Looking Ahead

Residential * Commercial * Agricultural 

The very first Valley Seminar began in 1970.  Our "modern" version of the Valley Seminar became known as the Spring Conference in 2000 and has taken place each spring at the Modesto Center Plaza since 2006.  2021 will be bring a "new first" as this offering will be presented in a virtual format.

This event continues to evolve each year, with expanded breakout sessions to provide a greater depth of topics and the opportunity to hear from and connect with a variety of industry professionals. It is the combination of quality and content which draws an increasing number of attendees not only from the Central Valley but from the greater Bay Area and beyond.

Special Guest
Craig Steinley, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, Appraisal Institute 2021 National Vice President

Presenters include
Ali Wolf, Chief Economist, Zonda
Mike Belote, President / Lobbyist, California Advocates, Inc.
Joshua Borger, Partner, Berliner Cohen, LLP
Peter Christensen, Attorney, Christensen Law Firm
Denis DeSaix, MAI, SRA, Metrocal Appraisal
Tim Mustin, Senior Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage, Inc.
Thomas C. Solomon, Partner, CoSoL Commercial Real Estate
Tera Chumley, Senior Management Consultant, Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office
Bowen Cardoza, Vice President, CoSol Real Estate
Robert P. Caringella, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, Jones, Roach & Caringella, Inc.
Lee Smith, MAI, ARA, Lee B. Smith & Associates
Matthew Emrick, Law Offices of Matthew Emrick
Steve Reynolds, Attorney, Reynolds Law Corporation
Lou Garone, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, Former IRS Appraiser
Kemp Moyer, CPA, BPM

Presentations include our ever popular and informative Opening Session State of the Profession. 

Breakout topics include

• Agricultural Market Overview
• Commercial Market Overview:  Looking Back, Looking Forward
  
• An Economist's View of the Northern California Residential Market
  
• Litigation 101: Appraising for Legal Matters
  
• Non-Lending Appraisals: IRS, Estates, Gifting and Bankruptcy - Working with CPAs & Financial Planners
• The Legal Side of Alleged Discrimination in Appraising
• Residential Issues: HBU and ADUs
  
• Water Rights: How to Develop Credible Opinions of HBU and Market Value
  

This Educational Program (Program) was developed and organized by the Appraisal Institute Chapter offering the Program with the intent of addressing topic(s) of current local interest solely for educational and informational purposes. The Appraisal Institute national organization was not involved in developing or organizing the Program. The content of this Program, including but not limited to any written materials and presenter comments, does not represent the viewpoint of the Appraisal Institute (defined as including but not limited to, the national organization, its Regions, Chapters, members, candidates, affiliates and staff) unless formally adopted by the national Board of Directors. Further, the Appraisal Institute has not peer-reviewed or approved the content of the Program and does not warrant the accuracy or timeliness of the content of the Program. The content of the Program is subject to court decisions and local, state and federal laws and regulations and any such revisions of such laws and regulations. This Program is presented with the understanding that the Appraisal Institute is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice or services. Nothing in the Program is to be construed as the offering of such advice or services. If expert advice or services are required, attendees and readers are responsible for obtaining such advice or services from appropriate professionals.Please note that not all states have approved Virtual education, therefore, registrants must check their individual states for approval before registering for the program. Before registering for the program, registrants understand and agree that continuing education credit for this program may not be available in their state on the date of the program. The Appraisal Institute is not responsible if credit is not available for the program in individual states. State exceptions for virtual education may expire prior to the offering date.

Watch for online registration to open very soon!

An opportunity to get a sneak peek at the year ahead and leave with perspectives to keep pace with the changing markets and other important issues that may impact the appraisal profession of tomorrow.

In this 3-hour virtual presentation you will hear from real estate industry professionals in the areas of:

• Commercial Markets: Deep Economic Insights and Expectations for the Future
• Impact of COVID Closures: Retail and Apartments
• Regulatory Impact:  Modernization Initiatives, USPAP Considerations, AVMs, AMCs and PAREA / Trainee Appraisers
• AI (Artificial Intelligence):  Human vs. Machine

. . . and more!

Presenters include
- Ed Del Beccaro, EVP / San Francisco Bay Area Regional Manager, TRI Commercial RE Services, Inc.
- Lisa Desmarais, SRA, Vice President of Appraisal Issues, The Appraisal Foundation
- James Park, Executive Director, Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC), The Appraisal Foundation
- Paul Chandler, MAI, Founder / CEO, The Property Sciences Group
- Jeff Ashlock, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, Fremont Bank

This Educational Program (Program) was developed and organized by the Appraisal Institute Chapter offering the Program with the intent of addressing topic(s) of current local interest solely for educational and informational purposes. The Appraisal Institute national organization was not involved in developing or organizing the Program. The content of this Program, including but not limited to any written materials and presenter comments, does not represent the viewpoint of the Appraisal Institute (defined as including but not limited to, the national organization, its Regions, Chapters, members, candidates, affiliates and staff) unless formally adopted by the national Board of Directors. Further, the Appraisal Institute has not peer-reviewed or approved the content of the Program and does not warrant the accuracy or timeliness of the content of the Program. The content of the Program is subject to court decisions and local, state and federal laws and regulations and any such revisions of such laws and regulations. This Program is presented with the understanding that the Appraisal Institute is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice or services. Nothing in the Program is to be construed as the offering of such advice or services. If expert advice or services are required, attendees and readers are responsible for obtaining such advice or services from appropriate professionals.Please note that not all states have approved Virtual education, therefore, registrants must check their individual states for approval before registering for the program. Before registering for the program, registrants understand and agree that continuing education credit for this program may not be available in their state on the date of the program. The Appraisal Institute is not responsible if credit is not available for the program in individual states. State exceptions for virtual education may expire prior to the offering date.

Join us for a Complimentary Networking Event

While COVID restrictions still prohibit us from connecting in person, we hope that you will pull together a little plate of your favorite appetizers and a beverage of choice to "mix and mingle" with us following our brief Chapter Meeting to network with your peers and possibly perspective clients! The Chapter Meeting will include updates on issues affecting the Appraisal Institute and the real estate appraisal profession. Don't miss this opportunity to "discuss" additional issues of importance to not only help you survive, but to thrive during these unprecedented times.

Our Chapter Business Meeting will beginning immediately following the 3-hour workshop titled "2021 Real Estate Market Update and Overview" at 5:00pm.  [Separate registration is required to attend the workshop.]  Onsite check-in will begin at 4:45pm.

This half-day morning annual forum is sponsored by the Sacramento-Sierra Chapter.

Jim Wunderman, President & CEO Bay Area Council
California business climate and our work to support a functional Northern California Mega Region including the Bay Area, Greater Sacramento Regions, and the Northern Central Valley

Bob Shanahan, Senior Research Analyst Colliers International
Office Forecast, Multifamily Forecast, and Industrial Forecast

Dean Wehrli, Senior Vice President, Consulting, John Burns Real Estate Consulting
Regional Housing Market

This program is not sponsored by the Northern California Chapter of AI.   For questions or registration information contact jenny@sac-ai.org or call 916/972-9700.

Join the California Chapter, ASFMRA for the Outlook 2021 Virtual Agribusiness Conference. 

Presenters will address key topics related to agribusiness as well as commodity updates to you in this webinar format. The release of the 2021 Trends® in Agricultural Land & Lease Values report will coincide with the conference and new regional breakout sessions will be offered this year. All attendees will receive a PDF copy of Trends®. Registration is available for one or both days.

Breakouts include

• California Agriculture – Economic Overview
• Irrigation Water Update
• Grape Crush Report / Wine Grape Update
• Tree Nut Industry Update
• Ag Land Trends®
• California Legislative Update
• Berry Industry Update
• Dairy Industry Update

This program is not sponsored by the Northern California Chapter of AI.  Registration issues and questions should be directed to California Chapter ASFMRA 209.368.3672 or info@calasfmra.com

RAPT is the Appraisal Institute's Residential Appraiser Project Team. 

It's goal is to attract residential appraisers, promoting, and retaining SRAs is our goal.  Ideas include

• Creating roundtables that would assist with and serve in an advisory role in re-writing / updating residential forms
• Expanding the presence of residential appraisers in leadership roles

Locally, the Northern California Chapter looks forward to hosting quarterly RAPT ZOOM meetings.  We will be discussing topics of importance to residential appraisers and encourage all residential appraisers to participate.

These chats are open to everyone and the format is designed to be casual, inviting and engaging, though registration is required.

Location: Wherever it is convenient for you!

Time:  12:00 - 1:00pm

Details:  Participation is complimentary.  CEC is not availble.  

RSVP or Questions? Contact Nancy Phillips, SRA

You've told us that connecting with other professionals is an important way of gathering relevant market information.  Based on the success of our 2020 informal "Brown Bag" virtual get togethers, we are gearing up to do it again! 

Please join us for our lunchtime intereactive open discussion of appraiser/appraisal issues, challenges, and solutions during the pandemic era. 

Location: Wherever it is convenient for you!

Time:  12:00 - 1:00pm

Details:

• Participation is complimentary. 
• CEC is not availble.  
• RSVP Required by 3/22:  Only those pre-registered will be sent details to connect to log-in to the ZOOM platform.  Since there is no CEC for this offering, registrants may opt to "call-in". 
• Those seeking the full ZOOM experience will need to have: Internet access, a computer, a webcam and a microphone.  Note: Most laptops have cameras and microphones built in.  New to ZOOM?  Take their FREE tutorial on How to Join a Meeting.

RSVP or Questions? Contact Chris Daniel, SRA

Instructor: Dawn Molitor-Gennrich, SRA, AI-RRS

As the world changes, so do processes and methods used in many businesses including the appraisal profession. While alternative appraisal services like bifurcated, hybrid, and desktop appraisals and evaluations aren’t new, they are becoming more popular. Many appraisers are uncertain about the general requirements of each service, how appraisal standards might apply, and how these services might create liability. This seminar will provide more clarity about the different services being requested and help you to decide if these services are for you. It will review the expectations of alternative appraisal services, potential uses, appraisal standard implications, scope of work, and liability concerns as it applies to residential and commercial assignments. And it will review evaluation formats and the business opportunities for them.

• Describe desktop appraisals, such as bifurcated and hybrid, and learn how and when they are used.
• Discover how real estate collateral is used inside federally regulated banks and financial institutions.
• Review the significant Federal and State laws governing all valuations — appraisals and evaluations — used for loan originations, modifications, and other subsequent transactions.
• Identify appraisal standards, Interagency Guidelines, lender requirements, and state law requirements for credentialed appraisers.
• Recognize the development and reporting differences that differentiate appraisals from evaluations and desktop valuation services.

Instructor: Gary DeWeese, MAI

This 7-hour seminar introduces participants to how the terms of a lease and the risk profile of the tenant influence the valuation of commercial real estate. Participants will see how the business features of commercial leases affect the quantity and the duration of the income stream that a property will generate and the development of the property’s income statement. Non-traditional sources of income, the proper period to use in measuring the income, measuring the real vacancy rate, expenses that might not be recoverable by a landlord if a CAM formula is incorrect, and how other special clauses in a lease can all affect the property’s income stream will be examined. The second part of the seminar discusses tenant credit risk issues and explains why understanding a tenant’s financial strength is key to assessing the quality of the income stream.

Instructor: Dawn Molitor-Gennrich, SRA, AI-RRS

If you are not familiar with residential litigation and are interested in performing more challenging residential assignments, this fast-paced half-day (4-hour) seminar is for you!

Find out the basics of analyzing atypical residential properties for purposes of litigation. In the first case study, which is about a new house on an old dump, the class will initially identify the appraisal problem. The seminar includes opportunities to distinguish between partial and complete remediation and the role of each in this appraisal problem. Learn to differentiate between pounds of paper and critical information. Then discover how disclosure of defects may affect market value. Identify what to do when a typical sales comparison approach is not applicable. Enhance your skills in an entertaining learning environment.

The second case, which involves a home with a disappearing dock, explores deeded rights to community recreational amenities and due diligence in identifying rights associated with ownership. Learn how questionnaires can be helpful problem-solving tools.

The basics of title defect actions require identifying and measuring contributory value of a component, the disappearing dock. Learn tips to help you solve that difficult assignment in a convenient 4-hour virtual presentation!

Due to demand this offering is being added to our schedule for late April.  Stand by for specific details.

Developer and Instructor: Gary DeWeese, MAI

By examining unusual and complex land valuation assignments, this seminar takes concepts covered in the Appraisal Institute curriculum to the next level. In addition to lecture, discussion, and Q&A, sample case studies will demonstrate, primarily in Excel, conceptual and practical applications that participants will be able to incorporate into their day-to-day work. The seminar will suggest strategies for performing these assignments.

• Utilize a land residual technique based on a DCF analysis to value land intended for two alternative competing uses (“for rental” apartments versus “for-sale” condos)
  
  
• Determine the highest and best use of land when the legally permissible, physically possible, and financially feasible use(s) are very uncertain and cannot be determined using traditional methodologies
  
  
• Determine land rent using a non-traditional unit of comparison (in this case land rental value based on average traffic volume)
  
  
• Estimate the value of land subject to a long-term ground lease with multiple forms of financial benefits accruing to the land owner
  
  
• Determine land value when its value is a function of a curvilinear relationship – in this case determining the value of land suitable for apartment development as a function of density (allowable units per acre)

A full-day residential conference jointly sponsored  by the Northern California Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and the Real Estate Appraisers Association (REAA). 

After missing a year due to the pandemic . . . we are back!  Well, almost.  We will convene by ZOOM for a day of virtual learning and networking.  Applications for 6-hours of CEC will be submitted to the Appraisal Institute, the California BREA and SBE.

Preliminary topics include

• Rent Control and Small Residential Income Properties
• Understanding Legal Parcels and Descriptions: What Makes it Legal?
• Business Law for Appraisers
• Appraising High-end / Luxury Homes

LISTEN.  PARTICIPATE.  LEARN.

You missed it in 2020.  We missed it in 2020.  It's returning in 2021 - in a virtual format for the first time!

Our 2021 Spring Litigation Conference presents advanced topics to appraisers interested in litigation work. This is a chance to sharpen your knowledge and broaden your practice by listening to some of the top experts in the region.

Potential topics include:

• Title Matter Litigation 
  
• Exhibits, Demonstrative and Graphics for Virtual or Live Testimony
  
• Expert Testimony: What Works? What Doesn’t?
• New Rules Hammerlock Admissible Testimony:  The Implications of Sanchez and Stamps on Expert Testimony
• Legal Bites

This Educational Program (Program) was developed and organized by the Appraisal Institute Chapter offering the Program with the intent of addressing topic(s) of current local interest solely for educational and informational purposes. The Appraisal Institute national organization was not involved in developing or organizing the Program. The content of this Program, including but not limited to any written materials and presenter comments, does not represent the viewpoint of the Appraisal Institute (defined as including but not limited to, the national organization, its Regions, Chapters, members, candidates, affiliates and staff) unless formally adopted by the national Board of Directors. Further, the Appraisal Institute has not peer-reviewed or approved the content of the Program and does not warrant the accuracy or timeliness of the content of the Program. The content of the Program is subject to court decisions and local, state and federal laws and regulations and any such revisions of such laws and regulations. This Program is presented with the understanding that the Appraisal Institute is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice or services. Nothing in the Program is to be construed as the offering of such advice or services. If expert advice or services are required, attendees and readers are responsible for obtaining such advice or services from appropriate professionals.

