Looking Ahead

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". 

Sandy Adomatis, SRA, has graciously agreed to be our guest on our next chapter WIC zoom chat on June 2^nd!  Sandy is going to talk about her career path along with her work in the energy efficiency realm.  As you all know, Sandy is an amazing role model and an inspiration to all valuation professionals.  It’s a great opportunity to get to know her and keep the ball rolling! 

Most recently, Ms. Adomatis was awarded the Appraisal Institute's prestigious 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her demonstrated high ethical standards, contributions to the Appraisal Institute at the chapter, regional, national and/or international level(s), service to her community and contribution to the appraisal profession.

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!  All are Welcome!

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

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

It’s goal is to attract, support, promote and maintain residential appraisers

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.  Whether you are new to the profession or a lifetime professional, join in the 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.

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)

The revival of this long-standing networking and educational is "under construction".

Our 2021 debut offering will be "virtual" and plan to "go LIVE" and host it in the scenic Monterey Bay area in 2022!

If you have topic ideas or are interested in participating in the planning process, please connect with Chris Daniel, SRA.

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.

Watch for details on our information packed 2-hour virtual workshop "The Not-So Common Appraisals that the IRS Reviews". 

Following the workshop we will hold a brief chapter meeting to catch up on Local, Regional and National issues and provide an opportunity for attendees to network with peers, colleagues, and perhaps even potential clients!

Instructor: Justin Slack, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

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.

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 before registering. 
  
  
• Those seeking credit from states outside of California are strongly encouraged to check directly with their state licensing board(s) to confirm that the specific state(s) will (1) accept virtual / classroom education, (2) accepts education from an out-of-state provider and/or (3) offers reciprocal credit since the offering is approved by the CA BREA.
  
  
• This virtual program is approved for 7-hours of California BREA CEC.
  
  
• Instruction will be held via Interactive Technology (ZOOM) and is based on the "live" classroom version that falls under the temporary exemption for virtual / classroom education due to COVID / SIP restrictions. 
  
  
• It is the student's responsibility to have the required equipment - dependable Internet access, computer, webcam and microphone, agrees that attendance will be monitored and to to forward their Photo ID/ Driver's License to the Chapter Office upon completing your online registration.

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.