Looking Ahead

SOLD OUT [Our next offering of the 7-Hour Update will be held in May 2020.]

This offering will be based on the recently released 2020-21 version of USPAP.

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.

Click here to order your copy of 2020-21 USPAP directly from The Appraisal Foundation; this publication is not included with the tuition fee.

NEW!  Effective 10/01/19 tuition rate listed below includes the downloadable course handbook materials.  Additional fee(s) apply for those who want the printed course handbook pre-shipped.  Shipping fee determined at time of online checkout.

Instructor: Gary DeWeese, MAI

"You'll be amazed at what you will learn, even if you are a seasoned appraiser!"

This course focuses on the practical application of quantitative tools for analyzing data, drawing appropriate conclusions from data sets, and presenting both the analysis and conclusions in ways that enhance communication with appraisal clients. It reviews and furthers the application of basic statistical measures (mean, median, mode, standard deviation, etc.) and spends a good deal of time on graphical and regression analysis.

Central goals of the course include showing participants how to understand the reliability and validity of data used to draw conclusions, providing the knowledge needed to support the conclusions others may draw from the same or similar datasets. Presentation and activities make extensive use of real-world appraisal applications and are aimed at furthering an appraiser’s ability to provide credible analysis of real property-related issues.

Please review the FAQs for important information regarding registration; mandatory diagnostic test; online session; and course equivalencies. Click here.

Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Practicing Affiliates - $900
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute $1,200

NEW!  Effective 10/01/19 tuition rate includes the downloadable course handbook materials.  Additional fee(s) apply for those who want a printed course handbook pre-shipped.  Add $35 for the printed material; shipping fee is determined at time of online checkout. 

Workshop:  CALIFORNIA'S CHANGING LANDSCAPE - IT'S NOT WHAT YOU MIGHT THINK
Independent Contractors and Rent Control

Join us for a 2-hour dual-topic presentation on two timely issues that will have a significant impact on all appraisers regardless of speciality or license level.  Get in front of the curve and be prepared for 2020!

Are the days of the being an Independent Contractor coming to an end for appraisers (AB 5)?

• Engaging an appraiser as an independent contractor has been business as usual in our profession since the beginning.  A recent court case (Dynamex) resulted in the creation of a new state law that creates a higher standard for qualifying as an independent contractor.  This new law can impact any appraiser who works as or engages others as independent contractors.  Don't miss what a specialist in employment and labor laws has to say!

Rent Control to go Statewide (AB 1482)

• You’ll want the details on the New State Rent Control Law that can have an impact on rental properties ranging from Single Family Residences and Condominiums through multi-unit apartment buildings. 

Presenters include
Susan Hatmaker, Attorney, Hatmaker Law Group
Denis DeSaix, MAI, SRA, Metrocal Appraisal

Following the workshop, don't rush into traffic!  Hang out and enjoy appetizers (hearty enough for a meal!) and no-host beverages and mix and mingle with your peers and discuss the issues that affect you the professional real estate appraiser!

BEST VALUE RATE:  Save up to $20 - Register by 1/30
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $25
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $35

Register after 1/30
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $35
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $45

Are you an appraisal trainee, a recently designated member or consider yourself a young appraisal professional looking for a networking event geared specifically for you?  Well, you just found it!

Plan to meet up with us in Walnut Creek at Calicraft Brewing Company, 2700 Mitchell Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (in Shadelands) for no-host beverages and appetizers starting at 5:00pm!  Can't get there by 5:00pm? No worries, just show up when you can.  We will hang out until whenever . . .

All are welcome to this new, fun, welcoming, casual, no pressure social event!  You get the picture - it's informal.

Questions?  Contact Matt Atwood

Save the Date!

The Sacramento-Sierra Chapter's Annual Economic Update is just around the corner.  For more information contact jenny@sac-ai.org or click here.

Instructor(s): Gary DeWeese, MAI

After a brief review and introduction, General Appraiser Income Approach/Part 1 opens with a graphic treatment of the time value of money, the six financial functions of a dollar, and important associated concepts. A thorough, detailed analysis of gross income including leases and the various expenses appropriately deducted from gross income follows, with realistic case studies of several income property types. Direct capitalization is then presented using overall capitalization rates, band of investment, and residual techniques. Substantial class time is devoted to practicing the taught concepts to prepare participant for the exam.

Only Scheduled "LIVE" Northern California Offering for 2020

NEW!  Effective 10/01/19 tuition rate listed below includes the downloadable course handbook materials.  Additional fee(s) apply for those who want the printed course handbook pre-shipped.  Shipping fee determined at time of online checkout.