WIC was launched during the Appraisal Institute's National Convention in Denver in July 2019.  The committee aims to support female appraisers through professional development training, networking opportunities, mentorships, career outreach and other professional growth opportunities. Locally, the Northern California Chapter looks forward to hosting quarterly WIC ZOOM "chats". 

Our June discussion topic is to be annonced. In March we discussed How to Build an Appraisal Business.  The purpose of our ZOOM meetings is to help women connect with other female valuation professionals in a casual, engaging format.  Whether you're an entry-level appraiser or a lifetime professional, join in our discussion! 

Location: Wherever it is convenient for you!

Time:  12:00 - 1:00pm

Details:  Participation is complimentary.  CEC is not available. 

RSVP or Questions? Contact Nancy Phillips, SRA

This offering is based on the current 2020-21 version of USPAP.

Instructor: Stephanie Coleman, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

This one-day update course, copyrighted by The Appraisal Foundation, focuses on recent changes to USPAP requirements for ethical behavior and competent performance by appraisers. The course, which clarifies several commonly misunderstood aspects of USPAP, will aid participants in all areas of appraisal practice seeking updated competency in USPAP, including those subject to state licensing or certification and continuing education requirements imposed by professional organizations, client groups, or employers.

NOTE: Appraisers must successfully complete the 7-hour USPAP Update Course every two years to meet the USPAP continuing education requirement.

Participants can take the 15-hour USPAP course, but it will only count for hours toward his or her state's continuing education requirement; the 15-hour program will not meet the USPAP continuing education requirement.

Mandatory Requirement for Initial State Licensing / Certification (QE) and Renewal (CE)
Includes the required open-book exam.

Developer & Instructor(s): Dawn Molitor-Gennrich, SRA, AI-RRS

Appraisers recognize that they have regulatory obligations but understanding which ones apply when doing federally related and real estate related lender work is challenging. A review of sanctions and disciplinary actions taken against appraisers by the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers makes it clear that many details and nuances of the appraiser laws and regulations are being misunderstood. Common, unintentional errors impact both the reputations of individual appraisers as well as confidence in the competency and ethics of the appraisal profession. This seminar is designed to help you recognize and understand the laws and regulations most important to appraisers practicing in California.

Rural Valuation Basics provides residential and general appraisers with the fundamentals of analyzing comparable data for use in rural appraisal assignments. This 7-hour seminar will focus on land mix analysis, improvement value extraction and allocation, and how to develop adjustments. While working on a typical rural property case study that both residential and commercial appraisers might be asked to appraise, participants will learn how to properly analyze and use information that is available in rural markets to support a credible opinion of value. Excel spreadsheets will be provided which will assist participants in their analyses.

Instructor: Stephanie Coleman, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

The scope of work decision is the most critical one you will make in the development of an appraisal.  After identifying the key elements of the assignment, you decide what needs to be done to arrive at assignment results that address the needs of the intended users of the appraisal. This seminar will help you become familiar with the broad range of services that you can offer under USPAP and give you practice determining the appropriate scope of work for various types of assignments. Return to your office with greater confidence when making scope of work decisions.

Instructor: Stephanie Coleman, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

Business Practices and Ethics is an important course that provides information about standards and ethics requirements for valuers in general and, more specifically, for valuers who belong to the Appraisal Institute. Through discussion questions and examples, the class compares behavior and actions that illustrate violations of the Code of Professional Ethics, and participants learn how referrals can be made. Participants are also introduced to the Appraisal Institute Guide Notes to the Standards of Professional Practice and use these Guide Notes to resolve everyday appraisal practice problems. At the end of the course, they learn about common errors in appraisal reports and review reports, and they respond to questions about challenges that arise in appraisal practice such as requests for updates and requests to change or add intended users. These are common business practice issues that appraisers encounter in various assignments, including mortgage lending, litigation, and property tax appeal. Other real-life scenarios in the course illustrate less common business practice issues such as an appraiser’s obligation when illegal or criminal behavior is observed.

