Looking Ahead

Still Time to Register!

2020 marks the 70th 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.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be retooling this year's conference - we are going virtual! 

Keynote: Dr. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics

Seeking Economic Clarity: A Chief Economist's Vision
THE POLICIES, THE PLAYERS and THE PERSPECTIVES

Breakout topics to include

• Appraising in Uncertain Times: Best Practices to Manage Risk and Liability
  
• Bay Area Commercial Market Update and Outlook (R+D, Office, Industrial, Retail)
• Residential Hot Topics
• Hospitality, Convention, Sports & Entertainment: Impact of COVID-19 on Assets with Perishable Inventory
  
• Multi-Family Market Update
• Construction Costs
  
• Appraising After a Major Market Disruption: Guidance for the Residential Appraiser
  
• Residential Highest and Best Use
  

Presenters
Peter Christensen, Attorney, Christensen Law Firm
Colin Yasukochi, Executive Director, Tech Insights Center, CBRE
Greg Matter, Managing Director, Northern California Industrial Co-Head, JLL
Thomas Hazinski, Managing Director, HVS Convention, Sports and Entertainment
Rebecca Frederick, Appraiser, Valbridge Property Advisors
Dr. Randy Bell, Real Estate Damage Economics, LLC.
Neil Smith, SRA, Neil Smith Appraisal Services
Rob Caringella, MAI, Jones, Roach & Caringella, Inc.
Don Welsh, President and CEO, Destinations International
Steve Roach, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS Jones, Roach & Caringella, Inc.
Clint Delmar, Senior Credit Risk Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Judy Plock, Senior Risk Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Ross Thompson, Corporate Controller, Chase Center and Golden State Warriors
John Brenan, Chief Appraiser, Clear Capital
Debra Carlton, Executive Vice President - State Public Affairs, California Apartment Association
Joshua Howard, Executive Vice President, Local Public Affairs, California Apartment Association
Dean Lewis, Project Manager, Swinerton
Ryan Lorenzini, MAI, Director, The Claremont Companies, LLC
Chris Riley, Sr. Reviewer, Mechanics Bank

Additional presenters to be announced

This informal 1-hour chat will focus on relevant (and even perhaps controversial) ballot propositions for San Francisco

Registrants will connect using ZOOM interactive technology.  For the full zoom experience, registrants will need a computer, Internet access, webcam, and a microphone.  New to ZOOM?  Take their FREE tutorial on How to Join a Meeting.

Topic:  November 2020 SF Ballot Propositions

Time:  7:45am - 8:00am Meet & Greet        8:00am - 9:00am Informational Exchange

Details:  Participation is complimentary.  CEC is not available.

Moderator: Melissa Bach, MAI

RSVP Required:  Watch for registration to open soon

Presenter: Herb S. Smart

California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was signed into law in 2014, bringing with it monumental change in the way groundwater is managed in the state. 

The deadline is fast approaching for water management agencies to provide completed sustainability plans.  Visit with us virtually as Herb Smart, from the Turlock Irrigation District, provides an update on how TID is coordinating their action plan with active community involvement.  Whether you practice in the California’s Central Valley or in other agriculture areas, this is a timely topic to learn how these issues are being addressed.

This will be a 1-hour informational (no-CEC) virtual presentation.

Time:  4:00 - 5:00pm

Tuition:  It's FREE!  Advanced registration will be required.

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.

In light of the current situation surrounding COVID-19, and in response to recent guidance from the Governor and the California Department of Public Health, a decision has been made to postpone this event. 

We are working on alternatives - Watch for details.

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a full service hotel?  See the "back of house" and many other aspects of the newly opened Grand Hyatt at SFO, including examples of the:

• 351 guestrooms
• 14,435 sq. ft. of flexible event space
• 5,760 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom and a 2,310 sq. ft. Junior Ballroom
• 8,000 sq. ft. of pre-function area
• 18 meeting rooms ideal for fly-in / fly-out groups
• Direct connectivity to all SFO terminals via the hotel’s own AirTrain Station
• Quail & Crane Restaurant
• Twin Crafts Market & Bar
• Hyatt StayFit gym

Following a management-led tour of the new facility and then gather in the hotel bar for networking with other Counselors and Appraisal Institute members.

This unique event is jointly sponsored by the Northern California Chapters of the Appraisal Institute and Counselors of Real Estate.  There is no CEC available for this event.

Get Connected with those in the Central Valley and Beyond!

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.

More details coming soon!

Our most popular seminar returns in the Fall of 2020!  Only this time - it's VIRTUAL and will be offered as a half-day morning session.  Applications for 3-hours of Appraisal Institute, BREA and SBE CEC will be submitted.

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.  Presenter Tony Correia is recognized as a leading authority on the valuation of vineyards and wineries, and has been in the real estate appraisal business since 1972.

But wait, there is more!
Find out what is happening to vineyard property values in the western region.  Each of the panelists are experts in their local market area and will provide the valuable firsthand knowledge of what is happening on the front lines.  What properties are selling?  Where is demand coming from?  What property features are desirable, and which are not.  What trends are you noticing? 

• Wine Market Update
• Real Estate Agents: Reporting from the Front Lines
• Hot Topics from the Vineyards:  Trends, Fires & Smoke and The Pandemic

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.

About the Workshop:  California Rent Control - New Changes for Residential Income Analysis

Developer and Instructor: Denis DeSaix, MAI, SRA

In California, rent control has been a local jurisdiction issue, typically approved by a city’s or county’s voters.  Beginning in 2020, there will be a state-wide rent control ordinance that will cover all jurisdctions not currently affected by local rent control and can also impact those jurisdictions with existing rent control ordinances.  This is a significant change that has a direct impact on the evaluation and analysis of residential (one-unit and multi-unit) rental properties.   Denis DeSaix, MAI, SRA, will provide an overview of the new law and the potential impact it will have in appraising residential rental properties.  Points of discussion will include:

• An overview of the new regulations
• What’s exempt and what’s not
• How a market with existing rent control can be affected
• Valuing a rent-controlled property
• Analyzing Physical Characteristics vs. Economic Characteristics
• Understand the relationship between GRMs/Cap Rates and Market or Below Market Rents
• 1-4 unit appraisal impact of rent control- it does matter!

Whether you are a commercial or residential appraiser, the new rent control laws will affect your appraisal analysis if the property is an apartment building, a 2-4 residential income property, and possibly a SFR or Condominium rental property.  Come join us for this informative presentatoin and be prepared as this new law takes effect.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Time:  Online Check-in: 11:30am       
Instruction (including required exam): 12:00pm - 5:00pm

A Special Note About Registering: 

• Never attended an Appraisal Institute Offering or not yet updated your password / log-in since October 1, 2019? Follow these simple steps (click link) before registering. 
  
  
• Those seeking credit from states outside of California are strongly encouraged to check with their state licensing board(s) to confirm that the specific state(s) will accept virtual / online education from an out-of-state provider.
  
  
• Instruction will be held via Interactive Technology (ZOOM) and is based on the "live" version that falls under the temporary exemption for virtual / online education due to COVID / SIP restrictions.  This program is approved by the California BREA.

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.

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.

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.