA professional designations.

The education and experience requirements for an SRA and MAI are:

SRA: 4 year college degree; 171 hours Prelicensing Education; 4,500 hours experience; 100 hours continuing education every 5 years; submission of a Demo Appraisal Report.

MAI: 336 hours Prelicensing Education; 5,000 hours experience; 100 hours continuing education every 5 years; submission of a Demo Appraisal Report.

(A Certified Residential appraiser requires 120 hours Prelicensing Education; 2,500 hours experience and 14 hours continuing education annually.)
(A Registered Licensed appraiser requires 120 hours Prelicensing Education; 2,000 hours experience and 14 hours continuing education annually.)

The Appraisal Institute's designations are backed by its own educational resources and experience and are highly respected by those seeking professional opinions on value: individual home owners, investors, financial institutions, government agencies, the courts and others seeking professional appraisal services. The Appraisal Institute is a sponsoring organization of The Appraisal Foundation.

Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE)

Ronald Reagan Building
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 880
Washington, DC 20005

Website: www.afire.org/

The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (ARIRE) is the official voice of the foreign institutional real estate industry. AFIRE members have a common interest in preserving and promoting international real estate investment. Founded in 1988, ARIRE provides a forum through which the foreign investment community may meet and discuss common interests and problems.

Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO)

Post Office Box 230159
Montgomery, AL 36123

Website: www.arello.org

The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) is a not-for-profit association made up of entities involved in licensing and regulating the practice of real estate. Members of ARELLO are real estate commissioners and real estate administrators who come from all the 50 states, the Canadian provinces, U.S. territories, South Africa, Hong Kong, the Philippines and other selected jurisdictions outside North America.

Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International

1201 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005

Website: www.boma.org

Founded in 1907, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an dynamic international federation of over 101 local associations. The 17,000 members of BOMA International own and manage over 8.5 million square feet of downtown and suburban commercial properties and facilities in North America and abroad. The mission of BOMA International is to advance the performance of commercial real estate through advocacy, professional competency, standards and research.

CCIM Institute

430 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60611-4092

Website: www.ccim.com

The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Institute is a network for developing real estate business with local chapters throughout the United States and Canada and relationships with other real estate organizations nationally and internationally. The CCIM Institute is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Professional Designation:
Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)

Congress for New Urbanism (CNU)

The Hearst Building
5 Third Street, Suite 725
San Francisco, CA 94103
Website: www.chu.org

The Congress for the New Urbanism is a San Francisco-based non-profit organization that was founded in 1993. CNU works with architects, developers, planners, and others involved in the creation of cities and towns, teaching them how to implement the principles of the New Urbanism. These principles include coherent regional planning, walkable neighborhoods, and attractive, accommodating civic spaces. CNU has over 2,000 members throughout the United States and around the world. CNU sponsors annual conferences, known as Congresses, for the sharing and discussion of best practices in New Urbanism.

CoreNet Global

260 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1500
Atlanta, GA 30303

Website: www.corenetglobal.org

CoreNet Global, Inc. was created on May 1, 2002 from the integration of the former International Development Research Council (IDRC) and The International Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives (NACORE International).

CoreNet Global is the world's premier association for corporate real estate and related professionals with a membership of over 6,800 corporate real estate executives, service providers and economic developers, all within a single category of membership to reflect the industry's focus on integrating the management of corporate assets, the workplace and infrastructure. Membership is held individually.

CoreNet has 53 locally-based chapters in five global regions: Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and North America including Canada.

430 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-4089

Website: www.cre.org

The Counselors of Real Estate was founded in 1953 and is an organization for real estate advisors who provide intelligent, unbiased, and trusted advice for a client or employer. CRE serves 1,100 members worldwide. These members all who hold the "CRE" designation, which may only be used by its members. The mebers are linked by their commitment to integrity, competence, community, trust, and service; and they adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice. The purpose of the organization is to serve as an information resource and to provide its members with opportunities for professional development, knowledge sharing, and networking, all grounded in a culture of camaraderie.

Membership of the organization is awarded by invitation only through peer, employer and client review. To be considered for membership, applicants must demonstrate that they provide valuable and meaningful real estate counseling services to their clients or employer; hold a senior position in a firm; are recognized for their excellence, knowledge, integrity, and judgment; have at least ten years of experience in real estate, three of which are in counseling; and meet all other basic membership guidelines.

Professional Designations:
Counselor of Real Estate (CRE)

Foundation of Real Estate Appraisers (FREA)

Website: www.frea.com

The Foundation of Real Estate Appraisers was founded in 1992 in response to changes in the appraisal industry resulting from Title XI of the Financial Reform Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA). FREA offers a package of benefits and education for its members, including an errors and omissions insurance policy. In 1994, FREA expanded its program to cover home, environmental and radon inspection. In addition, the Foundation assembles National Data Cooperative to lower the cost of data to members.

Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM®)

430 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Website: www.irem.org

The largest affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, IREM® is the professional association for real estate managers, asset managers and management firms involved with all types of real estate. For over 60 years the Institute of Real Estate Management has been helping professionals advance their careers and it has become an industry leader in real estate management by enhancing their skills and knowledge. Members are required to abode by the Institute's Code of Professional Ethics.

Professional Designation:
Certified Property Manager® (CPM®)
Accredited Residential Manager® (ARM®)
Accredited Management Organization® (AMO®)

International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)

1313 E Randolph Street, Suite 850
Chicago, IL 60601

Website: www.iaao.org

An educational and research association of individuals in the assessment profession and others interested in property taxation. The IAAO seeks to promote innovation and excellence in property appraisal and property taxation and administration through professional development, education, research and technical assistance. IAAO has nearly 8,500 appraisal and assessment professionals involved In property tax issues. The International Association of Assessing Officers is a sponsoring organization of The Appraisal Foundation.

Professional Designations:
Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS)
Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE)
Cadastral Mapping Specialist (CMS)
Personal Property Specialist (PPS)
Residential Evaluation Specialist (RES)

International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)

665 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022-5370

Website: www.icsc.org

Founded in 1957, the ICSC is the trade association of the shopping center industry. The association is a not-for-profit organization with over 39,000 members in 70 countries, including shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing directors, leasing specialists, retailers, lenders, consultants and professional advisors. The International Council of Shopping Centers provides education, professional accreditation, research information and legislative activities.

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)

1 East Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100
Houston, TX 77046-0194
E-mail: ifma@ifma.org
Website: www.ifma.org

Established in 1980 as the National Facility Management Association and subsequently renamed in 1982, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is a not-for-profit, incorporated association dedicated to serving the facility management profession. The objectives of the Association include promoting the concept of facility management as a recognized management profession; promoting education and the establishment of a code of ethics in the profession; and to cultivate cooperation among individuals and firms involved in the practice of facility management. IFMA is also proactive in establishing working relationships outside North America, such as with the Irish Property and Facilities Managers Association, the New Zealand Property Institute, Facilities Management Nederland, the Japan Facility Management Promotion Association (JFMA), and the Korean Facility Management Association (KFMA). IFMA also has a partnership with EuroFM, a network of 47 European associations and educational institutions from 14 European countries. Members of the Association are divided into five classes, namely Professional, Associate, Student, 'Lifetime' and 'Honorary'.

International Real Estate Federation

American Chapter, International Real Estate Federation
2000 North 15th Street, Suite 101
Arlington, VA 22201
Website: www.fiabci-usa.com

See: Fédération Internationales des Professions Immobilières (FIABCI)

International Real Estate Institute (IREI)

810 N. Farrell Dr.
Palm Springs, CA 92262

Mailing address: P.O. Box 879
Palm Springs, CA 92263

Website: www.irei.org

Founded in 1974, the International Real Estate Institute (IREI) serves as one of the largest international association of real estate professionals, with members in over 100 nations. The primary objective of the International Real Estate Institute is to provide professional recognition and a method to easily network with real estate professionals both nationally and internationally. IREI is also committed to providing the most current international real estate information through its publications and conferences. Members of the Institute are required to abide by its Code of Conduct.

International Right of Way Association (IRWA)

Pacifica Harbor Business Center, Suite 220
19750 South Vermont Avenue
Torrance, CA 90502-1144
Website: www.irwaonline.org

The International Rights of Way Association was founded in 1934 as a not-for-profit. It is the professional membership association for individuals who perform services as right of way agents. Rights of way agents are involved with the acquisition and valuation of land used for highways, pipelines, airports, telecommunications, and numerous other projects. The association has nearly 10,000 members who work for government agencies, utility and pipeline companies, other such entities and consulting companies for the industry. The mission of the IRWA is to unite the efforts of its members toward individual development, improved services to employers and to the public and improvement in the body of knowledge related to the professional tasks of its members. To achieve these goals, the Association provides a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct, a forum for the exchange and advancement of ideas, educational courses and seminars and a program of professional development. The International Rights of Way Association is a sponsoring organization of The Appraisal Foundation.

Professional Designation:
Senior Member Right of Way Association (SR/WA)

Mortgage Bankers Association of America

1125 15th Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20005-2766

Website: www.mbaa.org

The Mortgage Bankers Association of America represents the professional needs and interests of mortgage lenders and allied professionals in real estate finance. More than 2,800 mortgage companies, savings and loan associations, commercial banks, savings banks, life insurance companies, and others in the mortgage lending field belong to this trade association. The Mortgage Bankers Association of America is a sponsoring organization of The Appraisal Foundation.