Still Time to Save up to $120 - Register by 2/7
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $695
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $795

Register after 2/7
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $715
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $815

Get Connected in the Central Valley!

Come one, come all!  Designed for residential, commercial and agricultural appraisers and all allied real estate professionals who want to expand their networking and client opportunities.

Location: Toledo's at Mission Village,  367 E Shaw Ave, Fresno (close to freeway 41 exchange at Shaw)

Time:  5:30 pm until whenever

Details:  This is a "no-host" social event; attendees are responsible for their own beverage / food purchases during the social.

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 Doubletree Hotel since 2006. 

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!

TGIF is BACK!  We are thrilled to once again host this event on a Friday and look forward to having you join us for post-conference networking with complimentary appetizers and no-host beverages.

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

Topics include

• SB 1482 - California's NEW Statewide Rent Control
• Diminution in Value
• Commercial Market Overview
• Ag Market Overview
• Business of Appraising
• Water / SGMA
• Residential Hot Topics:  ANSI Standards, I-Buyer, Hybrid Appraisals and More!
• Permanent Plantings: UC Costs & Return Studies for California Crops
  

Watch for more details coming soon.

Instructor:  Stephen D. Roach, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS 

Litigation Appraising: Specialized Topics and Applications was expanded from two to three days and delves more deeply into inverse condemnation, an exciting niche market with increasing demand for appraisers. One of three courses in the Litigation Professional Development Program, this course now offers more hands-on applications giving you the opportunity to solve problems and put theory into practice.

Specialized topics covered include environmental contamination, ad valorem tax assessments, construction defects, bankruptcies, fraud and misrepresentation, income and estate tax disputes, inverse condemnation, contract disputes and equitable distribution in divorces cases. Through problem-solving activities, participants will apply new concepts and address how to best handle valuation and reporting issues in a professional legal setting. Participants will gain an understanding of the terminology and concepts involved in litigation valuation services in specialty areas and will learn about the many opportunities available for expanding their practices in litigation valuation.

NEW!  Effective 10/01/19 tuition rate listed below includes the downloadable course handbook materials.  Additional fee(s) apply for those who want the printed course handbook pre-shipped.  Shipping fee determined at time of online checkout.

BEST VALUE RATE:  Save up to $175 - Register by 2/14
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and A/ffiliates - $525
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $625

Register by 2/28
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $550
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $650

Register after 2/28
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $600
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $700

Seminar Developer & Instructor: George Dell, MAI, SRA, ASA, CRE

This hands-on workshop introduces and exploits “big data” tools, computation, and predictive methods for valuation.  It emphasizes applied solution-based learning, using real data, for objective evidence-based results.  Data science results are simpler, more useful, and intuitively sensible.

The intent of this seminar is that students leave with these immediately useful skills:

1. Apply visual methods to structure assignments and define competitive market segments.
2. Classify and technically quantify comparable data selection.
3. Adjust and interpolate, using contrasting and simple regression calculations.
4. Explain practical differences in calculated, estimated, and biased estimators.
5. Hear and learn of the complexities, pitfalls, hype, and flim-flam around multiple regression.
6. See the potential of real data analysis software, such as open-source R and RStudio.

Open-source analytics software is provided, as well as example data sets and templates for use in form and narrative reporting.  The use of these tools is particularly useful for sparse-data appraisal problems through the support of location (spatial), and price indexing (time) adjustments.  Local commercial and/or residential data sets are used in presented examples

This course is prerequisite to intermediate and advanced courses offered by Valuemetrics.info education, leading to auditable valuation practices.

Note: This offering is created and administered by George Dell.  Additional registration information or questions should be directed to valuemetrics.info or 619/297-6816.

This Educational Program (Program) was developed by an outside party. The Appraisal Institute Chapter made arrangements for the Third-Party to offer the Program with the intent of addressing topic(s) based on a certain chapter or local need for such topic, solely for educational and informational purposes. The Appraisal Institute national organization was not involved in developing or organizing the Program and does not endorse the Program or its content.

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 Appraisal Institute does not publish examination review materials. 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.

Seminar Developer & Instructor: George Dell, MAI, SRA, ASA, CRE

SGDS² continues of the foundations of SGDS¹.  Building on the SGDS¹ learning in depth, breadth, and detail.  We continue examination of the theory, concepts, and practice of data science as applied to asset analytics.  The learning follows the development sequence of valuation and risk analytics.  Starting from the problem identification (scope of work) in measurable terms, we proceed to:

• Identify the overall project data frame;
• Define the CMS^© (Competitive Market Segment), the ideal data set;
• Resolve the bias-variance tradeoff to optimize accuracy and precision of results;
• Perform necessary data wrangling(analogical to traditional confirmation/verification)
  • Portray data visually
  • Reduce to the CMS^©
  • Detect quantify missing/needed predictor variables
  • Create new calculated fields
  • Transform functional relationships (e.g., linear to logarithmic)
  • Create Transformed data levels
  • Identify and handle outliers
  • Recognize needed predictive confirmation/verification

This class is substantially experienced in R, RStudio, and R packages, including ggplot2 and tidyverse.  A comparison and integration of Excel® is provided for workflow efficiency.  Methods of transition from canned appraisal software and the spreadsheet— to a real analytics package is reviewed.

Specific analytics include non-linear price indexing, seam regression, introduction to GIS in R, Data selection algorithms (particularly hierarchical cluster analysis), sources of help for R.  Also resolution of conflicts in USPAP, AI-SVP, IVS, and EBV^© (Evidence Based Valuation) practice, and reporting in a data-stream delivery through dashboard views.

Note: This offering is created and administered by George Dell.  Additional registration information or questions should be directed to valuemetrics.info or 619/297-6816.

This Educational Program (Program) was developed by an outside party. The Appraisal Institute Chapter made arrangements for the Third-Party to offer the Program with the intent of addressing topic(s) based on a certain chapter or local need for such topic, solely for educational and informational purposes. The Appraisal Institute national organization was not involved in developing or organizing the Program and does not endorse the Program or its content.

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 Appraisal Institute does not publish examination review materials. 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.

The California Chapter of ASFMRA is gearing up for its Outlook 2020 Agribusiness Conference!

Don't miss a new format for California's premiere agribusiness conference and the release of the 2020 Trends in Agricultural Land & Lease Values report. Also being offered at the conference:

• 2019-2020 Federal and California Statutory and Regulatory Law for Real Property Appraisers (3/23/20)
• 2020-21 7-Hour National USPAP Update Course (3/24/20)
• Student Reception / Young Professionals Event
• Best Practices for Rural Property Appraisals Seminar - Updated! (3/25/20)
• Spring Ag Tour (3/25/20)
• California Classic BBQ & Scholarship Auction (3/25/20)

Registration to open in January.  For more information contact ASFMRA at call (209) 368-3672 or info@calasfmra.com.

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. 

This new 7.5-hour course, developed in collaboration with Freddie Mac, provides an in-depth look into preparing appraisals for traditional manufactured homes plus insight into CHOICEHome^SM—the new type of high-quality manufactured homes that are built to HUD code but developed with site-built features. You’ll learn how to meet the specific requirements of Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Veteran’s Administration (VA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Fannie Mae using a new, ground-breaking tool—the Manufactured Home Quality Rating Worksheet, which is consistent with the Marshall & Swift^®—CoreLogic Residential Cost Handbook and the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD).

The course begins with a thorough review of existing manufactured housing products then delves into CHOICEHome^SM, a new accessible, affordable addition to America’s housing stock. To apply elementary and complex techniques used in the cost and the sales comparison approaches, you’ll work through a case study of these homes to develop a credible appraisal report.

Get Connected in the Central Valley!

Come one, come all!  Designed for residential, commercial and agricultural appraisers and all allied real estate professionals who want to expand their networking and client opportunities.

Location: Toledo's at Mission Village,  367 E Shaw Ave, Fresno (close to freeway 41 exchange at Shaw)

Time:  5:30 pm until whenever

Details:  This is a "no-host" event; attendees are responsible for their own beverage / food purchases. Advanced reservations are not necessary - grab a colleague, your peers, clients and just show up!

Are you an appraisal trainee, a recently designated member or consider yourself a young appraisal professional looking for a networking event geared specifically for you?  Well, you just found it!

We will plan to meet up (location still being determined) for no-host beverages and appetizers starting at 5:00pm!  Can't get there by 5:00pm? No worries, just show up when you can.  We will hang out until whenever . . .

All are welcome to this new, fun, welcoming, casual, no pressure social event!  You get the picture - it's informal.

Questions?  Contact Matt Atwood

Instructor: Nick Tillema, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, Attorney

This two-day course not only provides a comprehensive review of the recently released 6th edition of the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, (commonly known as Yellow Book) it provides critical guidance for appraisers involved in federal land acquisition valuation assignments. 

Whether you are experienced in writing or reviewing federal land acquisition appraisals or you are interested in expanding your client base to include federal and state agencies and organizations, this course will show you how to comply with the 6th edition Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition. An optional one-hour exam is included.

