Ncappraisalinstitute is hiring: General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studie

General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies

Date: November 10-13, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (CST)

Sponsor: Chicago Chapter

Location: DePaul University - Loop Campus
1 E. Jackson
Room 8206
Chicago, IL 60614

Instructor: Joseph C. Magdziarz, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

Class Time: 28 hours
Exam Time: 2 Hours

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.

Who Should Enroll:

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

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 “MyAI Account” from the drop-down menu).

Equipment:

• Laptop computer, word processing software, and spreadsheet software required.
• A four-function calculator is required, but a financial calculator is not needed.
• The Excel spreadsheet, Part 14 Leasing Status Exercise Student Version must be downloaded during registration. Please be sure to bring this download to class.

Additional Information:

• Course Handbook (522 pp.)
• Solutions Booklet (136 pp.)
• 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.

This class is at DePaul University's Loop Campus at 1 E Jackson. Before 8:30 a.m., you need to enter through 333 S. State. Take the first left, and then find the elevators on the right. Take the elevator to the 8th floor.

Food will not be provided in this class. However, there are many options in the building for coffee and snacks.

The Chicago Chapter will not provide printed materials for this class. You are required to order the printed materials ahead of time. You are required to bring a laptop and your calculator to class.

The class is 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mon-Thursday. On Friday, the class begins at 8:30 am, and then you take the exam; once you complete the exam, you may leave. Expect to be done before Noon.