National Apartment Association (NAA)

201 North Union Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314

Website: www.naahq.org/

Founded in 1939 as the National Apartment Owners Association, it assumed its present name in 1967. A federation of nearly 150 local and state associations of owners, builders, investors and managers of rental property. The mission of the National Apartment Association is to serve the interests of and maintain a high level of professionalism within the multifamily housing industry (its owners, developers, mangers, and suppliers of products and services) to better serve the rental housing needs of the public.

Professional Designations:
Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
Certified Apartment Property Supervisor (CAPS)
National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP).

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

1201 15th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005

Website: www.nahb.org/

A federation of more than 850 state and local home builder associations throughout the United States. The mission of this trade association is "to enhance the climate for housing and the building industry, and to promote policies that will keep housing a national priority. NAHB's goals is to provide and expand opportunities for all Americans to have safe, decent and affordable housing". With some 197,000 members, NAHB represents primarily home builders, but also includes in its membership industry professional in mortgage finance, architecture, contracting, and related services. Its Buildings Systems Councils (NBSC) comprise factory-built home manufacturers.

National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA)

7501 Murdoch Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63119

Website: www.naifa.com

Founded in 1961 as a professional organization for real estate appraisers who are in large part are self-employed. The Association has over 4,100 members and its objective is to promote the highest standards of professionalism and to seek recognition for its members. NAIFA is a sponsoring organization of The Appraisal Foundation and subscribes to and supports the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Professional Designations:
Independent Fee Appraiser (IFA)
Senior Independent Fee Appraiser (IFAS)
Independent Fee Appraiser and Counselor (IFAC).

National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP)

2201 Cooperative Way
Herndon, VA 20171

Website: www.naiop.org/

Founded in 1967 as an association of owners and developers of industrial, office and related property. NAIOP has over 7,000 members, including others who are interested in commercial and industrial real estate. The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties promotes the exchange of information; speaks on behalf of its members concerning legislation and taxation; fosters establishment and maintenance of standards for the operation of office and industrial properties; and liaises with other related groups.

National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB)

8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102

Website: www.namb.org

NAMB is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the highest degree of professionalism for its members and providing ethical and professional standards against which mortgage brokers can be measured. To achieve this goal, the Association has developed a rigorous certification program to recognize brokers who have attained the highest levels of professional expertise.

National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA)

810 N. Farrell Dr.,
Palm Springs, CA 92262

E-mail: support@assoc-hdqts.org

Website: www.narea-assoc.org

NAREA is a professional organization founded in 1966 to make available highly qualified Real Estate Appraisers to those who require Professional Appraisal Reports. It is one of the largest professional associations in the America, with members in all 50 states. Many are expert witnesses, review appraisers, educators and published authors. The Association provides a special professional designation for Real Estate Owned (REO) appraisers. Members must be State Licensed or Certified Appraisers and adhere to the NAREA Code of Professional Ethics and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). NAREA is an affiliate of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and a sponsoring organization of The Appraisal Foundation.

Professional Designations:
Certified Real Estate Appraiser (CREA)
Certified Commercial Real Estate Appraiser (CCRA)
Certified Real Estate Owner Appraiser (CREO)

National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)

1629 K Street, N.W. Suite 602
Washington, DC 20006

Website: www.nareb.com

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB) is the oldest minority trade association in America. It was founded in 1947 on the principle that all citizens have the right to equal housing opportunities, regardless of race, creed, or color. The Association has over 7,500 members. The primary purpose of NAREB is to unite those engaged in recognized branches of the real estate business, including Brokerage, Management, Mortgage Financing, Appraising, Land Development, Home Building, and allied fields in the United States of America and Canada, for the purpose of effectively exerting a combined positive influence upon matters affecting real estate interest. Although NAREB consists principally of African Americans and other minority real estate professionals, the organization is an integrated "entity open to qualified practitioners of all races who are interested in achieving the ideals of the "Realists' theme — Democracy in Housing. NAREB has affiliation with: The National Society of Real Estate Appraisers; The Real Estate Management Brokers Institute; The United Developers Council; The Women's Council; as well as the Investment Division; Sales Associate Division and The Contractor's Division all of which offer specialized training and accreditation.

Professional Designation:
Realtist

National Association of Real Estate Companies (NAREC)

P.O. Box 958
Columbia, MD 21044

Website: www.narec.org/

The National Association of Real Estate Companies is comprised of representatives of publicly and privately owned real estate companies, significant subsidiaries of publicly owned companies and public accounting firms. Since 1977, NAREC has provided a forum for real estate companies to deal with current issues vital to the real estate industry including financial accounting, tax management and corporate and property operations.

National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts® (NAREIT)

1875 Eye Street, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20006
U.S.A.

Website: www.nareit.com
The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) is the national trade association for REITs and publicly traded real estate companies. Members are real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other businesses that own, operate and finance income-producing real estate, as well as those firms and individuals who advise, study and service those businesses.