BEST VALUE RATE:  Save up to $200 - Register by 2/28
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and A/ffiliates - $425
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $525

Register by 4/3
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $455
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $555

Register after 4/3
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $525
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $625

Instructor: Gary DeWeese, MAI

This AQB-approved course will help you apply meaningful market analysis in valuation assignments. It presents the basic concepts and terminology of market analysis and marketability analyses, then shows how marketability analyses provide vital information for the highest and best use decision. Throughout the course, the emphasis is on conducting a reliable analysis of demand. You will gain practice in applying methods for inferred, or trend, analysis to three property types: a suburban residential subdivision, an existing multifamily property, and an office building. Using the tools introduced in the course will help you increase the reliability of your highest and best use analyses and support the conclusions you reach in the three approaches to value.

The course also provides a transitional discussion to prepare you for marketability analyses using fundamental analysis, which is covered in the Appraisal Institute course Advanced Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use.

Only "live" West Coast Offering Scheduled for 2020!

NEW!  Effective 10/01/19 tuition rate listed below includes the downloadable course handbook materials.  Additional fee(s) apply for those who want the printed course handbook pre-shipped.  Shipping fee determined at time of online checkout.

BEST VALUE RATE:  Save up to $190 - Register by 2/28
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and A/ffiliates - $625
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $725

Register by 3/31
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $695
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $795

Register after 3/31
Appraisal Institute Designated Members, Candidates and Affiliates - $715
Standard / Non-Appraisal Institute - $815

This two-day course provides an introduction to statistics, real estate finance, and modeling with applications to residential and commercial real estate appraisal. On the first day, you will develop an understanding of basic statistics and statistical analysis and learn how those skills can be used in valuation and evaluation practice.

On day two, you will gain an introductory understanding of real estate finance markets, learn about credit conditions and their impact on values and appraisal, and calculate and interpret fundamental numbers on loan payments and balances.

Successful completion of the course and exam should satisfy most states’ education requirements in the content area identified as real estate finance, statistics, and valuation modeling. Participants should understand that this course will be a review and will not address more advanced topics.

This course revision includes an update on financial history and the future implications of the burst housing bubble. A discussion on how mortgages impact value also was added, as well as measuring volatility and standard deviations.

Note: Real Estate Finance, Statistics, and Valuation Modeling was designed according to the broad topical guidelines of the Appraiser Qualifications Board as part of qualifying (i.e., prelicensing) education for both residential and general certified appraisers.

California not only maintains the most complex and far-reaching land regulations in the nation: it is also the only one of 50 states that has state-mandated land use regulations and procedures, which are in addition to local county, city and other regulatory ordinances.

There is widespread confusion regarding what constitutes a legal parcel. While California’s Subdivision Map Act provides a legal framework, it’s not so simple to navigate the SMA’s complexities.  This presentation will inform attendees’ understanding of significant considerations pertaining to legal parcels, which are a critically important element in real property appraisals and Market Value.  

In this 3 hour workshop, an appraiser who brings more than 4 decades of experience in land valuation will to offer an engaging review of all you need to know about legal parcels, legal subdivisions, legal descriptions, and related issues.

• History of Land Ownership in the U.S. and California
• What is PLSS?  Lot & Block? Metes and Bounds?
• Tract Map vs. Parcel Map vs. Record of Survey
• The difference between and Assessor's Parcels and Legal Parcels
• Significant elements of California's Subdivision Map Act
• About legal non-conforming parcels and merger provisions
• Units of lengths (rods, chains, links, varas)
• How to read legal descriptions
• How curves are legally described
• How to draw a legal description
• Useful computer programs

Plan now to join us for this full-day residential conference jointly sponsored by the Northern Callifornia Chapter of the Appraisal Institute and Real Estate Appraisers Association (REAA).  Our 2019 offering was a HIT! Don't get left behind in 2020!  Seating is LIMITED.

Sessions include

• Effective Dates, Assumptions & Disclosures
• Three Key Areas of Legal Knowledge that Appraisers Should Have
• Legal Descriptions
• Small Income Residential Properties
• High Value Residential
• Retrospective Appraisals
• Technology & the Residential Appraiser

Panelists include
Peter Christensen, Attorney, Christensen Law Firm
Neil A. Lefmann, MAI, SRA, Sr. Appraiser, Valbridge Property Advisors I Northern California
Alex Gilbert, AR and Certified USPAP Instructor

LISTEN.  PARTICIPATE.  LEARN.

One of our most sought after award-winning conferences returns to the historic and beautiful grounds of Filoli again in 2020. 

Our 2020 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.

Get Connected in the Central Valley!

Come one, come all!  Designed for residential, commercial and agricultural appraisers and all allied real estate professionals who want to expand their networking and client opportunities.

