General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies

Description

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.
 
Objectives:
  • Identify the nature of appraisal reports and report requirements.
  • Identify and apply principles of grammar, punctuation, and usage specific to report writing.
  • Recognize and apply a variety of written communication tools and methods to best convey an assignment’s results.
  • Identify the importance of the intended user when writing an appraisal report.
  • Practice presenting appraisal analysis and conclusions clearly and effectively.
  • Understand the interconnectedness of the appraisal process and how to achieve a consistent and coherent appraisal report.
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses of image-based description in appraisal reports, and practice designing effective graphs and tables.
 
Current Online Version:
 
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:

  • Identify the nature of appraisal reports and report requirements.
  • Identify the basic principles of grammar and effective report writing.
  • Practice writing descriptive sections of appraisal reports.
  • Practice writing sections of appraisal reports that include extensive numerical material.
  • Practice writing analytical sections of appraisal reports.
 
 
 
Sponsor Date Location Delivery Format Check
State Approvals
 
Appraisal Institute On Demand Online  Check Register
Appraisal Institute October 17-27, 2023 Synchronous  Check Register
Philadelphia Metropolitan Chapter October 30 - November 2, 2023 King of Prussia, PA Classroom  Check Register
Chicago Chapter November 27-30, 2023 Chicago, IL Classroom  Check Register

Program State Approval & Hours

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

Who should Enroll

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

Objectives

See descriptions above

Prerequisites


Exam

Yes, 2 hours

Level

Intermediate

Appraisal Institute CE Points

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

Class Time

28 hours

Assignments

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).


Program Overview


Required and/or Recommended Equipment

Classroom & Synchronous

Online
  • A financial calculator is required. The accepted model used in the program is the HP-12C

System Requirements

Classroom & Synchronous
None specified

Online

Additional Information

Classroom

Course Materials Include:

  • Course Handbook (522 pp.)
  • Solutions Booklet (136 pp.) 
  • Student Letter (1 p.)
  • Quick Grammar Guide Laminated Handout (2 pp.)
  • DOWNLOAD ONLY: Part_14_Leasing_Status_Exercise_Student_Version_Before (EXCEL file 68 KB)
 Required and/or Recommended Equipment:

·         A laptop computer is required.

·         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.

 
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.

 

Online

Exam:
You will have 90 days from the time that you complete the course to take the proctored, offline exam. Testing center locations in your area can be found by clicking on this link:www.pearsonvue.com/ai.
Exam FAQ

Online Course Access
Go to www.appraisalinstitute.org and log in with the username and password you used when you registered. Click on the red “My Account” button if you are not automatically taken to your account page.
1. Click "Education and Events" on the right navigation menu.
2. Find the course under the 

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