All Day. All Residential.

Building on the continued success of prior year Residential Symposiums, our in-the-know panelists will share meaningful tools and tips that attendees can use to prosper and grow their businesses in today's ever-changing real estate environment. 

This 7-hour offering was such a hit in 2019 AND 2020, we are bringing it back in 2021!  If you missed it, here is another opportunity. 

A review appraiser, employed by a state-regulatory agency, commented in a USPAP class that highest and best use is the most deficient section in many appraisal reports.  Whenever a market value opinion is developed, USPAP S.R. 2-2(a) requires the report to "summarize the support and rationale" for the highest and best use conclusion. 

This seminar is intended to enhance USPAP compliance for both residential and commercial appraisers.   

Learning Objectives

• Reviews many basic concepts of H&B use
• Defines key terms like “support” and “reasonably probable”.
• Clarifies the four test of H&B use.
• Identifies the four components of a proper H&B use conclusion
• Differentiates the four tests from the four conclusions
• Identifies the five (5) most likely buyer types
• Explores and develops supportable conclusions for nine atypical, real-world situations where H&B use was initially uncertain
• Details practical procedures to help appraisers develop a proper H&B use conclusion for both typical and very atypical appraisal problems.

Registrants will receive a well-organized handbook that is a replica of the PowerPoint is provided.  This 80+ page handbook will lessen in-class writing and assist the appraiser back at the office. 

Instructor and Developer: Gary DeWeese, MAI

"Gary's analysis comes from the real world.  His examples are grounded in reality."                                                                                                                                     - August 2020 Attendee

Our most popular one-day seminar returns in the Fall of 2021!

The wine industry is a complex and vast market where global trends affect local vineyard values.  This presentation will provide attendees with the history and evolution of vineyard economics throughout the many wine regions of California.  You will learn what factors have led to changing prices, as well as how prices have responded to changing market conditions over the years.

Instructor: Dawn Molitor-Gennrich, SRA, AI-RRS

Real estate markets and residential appraisal requirements have changed significantly due to market volatility and increased oversight, which has left residential appraisers searching for new strategies to handle their appraisal assignments. This seminar revisits valuation fundamentals and illustrates why you need data collection and analytical skills more than ever. The seminar uses and is based on the 2018 updated 2nd edition of Valuation by Comparison. You’ll learn why clients need an appraisal, why you must have appropriate market data, and why it is imperative that you know your market. You’ll discover how to find the information you need in markets where data is scarce, inconsistent, or misleading. And you’ll explore techniques to accurately interpret and then anticipate the actions of buyers and sellers in today’s market. Whether you are an experienced appraiser or newer to the profession, you’ll learn about a variety of approaches and resources that are available for gleaning indications of market value, and you’ll better understand which items require adjustment and which items can be ignored.

2021 marks the 71st consecutive year that the Northern California Chapter has presented its award-winning Annual Fall Conference. 

Fall Conference is the real estate appraisal profession’s longest-running and highest-rated one-day continuing education & networking event on the West Coast. Our conference consistently draws over 250 participants and features the real estate profession’s “most in-the-know” presenters.  Our topics will keep you informed of the latest developments that affect your profession, your profitability, your business – your future.

If you have ideas for speakers or breakout sessions, please contact 2021 Fall Conference Chair Josh Fronen, MAI.

Save the date for this full-day "virtual" event.  Watch for more details coming soon.