Location: Toledo's at Mission Village,  367 E Shaw Ave, Fresno (close to freeway 41 exchange at Shaw)

Time:  5:30 pm until whenever

Details:  This is a "no-host" event; attendees are responsible for their own beverage / food purchases. Advanced reservations are not necessary - grab a colleague, your peers, clients and just show up!

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.

After a diagnostic quiz on the six financial functions of one and a brief review, General Appraiser Income Approach/Part 2 opens with a thorough treatment of discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. Topics include identifying components of a DCF, projecting cash flows, analyzing leases, solving for value in a variety of common situations, and supporting the discount rate. The effects of debt financing including cash equivalence and equity analysis are covered in detail. Income patterns and property models including residual and other applications are followed by selecting and supporting the discount rate. Also presented are the strengths and weaknesses of direct and yield capitalization. The final section reviews and summarizes the mathematical concepts involved with income capitalization and prepares the participant for not only the course exam but also the certification exam.

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

Using the national USPAP course material copyrighted by The Appraisal Foundation, this two-day course covers basic rules for ethical behavior and competent performance. The course is designed to comply with USPAP requirements for state-certified appraisers and it highlights the role of the appraiser and the implied impartiality often associated with this role. Participants will learn how requirements of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice affect their appraisal businesses.

This offering will be based on the recently released 2020-21 version of USPAP.

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.

Click here to order your copy of 2020-21 USPAP directly from The Appraisal Foundation; this publication is not included with the tuition fee.

NEW!  Effective 10/01/19 tuition rate listed below includes the downloadable course handbook materials.  Additional fee(s) apply for those who want the printed course handbook pre-shipped.  Shipping fee determined at time of online checkout.

Valuation of Conservation Easements is an advanced course designed for the appraiser who understands the methodology in the approaches to value and is ready to embark on understanding the intricacies involved in one of the most misunderstood and difficult types of appraisals.

Over 4 days, this intensive program will familiarize participants with conservation easement valuations in a variety of situations, including conventional appraisals, appraisals that are required to comply with the Uniform Appraisal Standards of Federal Land Acquisitions, and appraisals involving non-cash charitable contributions that are required to comply with IRS standards. Learning objectives will be accomplished through a series of lectures, in-class discussions, problem solving, homework assignments, and case-law analysis.

Note. This course is in the Valuation of Conservation Easements Professional Development Program. View this list of FAQs, which includes information regarding the courses you’ll need to complete the program successfully.

Get Connected in the Central Valley!

Come one, come all!  Designed for residential, commercial and agricultural appraisers and all allied real estate professionals who want to expand their networking and client opportunities.

Location: Toledo's at Mission Village,  367 E Shaw Ave, Fresno (close to freeway 41 exchange at Shaw)

Time:  5:30 pm until whenever

Details:  This is a "no-host" event; attendees are responsible for their own beverage / food purchases. Advanced reservations are not necessary - grab a colleague, your peers, clients and just show up!

Are you an appraisal trainee, a recently designated member or consider yourself a young appraisal professional looking for a networking event geared specifically for you?  Well, you just found it!

We will plan to meet up (location still being determined) for no-host beverages and appetizers starting at 5:00pm!  Can't get there by 5:00pm? No worries, just show up when you can.  We will hang out until whenever . . .

All are welcome to this new, fun, welcoming, casual, no pressure social event!  You get the picture - it's informal.

Questions?  Contact Matt Atwood

Mandatory Requirement for Initial State Licensing / Certification (QE) and Renewal (CE)
Includes the required one-hour multiple choice open-book exam is given onsite following the seminar presentation.

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.

Get Connected in the Central Valley!

Come one, come all!  Designed for residential, commercial and agricultural appraisers and all allied real estate professionals who want to expand their networking and client opportunities.

Location: Toledo's at Mission Village,  367 E Shaw Ave, Fresno (close to freeway 41 exchange at Shaw)

Time:  5:30 pm until whenever

Details:  This is a "no-host" event; attendees are responsible for their own beverage / food purchases. Advanced reservations are not necessary - grab a colleague, your peers, clients and just show up!

Instructor: Kerry Jorgensen, MAI

Fundamentals of Separating Real Property, Personal Property, and Intangible Business Assets provides the theoretical and analytical framework for separating the tangible and intangible assets of real estate centric businesses. Through discussion, lecture, readings, and case studies, participants will apply the theory of the firm and the concept of economic profit to the solution of problems and case studies related to ad valorem taxation, eminent domain, loan underwriting, and transaction price allocation.

An overview of business valuation procedures and clarification of real estate and business valuation terminology will be provided so participants become familiar with the terminology relevant to separating asset values. The class will review the legal foundations for property rights, be introduced to the methodologies, and become aware of the controversial and unresolved issues in this field. Finally, participants will learn about allocating real estate, personal property, and intangible asset values.

