General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies

This course emphasizes how strong writing and effective organization of an appraisal report are as powerful and essential as solid analysis. You’ll develop skills and strategies to harness language so that your value conclusion is clear and convincing to the intended user. Developing a credible opinion of value is only part of the appraisal process. Reporting it effectively conveys the appraiser’s competence. A poorly written report diminishes the credibility of even the most competent research and analysis. An appraiser who can combine robust analytical skills with strong communication skills gains a compelling competitive advantage. Through instruction and practice, you’ll learn how to effectively communicate a sound valuation analysis. Discussions and writing exercises use a variety of property types and valuation scenarios to address common issues specific to appraisal report writing. Real-world examples allow you to apply writing concepts including organization, writing tone, integration of image-based content, coherent sentence and paragraph structure, and the revision and editing process. Extended writing assignments focus on common appraisal writing challenges such as explaining the derivation and application of quantitative adjustments, communicating data-dense analysis, presenting highest and best use analysis, and writing an appropriate scope of work.
This course provides instruction in effectively communicating a sound analysis of selected parts of a valuation. It 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. You will use data provided in case studies as the basis for writing assignments that will help them recognize and produce effective reports.

 

Objectives:

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• Those seeking general real property appraiser certification
• Appraisers who want to improve their writing skills

See descriptions above

• Basic Appraisal Principles
• Basic Appraisal Procedures    
• National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Course, 15-Hour   
• General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use
• General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach   
• General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach    
• General Appraiser Income Approach/Part 1    
• General Appraiser Income Approach/Part 2

Yes, 2 hours

Intermediate

Attend: 175 AI Points,  Attend and Pass Exam: 225 AI Points,  Pass Only: 200 AI Points

28 hours

Yes. After you register for this class, please go to your Education and Events page for details on what you must complete BEFORE class begins.

To access your Education and Events page, log on to the Appraisal Institute website at https://ai.appraisalinstitute.org/eweb (click on the three horizontal lines to the left of the AI logo and select “My AI Account” from the drop-down menu).

Classroom & Synchronous

Online

Classroom & Synchronous

Online

Classroom & Synchronous

Online

Classroom

Online

• The Appraisal of Real Estate, 15th ed.
  
• The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, 7th ed.
  
• Effective Report Writing: A Guide for Appraisers and Reviewers
  
• Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace, 12th ed
  
• The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed.