The Appraiser as an Expert Witness: Preparation and Testimony

This two-day course introduces the basic concepts and strategies needed to engage in litigation valuation. It explores the scope of activities appraisers can expect in a legal action, including assessing the status of a case, developing a USPAP-compliant appraisal without preparing a written report, and understanding legal terminology and jargon. The course addresses how litigation assignments differ from lender assignments and how to market appraisal services to litigation clients. Participants work in small groups to practice effective deposition and direct testimony techniques. A mock trial with a residential case study gives them the opportunity to experience a realistic courtroom environment in which to polish their skills.

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.

Some AI educational programs may not be approved in every state and every delivery format. To see a list of all state approvals across all formats for this course, please use the link below.

View all approvals for this course

• Experienced residential and general real property appraisers interested in exploring litigation valuation as a specialty
• Real estate professionals
• Users of appraisal services
• Attorneys

• Describe the general process of a lawsuit involving real property valuation.
• Identify the mechanics and strategies of a deposition and direct testimony.
• Identify the requirements to communicate and defend an opinion of value in a courtroom setting.

• Basic Appraisal Principles
• Basic Appraisal Procedures

Yes, 1 hours

Intermediate

Attend: 150 AI Points,  Attend and Pass Exam: 200 AI Points,  Pass Only: 0 AI Points

14 hours

No

Table of Contents and Overview
Course Schedule

• A financial calculator is required. The accepted model used in the program is the HP-12C. AI education programs that require a financial calculator are developed with HP-12C keystrokes; using this model is highly recommended.
• You must be familiar with calculator operation when the program begins. Do not enroll expecting to be taught how to use a financial calculator.
• Free Review: Using a Financial Calculator: Formulas, Symbols, Math Review, and Sample Problems; and Financial Calculator Practice Exercises.
• For additional help with the HP-12C calculator, take our online seminar Using Your HP-12C Financial Calculator.
• HP-12C calculator User’s Manual.
  

Course Materials Include:

• Course Handbook (259 pp.)
• Reference List (10 pp.)

You will be asked to clear the calculator’s memory before and after the examination. Only one calculator is permitted in the testing room. Examinees taking most AI exams may bring their own calculator to use during the exam. Laptops, cellular phones, tablets, iPads, wearable technology (smart watch, Apple Watch, Google Glass, etc.), and other devices that can store data or connect to the Internet are NOT permitted during the exam. In addition, all watches, wallets, bags, and purses must be removed and stored out of reach prior to taking the exam.

• Applications in Litigation Valuation: A Pragmatist’s Guide
• Real Property Valuation in Condemnation