Note. Fundamentals of Separating Real Property, Personal Property, and Intangible Business Assets contains diverse opinions regarding appraisal theory and applications. Neither this course nor the Appraisal Institute advocates a particular theory or method. Rather, each appraiser must come to his or her own conclusion based on the property type, local market customs, and scope of work.  All students are required to come to class with the text A Business Enterprise Value Anthology, 2nd ed (2011); it can be ordered online at the time of registration or directly from the Northern California Chapter Office - 925/932-7753. 

Get Connected in the Central Valley!

Come one, come all!  Designed for residential, commercial and agricultural appraisers and all allied real estate professionals who want to expand their networking and client opportunities.

Location: Toledo's at Mission Village,  367 E Shaw Ave, Fresno (close to freeway 41 exchange at Shaw)

Time:  5:30 pm until whenever

Details:  This is a "no-host" event; attendees are responsible for their own beverage / food purchases. Advanced reservations are not necessary - grab a colleague, your peers, clients and just show up!

All Day. All Residential.

It's back!  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.

Are you an appraisal trainee, a recently designated member or consider yourself a young appraisal professional looking for a networking event geared specifically for you?  Well, you just found it!

We will plan to meet up (location still being determined) for no-host beverages and appetizers starting at 5:00pm!  Can't get there by 5:00pm? No worries, just show up when you can.  We will hang out until whenever . . .

All are welcome to this new, fun, welcoming, casual, no pressure social event!  You get the picture - it's informal.

Questions?  Contact Matt Atwood

Instructor:  Stephen D. Roach, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS 

Condemnation Appraising: Principles and Conceptspresents the eminent domain process, rules and regulations governing condemnation appraisals, and important issues unique to this appraisal specialty. Participants acquire the tools to address issues such as the valuation rules used by different jurisdictions, identification and valuation of the larger parcel, and the estimation of damages and benefits. They also examine advanced applications of appraisal techniques and problem-solving in condemnation cases. Finally, participants will discover how courts view various appraisal methodologies. Case studies reinforce the application of condemnation appraisal principles.

This course is in the Litigation Professional Development Program. View this list of FAQs, which includes information regarding the courses you’ll need to complete the program successfully.

This two-day course is designed for appraisal professionals who want to use Microsoft^®Excel in applying statistical methods to valuation problems. The course employs Excel’s data analysis add-in and charting capabilities to assist in developing descriptive statistics and in using simple linear regression analysis to estimate linear relationships between two variables. Topics include descriptive statistics, charts and tables, an introduction to simple linear regression, assumptions underlying application of linear regression modeling, nonlinear curve fitting, prediction and forecasting, data sufficiency, and separation of pooled data by submarket. Participants will be engaged in hands-on learning, discovering and applying basic statistical methods to data sets custom built to illustrate each session’s objectives in a valuation context. This course will help participants gain a solid understanding of simple linear regression analysis and be prepared for more advanced multiple linear regression study.

This course is in the Analytics for Valuation Professional Development Program. View this list of FAQs, which includes information regarding the courses you’ll need to complete the program successfully.

This offering was such a hit in 2019, we are bringing it back in 2020!  If you missed it last year, here is your second chance.

Developer and Instructor: John Urubek, MAI

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.

A well-organized, printed and bound 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.  

Don't miss this practical seminar.  It will strengthen the logic and support in every-day appraisal reports.

Our most popular one-day seminar returns to the Napa Valley in the summer of 2020! 

Watch for more details.

Get Connected in the Central Valley!

Come one, come all!  Designed for residential, commercial and agricultural appraisers and all allied real estate professionals who want to expand their networking and client opportunities.

Location: Toledo's at Mission Village,  367 E Shaw Ave, Fresno (close to freeway 41 exchange at Shaw)

Time:  5:30 pm until whenever

Details:  This is a "no-host" event; attendees are responsible for their own beverage / food purchases. Advanced reservations are not necessary - grab a colleague, your peers, clients and just show up!

The 35-hour Advanced Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use course implements a blended learning approach, which includes a pre-class, two-hour online session combined with 30 hours of traditional classroom education and wraps up with a three-hour exam on the fifth morning. Combining the analytical processes of market analysis, highest and best use, and income valuation, this course is intended for those who have taken and passed the General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use course and have a thorough understanding of the mathematical and financial principles necessary to perform appraisals of income-producing properties.

The economic base of the community is explored, and it is used as the subject and example for both physical and economic forces that affect all communities and consequently all real estate.  The remainder of the course consists of four case studies (apartment and condominium conversion, retail, industrial, and land with potential for mixed-use development) that are intended to demonstrate both the power of fundamental market analysis and its application to highest and best use decisions.

