New Education Programs

NEW! Case Studies in Appraising Green Commercial Buildings

As governmental mandates continue to filter down to all local communities, and buyers, sellers, developers and financiers of real estate market assess the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability, it is imperative that appraisers become familiar with the concepts of green building. This course provides practical application of techniques available to commercial appraisers. Beginning with a brief review of green principles and concepts, the course focuses on in-depth commercial case studies that explore techniques for valuation. Participants will increase their knowledge of commercial green projects and become familiar with numerous resources to help them document the appraisal process.

COMING SOON! Residential and Commercial Valuation in Solar

This course will help you understand the PV solar panel system, how it works, and how to apply techniques to value them. Mini case studies will provide a hands-on approach to value and the opportunity to brainstorm with your peers.

NEW! Residential Green Description Made Easy

Calling all green appraisers!  Green appraisers are finding themselves in an elite group.  Having the knowledge to produce a credible report on an unusual property type is what gives them a competitive edge.  As new construction increases around the country, all residential appraisers will wish they were green appraisers with unique knowledge on high performance home features and how to report it!

NEW! Marketability Studies: Advanced Considerations and Applications

This seminar will provide practical, hands-on training for advanced appraisers in the development and application of level C market analysis in valuation appraisals.  Students will bring laptops to class to solve specific problems relating to market analysis (i.e. supply/demand) as well as applications of market analysis to highest and best use and valuation.

NEW! UAD Aftereffects: Efficiency vs. Obligation

UAD Aftereffects: Efficiency vs. Obligation was developed for all appraisers affected by the implementation of the Uniform Appraisal Dataset and Uniform Collateral Data Portal from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who wish to stay apprised of appraisal-related guideline changes and guidance provided by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on these topics to clarify ambiguities and further refine nuances of the UAD and UCDP.

NEW! Complex Litigation Appraisal Case Studies (Eminent Domain)

This one-day seminar will use the latest edition of the Real Estate Valuation in Litigation textbook that will be published in 2012. Students will use this text instead of a seminar handbook. In addition to its focus on case studies covered in greater detail than what’s possible in manuscript form, this seminar will use case studies to illustrate and reinforce specific litigation appraising skills which are also found in the textbook. Three case studies will be presented, beginning with least complex and concluding with the most complex. The morning session will include two case studies, and the afternoon will be devoted to the third and most complex case study.

NEW! International Financial Reporting Standards for the Real Property Appraiser

Most countries in the world, including the United States, have either adopted International Financial Reporting Standards, are in the process of doing so, or are converging their national accounting and financial reporting systems (such as the U.S.'s Generally Accepted Accounting Principles [GAAP]) to comply with IFRS. The United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is actively pursuing a policy of convergence between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The adoption or convergence with IFRS significantly impacts the valuation profession and affects how all assets and liabilities are appraised for the purpose of financial reporting. This practical course will help valuation professionals understand the relevant parts of the International Financial Reporting Standards that affect the valuation profession, including the use of common standards, terminology, and definitions. By working through international case studies, participants will learn the procedures for conducting fair valuation of fixed assets for financial reporting and how to conduct a test for asset impairment.

COMING SOON! International Valuation Standards Involving Real Estate

This course provides an overview of the standards that affect real estate found within the 2011 International Valuation Standards. A working knowledge of IVS will foster both ethical behavior and competent practice. By becoming familiar with IVS, international valuation professionals and valuation professionals with international assignments will gain a high level of public trust and confidence which benefits the real estate valuation profession in the USA and overseas.

NEW! Appraising the Appraisal: Appraisal Review–Residential

Appraisal review requires a different skill set than traditional appraisal work. In this seminar, career professionals will gain invaluable insights into client expectations regarding the content and quality demanded by review assignments. Designed specifically for residential appraisers who also review appraisals, the seminar presents methods for performing review assignments efficiently and effectively.

NEW! Marketability Studies: The Six-Step Process and Basic Applications

The Six-Step Process and Basic Applications will help you understand the fundamentals of market analysis while taking you, step-by-step, through two real world case studies. You’ll leave this seminar with practical exposure and new insights to basic market analysis whether you are a newer or more experienced practitioner!

NEW! Practical Regression Using Excel

In this new seminar you’ll learn how Microsoft Excel©, basic statistics, and simple regression can help solve many everyday valuation problems. Recently, there has been more emphasis on the need to “show your work,” especially in loan valuations, particularly in the area of trend and market analysis.

NEW! Quantitative Analysis
The new 35-hour Quantitative Analysis course implements a blended learning approach, which includes a pre-class, two-hour online session combined with 30 hours of traditional classroom education and wraps up with a three-hour exam on the fifth morning.

NEW! Residential Applications: Using Technology to Measure and Support Assignment Results
This seminar will provide practical, hands-on, step-by-step training for residential appraisers in the use of charts, graphs, spreadsheets, and pivot tables to support residential assignment results. Participants will utilize their own laptop computers during the seminar to solve specific problems relating to market analysis and the three approaches to value.

NEW! Fundamentals of Separating Real Property, Personal Property, and Intangible Business Assets
This course provides the theoretical and analytical framework for separating the tangible and intangible assets of operating properties. Through discussion, lecture, readings, and case studies, participants will apply the theory of the firm and the concept of economic profit to the solution of problems related to ad valorem taxation, eminent domain, loan underwriting, and transaction price allocation.

NEW! Appraising the Appraisal: Appraisal Review—General
The art of appraisal review requires a skill set that is distinctly different from that of a field appraiser. Through this one-day seminar, professional appraisers will gain invaluable insight into client expectations regarding content and quality.

NEW! Valuation in Challenging Markets
This four-day course incorporates international economics, finance, business practice, and law and regulation in practical case studies which include a variety of property types and business activities that reflect different types of valuation by purpose and use.