The General Demonstration Report-Capstone Program is an option that Candidates for Designation may choose to complete their demonstration of knowledge requirement for their MAI designation. Like the traditional requirement, the same skills and knowledge base are required to produce a complete demonstration appraisal report. However, this program was designed to offer an option that accelerates the completion.

Required prerequisites that must be completed before Candidates for Designation working toward a MAI designation can register:

• Must have taken the General Demonstration Report Writing seminar within the past five years.
• Must have passed the Advanced Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use exam.
• No continuing education credit is given for this program.
• Due to the nature of this program, no refunds or time extensions will be granted.
• Required equipment: An HP-19BII, HP-17BII, HP-12C or equivalent calculator.

View register link for important registration, material release and pre-webinar dates and deadlines.  This offering is sponsored the Appraisal Institute National Office.  Questions?  Contact 312-335-4207.

Developer and Instructor: Gary DeWeese, MAI

If you’re involved in the valuation of commercial real estate, it’s crucial to know how the terms of a lease affect value. This seminar goes beyond methodology to explore how to measure a property rights adjustment, the theory underlying the use of a leasehold yield rate (Y_LH) to value the leasehold, as well as the application of a property rights adjustment in all three approaches to value.

• Recognize how the terms of a tenant’s lease impact value—either positively or negatively.
• Identify situations that require a valuation of a leasehold.
• Identify methodologies in valuing a leasehold, including examples and exercises.
• Recognize the impact of a leasehold in the valuation of property using all applicable approaches.
• Identify challenges facing appraisers performing leasehold valuation assignments.

This annual event returns to a full-day program in 2021! 

Just what are unique and special purpose properties?

Special Purpose Property: A property with a unique physical design, special construction materials, or a layout that particularly adapts its utility to the use for which it was built.
 - The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal

Mandatory Requirement for Initial State Licensing / Certification (QE) and Renewal (CE)
Includes the required open-book exam.

Developer & Instructor(s): Dawn Molitor-Gennrich, SRA, AI-RRS

Appraisers recognize that they have regulatory obligations but understanding which ones apply when doing federally related and real estate related lender work is challenging. A review of sanctions and disciplinary actions taken against appraisers by the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers makes it clear that many details and nuances of the appraiser laws and regulations are being misunderstood. Common, unintentional errors impact both the reputations of individual appraisers as well as confidence in the competency and ethics of the appraisal profession. This seminar is designed to help you recognize and understand the laws and regulations most important to appraisers practicing in California.

This one-day update course, copyrighted by The Appraisal Foundation, focuses on recent changes to USPAP requirements for ethical behavior and competent performance by appraisers. The course, which clarifies several commonly misunderstood aspects of USPAP, will aid participants in all areas of appraisal practice seeking updated competency in USPAP, including those subject to state licensing or certification and continuing education requirements imposed by professional organizations, client groups, or employers.

NOTE: Appraisers must successfully complete the 7-hour USPAP Update Course every two years to meet the USPAP continuing education requirement.

Participants can take the 15-hour USPAP course, but it will only count for hours toward his or her state's continuing education requirement; the 15-hour program will not meet the USPAP continuing education requirement.

Watch for more details - registration not expected to open until Fall 2022.

Business Practices and Ethics is an important course that provides information about standards and ethics requirements for valuers in general and, more specifically, for valuers who belong to the Appraisal Institute. Through discussion questions and examples, the class compares behavior and actions that illustrate violations of the Code of Professional Ethics, and participants learn how referrals can be made. Participants are also introduced to the Appraisal Institute Guide Notes to the Standards of Professional Practice and use these Guide Notes to resolve everyday appraisal practice problems. At the end of the course, they learn about common errors in appraisal reports and review reports, and they respond to questions about challenges that arise in appraisal practice such as requests for updates and requests to change or add intended users. These are common business practice issues that appraisers encounter in various assignments, including mortgage lending, litigation, and property tax appeal. Other real-life scenarios in the course illustrate less common business practice issues such as an appraiser’s obligation when illegal or criminal behavior is observed.