Please review the FAQs for important information regarding registration; mandatory diagnostic test; online session; and course equivalencies. Click here.

General Appraiser Report Writing & Case Studies provides instruction in effectively communicating a sound analysis of selected parts of a valuation. The course addresses USPAP requirements and the three types of writing most often used in appraisal reports: descriptive, numerical, and analytical. Lectures on writing principles, discussions of various sections of the appraisal report, and in-class writing exercises and presentations provide guidance and practice in effective communication of a valuation analysis.

Specific assignments include writing a thesis statement, summarizing data, creating effective tables, writing a conclusion, communicating highest and best use, communicating an analysis, writing a letter of transmittal, and writing a reconciliation and opinion of value. During this four-day course, participants will use data provided in case studies as the basis for writing assignments that will help them recognize and produce effective reports. A two-hour multiple-choice examination that focuses on components of good writing concludes the course.

Designed for participants with introductory experience and understanding of fundamental concepts of appraising, this course focuses on the valuation of vacant land parcels and the development of the cost approach. Develop your skills by creating a current cost estimate using market extraction, interview techniques, and information provided by professional cost data sources. An in-depth case study takes you from the origin of the appraisal assignment to a final value estimate using various cost approach applications. By successfully completing the course and exam, you will have met most states’ education requirements in the content area identified as residential site valuation and cost approach.

Get Connected in the Central Valley!

Come one, come all!  Designed for residential, commercial and agricultural appraisers and all allied real estate professionals who want to expand their networking and client opportunities.

Location: Toledo's at Mission Village,  367 E Shaw Ave, Fresno (close to freeway 41 exchange at Shaw)

Time:  5:30 pm until whenever

Details:  This is a "no-host" event; attendees are responsible for their own beverage / food purchases. Advanced reservations are not necessary - grab a colleague, your peers, clients and just show up!

This two-day course meets AQB criteria. In Part 1 of a two-part course package, you will apply appraisal techniques to solve a complex residential case study appraisal assignment. You will put your knowledge of terminology, concepts, procedures, and methods to the test as you demonstrate competence in the areas of appraisal analysis learned in previous courses.

By successfully completing the course and exam, you will have met most states' education requirements in the content area identified as advanced residential applications and case studies. Individuals who are seeking the Appraisal Institute SRA designation may take this course and Advanced Residential Report Writing/Part 2 as an alternative to completing the Residential Demonstration Report requirement.

This offering is sponsored by the Appraisal Institute National headquarters.  For questions or more information contact education@appraisalinstitute.org or 312/335-4207.

Are you an appraisal trainee, a recently designated member or consider yourself a young appraisal professional looking for a networking event geared specifically for you?  Well, you just found it!

We will plan to meet up (location still being determined) for no-host beverages and appetizers starting at 5:00pm!  Can't get there by 5:00pm? No worries, just show up when you can.  We will hang out until whenever . . .

All are welcome to this new, fun, welcoming, casual, no pressure social event!  You get the picture - it's informal.

Questions?  Contact Matt Atwood

This four-day course meets AQB criteria. In Part 2 of a two-course package, you will be provided with the tools to write sections of a narrative report. You will complete eight writing assignments based on sections of a narrative appraisal report for the case study property you analyzed in Part 1. Successful completion of this course should increase your ability to 1) apply a wide range of appraisal procedures to solve complex appraisal problems and 2) use a narrative reporting format with confidence to explain and support your conclusions convincingly. By successfully completing the course and exam, you will have met most states’ education requirements in the content area identified as an appraisal subject matter elective. Individuals who are seeking the Appraisal Institute SRA designation may take this course and Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies/Part 1 as an alternative to the Residential Demonstration Report requirement.

This offering is sponsored by the Appraisal Institute National headquarters.  For questions or more information contact education@appraisalinstitute.org or 312/335-4207.

2020 marks the 70th consecutive year that the Northern California Chapter has presented its award-winning Annual Fall Conference in the Bay Area.

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.

Review Case Studies-Residential is unlike anything you’ve experienced in other review courses. In this two-day course, you will apply the review process that you learned in Review Theory-Residential by walking through a case study that focuses on a two-stage review assignment. Day one begins with a quick refresher of review concepts. From there, you will work on an assignment that gets dropped on your desk much like it does in real life. Working in groups, as well as individually, you’ll identify and analyze the components of the case study review assignment.

