Ncappraisalinstitute is hiring: General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studie

General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies

Date: May 7-10, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EST)
Sponsor: Massachusetts Rhode Island and Maine Chapter
Location: Hyatt Place Boston Braintree
50 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA 02184

Instructor: Mark V. Smeltzer, Sr., MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS
Class Time: 28 hours
Exam Time: 2 Hours

This course emphasizes the importance of strong writing and effective organization of an appraisal report, which are as 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 you 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.

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.

Check-in: 8:00 AM on May 7, 2025

Classroom Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM unless otherwise stated by the instructor.

Course Attendance: One hundred percent (100%) attendance is required for all Appraisal Institute education programs. Credit and a course completion certificate can only be issued by attending 100% of the course. Please plan accordingly and be on time as late arrival or leaving early could jeopardize your receiving a certificate of attendance.

Course Materials/Breaks: A downloaded copy of materials is included in tuition.

Overnight Accommodations: We now have a discounted rate for students attending AI programs who wish to book overnight accommodations. Contact the Chapter office for details.