National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

430 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-4087

Website: www.realtor.com

The largest real estate organization in the world was first formed in 1908 under the name National Association of Real Estate Exchanges and later renamed the National Association of Real Estate Boards. It adopted its current name in 1972. NAR has over 1,500 state and local associations of REALTORS® and 720,000 individuals as members. These members include salespeople, brokers, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others engaged in the real estate business. The mission statement of the National Association of REALTORS® is "to enhance the ability and opportunity of its members to conduct their business successfully and ethically, and to promote the preservation of the right to own, transfer, and use real property". Members of NAR identify themselves through the use of the terms REALTORS® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATES®, terms that are used only by its members. The members agree to abide by the NAR Code of Ethics to assure the public of their integrity and professionalism and to arbitrate disputes which arise among its members. NAR has several affiliated groups that provide services to specialties of real estate business including: the REALTORS National Marketing Institute®; the CCIM Institute; the Institute of Real Estate Management; the Real Estate Securities and Syndication Institute; The Counselors of Real Estate; the Women's Council of REALTORS®; and the American Chapter of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). The National Association of REALTORS also maintains bilateral relationships with over 50 real estate professional organization in countries outside the United States.

National Association of Review Appraisers and Mortgage Underwriters (NARAMU)

1224 North Nokomis N.E.
Alexandria, MN 56308

Website: www.naramu.org

Established in 1975, the National Association of Review Appraisers and Mortgage Underwriters is an organization dedicated to maintaining professional standards and promoting ongoing education in the fields of Appraisal Review and mortgage Underwriting.

NARA/MU membership consists of members representing international corporations, banks, thrifts, insurance companies, accounting firms, law firms, and private real estate lenders. Virtually all the major Federal agencies are represented as are hundreds of State and local government agency real estate professional. In addition, NARA/MU membership includes a substantial number of independent real estate appraisers and consultants who are involved in reviewing and mortgage underwriting.

National Auctioneers Association (NAA)

8880 Ballentine
Overland Park, KS 66214-1985

Website: www.auctioneers.org/

A professional organization for auctioneers, although the association is not limited to those who specialize in real estate auctions. Established in 1949 NAA now has approximately 6,000 members in the United States and Canada.

National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF)

Two Prudential Plaza
180 North Stetson Avenue, Suite 2515
Chicago, IL 60601

Website: www.ncreif.org/

Founded in 1982, NCREIF is an association of institutional real estate professionals who share a common interest in their industry. The Council maintains a database of property income and operating information and publishes the NCREIF Property Index (called also the Russell-NCREIF Real Estate Performance Report) which is used by many institutions as a bench mark for measuring real estate portfolio performance.

Real Estate Educators Association (REEA)

320 West Sabal Palm Place, Suite 150
Longwood, FL 32779

Website: www.reea.org/

Founded in 1980, REEA has around 1,200 members. The Association promotes education, professional standards of competence, performance and ethics among individuals involved in real estate education and training. The REEA is independent, is not affiliated with any other organization, institution or agency and is organized and directed by its own membership through its elected Officers and Directors. In particular, the REEA aims to recognize members of the Association who make notable contributions to real estate education.

Professional Designations:
Distinguished Real Estate Instructor (DREI)

Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®

700 11th Street, N.W., Suite 510
Washington, DC 20001-4511

Website: www.sior.com

The Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®. With more than 2,200 members in 450 cities, the Society represents commercial real estate brokerage specialists. The Society maintains a commitment to business and industry by providing professional services, publications, and educational programs.

Professional Designations:
SIOR (specialist, industrial and office real estate)

Urban Land Institute (ULI)

1025 Thomas Jefferson Street, N.W., Suite 500
Washington, DC 20007

Website: www.uli.org
The ULI is an independent nonprofit education and research institute that is supported and directed by its members. Its mission is "to provide leadership in the responsible use of land to enhance the total environment". The Institute acts as a forum that facilitates the open exchange of ideas, information and experience among local, national, and international industry leaders and policy makers dedicated to creating better places. It is widely recognized as America's preeminent voice for encouraging and fostering high standards of land use planning and development. Established in 1936, the Institute has some 14,000 members and associates in 50 states and 50 countries representing the entire spectrum of the land use and development disciplines. All members agree to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, ascribing to the Institute's Code of Ethics.

SOUTH AMERICA

Latin American Real Estate Society (LARES)

E-mail: secretaria [@] lares.org.br
or Contact Form

Website: www.lares.org.br/

The Latin American Society of Real Estate Studies (LARES) is essentially an academic organization that aims to encourage the development of research in the areas of investment analysis, market analysis, legal, corporate affairs, real estate appraisal urban development, finance, management ventures, real estate brokerage business, environment and research methods.
The members of LARES are professionals, academics and researchers who, through the association, attend events and exchanges with similar societies.