For many, this will be the first opportunity to work through all seven steps of the review process and apply them within a simulated, very real-to-life assignment. Problem identification and scope of work is where the process begins and that quickly leads to the tougher analytical work where you’ll analyze the subject appraisal report and develop opinions of completeness, accuracy, adequacy, relevance, and reasonableness (including tests of reasonableness). From there, you’ll learn to develop opinions of appropriateness and creditability to both the appraiser’s development work as well as opinions on whether the appraiser’s report is appropriate and not misleading—including the reviewer’s development of reasons for disagreement.

Day two begins with the reviewer’s development of his or own opinion of value in this two-stage review assignment. You will analyze additional field data to facilitate review decisions whether the opinion of value in the subject appraisal report is credible. From the start of the case study, you will take notes to prepare an individual review report which is submitted to the instructor (the review supervisor) before the exam.

If you’re an appraiser, reviewer, or other real estate professional who regularly works with reviews, this hands-on, application-based course is for you!

Review Theory—General is the fundamental review course that all reviewers of assignments involving income-producing and other nonresidential properties should have in their educational background. It is a required course for individuals pursuing the Appraisal Institute General Review Designation (AI-GRS, Appraisal Institute General Review Specialist).

At the core of this course is the review process. Participants explore the seven steps outlined in this process as they apply to nonresidential properties. To be a reviewer, an appraiser must learn how to develop opinions of completeness, accuracy, adequacy, relevance, and reasonableness relative to the work under review. These opinions must be refined through tests of reasonableness to develop reconciled opinions of appropriateness and credibility.

The material provides a refresher on key valuation skills often required of reviewers, such as measuring financial feasibility in highest and best use analysis and various applications of the income capitalization approach. In addition, the course covers reporting reviews for income-producing property and the use of commercial review report forms, narrative reports, and oral review reports. Participants will gain practice in writing a scope of work statement for three types of assignments. They will also develop a template for a narrative review report on a property type of their choice (office, retail, apartment, etc.). By taking this course, participants will gain invaluable confidence in the fundamentals of review.

Get Connected in the Central Valley!

Come one, come all!  Designed for residential, commercial and agricultural appraisers and all allied real estate professionals who want to expand their networking and client opportunities.

Location: Toledo's at Mission Village,  367 E Shaw Ave, Fresno (close to freeway 41 exchange at Shaw)

Time:  5:30 pm until whenever

Details:  This is a "no-host" event; attendees are responsible for their own beverage / food purchases. Advanced reservations are not necessary - grab a colleague, your peers, clients and just show up!

The General Demonstration Report—Capstone Program is an option Candidates for Designation may choose to complete their demonstration of knowledge requirement for their MAI designation. Like the traditional requirement, the program calls for the skills and knowledge base necessary to produce a complete demonstration appraisal report. However, this program offers an option that accelerates the completion of the report. Instead of selecting and compiling data on a property, participants are provided with a subject property and data to analyze and then write the report in a limited time span of approximately 2 months. Participants must attend two webinars and a 6.5-day classroom session where facilitators will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance. The full report must be submitted for grading no later than noon on the seventh day.

The program is designed to be completed in approximately 2 months; therefore, participants must realize they will need to commit a considerable amount of that time to analysis and writing tasks PRIOR to the classroom setting. One pre-class writing assignment (fundamental market analysis) is required before the second webinar. Participants will need to spend a minimum of 200–250 hours to complete this program successfully. And during the classroom session, participants should expect to work on their reports after the 7-hour days spent in the classroom—10 to 12 hours a day that week will not be unusual. 

Don't Delay - Register Today!  This offering will sell-out.

This offering is sponsored by the Appraisal Institute National headquarters.  For questions or more information contact education@appraisalinstitute.org or 312/335-4207.

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

The 35-hour Advanced Income Capitalization course implements a blended learning approach, which includes a pre-class, two-hour online session combined with 30 hours of traditional classroom education and wraps up with a three-hour exam on the fifth morning.

Advanced Income Capitalization builds on topics covered in the General Appraiser Income Approach/Part 1 and General Appraiser Income Approach/Part 2 courses. It introduces additional topics that a seasoned general appraiser can expect to meet in everyday practice. The course features a limited review of material covered in the previous income courses to maximize the time available for advanced topics.

Please review the FAQs for important information regarding registration; mandatory diagnostic test; online session; and course equivalencies. Click here.

This offering will be based on the recently released 2020-21 version of USPAP.

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.

Click here to order your copy of 2020-21 USPAP directly from The Appraisal Foundation; this publication is not included with the tuition fee.

NEW!  Effective 10/01/19 tuition rate listed below includes the downloadable course handbook materials.  Additional fee(s) apply for those who want the printed course handbook pre-shipped.  Shipping fee determined at time of online checkout.

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.