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    Essentials of Effective Communication

    More Info Register
    May 14, 2026
    Date
    May 14, 2026
    Time
    9:00AM - 12:00PM (EST)
    Sponsor
    Atlanta Area Chapter
    Location
    Zoom Livestream
    Zoom Videoconference
    Instructor
    Francois K. Gregoire
    Nicholas D. Pilz, MAI, SRA, AI-RRS
    Class Time
    3
    Full Price
    $145.00
    AI Price
    $125.00
    Enroll by May 8 and save $10!
    View Pricing Options
    Course Description

    If you have recently reviewed education catalogs, you may find that an overwhelming number of appraisal courses available have to do with developing assignment results, often intently focused on methods and techniques. However, communication of assignment results is the only way clients know if we performed correctly.

    Communication begins before an appraisal assignment is even accepted by an appraiser. When the appraisers are first contacted by a client, the thought of the appraisal problem to be solved begins to percolate, sometimes directly with a prospective client and sometimes through email correspondence and information based on research or knowledge at hand. The communication aspect concludes when a completed appraisal is transmitted to the client. Reputation, public trust, and competency are all weighed heavily through what an appraiser says or does not say. The appraisers’ opinions and conclusions are at the very least book ended by communication—and without the correct communication on either end, or as appropriate during an assignment, the assignment results may not be the appropriate solution to the appraisal problem. Clients may be dissatisfied if they must read 10 pages explaining the origin of a town when they just want to know about the effect of a new mixed-use development on the real estate values of the surrounding properties. Conversely, appraisers may have learned that functional issues are persistent in all properties in a particular neighborhood and a non-factor, but the client may not sufficiently understand that issue unless it is properly communicated.

    There is foundational knowledge built within professional standards and within the body of knowledge on appraisal theory about how to develop a credible opinion of value, but the reporting objectives read like a checklist as opposed to a process.

    The 3-hour course, Essentials of Effective Communications, is designed to reintroduce you to the concept of scope of work and communication but from a different perspective—the perspective of how solving the appraisal problem is intrinsic to essential communication. We will do this by dissecting the appraisal problem characteristics, including intended use, intended user, and type and definition of value, to better understand how these characteristics shape the content and structure of appraisal reports and ultimately provide effective communication with our clients.

    Who Should Enroll

    Residential and Commercial Appraisers

    AI CE Points
    Attend:
    15
    State Approvals
    State QE/CE Course & Exam Course Only Exam Only Delivery Format Start Date Expire Date State Code
    AK CE 4 4 Synchronous 07/16/2025 05/22/2028 20724
    AL CE 3 3 Synchronous 09/10/2025 09/30/2026 C03176
    AR CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/16/2025 05/16/2027 AI128
    AZ CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/21/2025 05/22/2028 92983
    CA CE 3 3 Synchronous 07/11/2025 05/28/2029 25CP754601611
    CO CE 3 3 Synchronous 06/03/2025 05/22/2028 2923
    CT CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/14/2025 05/14/2028 AAL.001415
    DC CE 3 3 Synchronous 02/17/2026 02/28/2028
    DE CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/21/2025 05/22/2028 92983
    FL CE 3 3 Synchronous 08/20/2025 08/19/2027 0010918
    GA CE 3 3 Synchronous 06/02/2025 78690
    IA CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/15/2025 05/15/2027 A518-2344
    IL CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/27/2025 12/31/2026 575.010824
    IN CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/21/2025 05/22/2028 92983
    KS CE 3 3 Synchronous 01/01/2026 12/31/2026 C119-33
    KY CE 4 4 Synchronous 07/14/2025 06/30/2026
    LA CE 3 3 Synchronous 09/23/2025 05/22/2028 0410
    MA CE 3 3 Synchronous 06/18/2025 06/18/2027 00120216
    MD CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/21/2025 05/22/2028 92983
    ME CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/21/2025 05/22/2028 92983
    MI CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/08/2025 05/08/2028 20 - 1300365
    MN CE 3 3 Synchronous 07/15/2025 07/31/2027 1039183
    MO CE 3 3 Synchronous 06/17/2025 06/30/2026 0000000076
    MS CE 7 7 Synchronous 07/22/2025 07/22/2027 MAB# 50695
    MT CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/14/2025 05/14/2028 REA-CEC-REC-19308
    NC CE 3 3 Synchronous 01/01/2026 12/31/2026 4743
    ND CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/21/2025 05/22/2028 92983
    NE CE 3 3 Synchronous 07/25/2025 07/25/2030 2253448.02
    NH CE 3 3 Synchronous 06/13/2025 06/13/2027
    NJ CE 3 3 Synchronous 06/18/2025 05/22/2028 2025-3014
    NM CE 3 3 Synchronous 07/02/2025 07/02/2028 4559
    NV CE 3 3 Synchronous 07/31/2025 07/31/2026 CE.0009933-A
    NY CE 3 3 Synchronous 12/19/2025 12/31/2026 A5942-03
    OH CE 3 3 Synchronous 01/01/2026 12/31/2026 084604005A 25
    OK CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/22/2025 05/22/2028 732
    OR CE 3 3 Synchronous 04/30/2025 04/30/2028 APIN-C-0425-9040
    PA CE 3 3 Synchronous 06/05/2025 06/05/2028
    PR CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/21/2025 05/22/2028 92983
    RI CE 3 3 Synchronous 08/07/2025 08/06/2026 REA.0002396-CE
    SD CE 3 3 Synchronous 10/29/2025 10/29/2028 SD90057C
    TN CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/13/2025 07/31/2027 2921
    TX CE 3 3 Synchronous 06/13/2025 06/30/2027 03188-ACE
    UT CE 3 3 Synchronous 08/01/2025 08/31/2027 AC250804
    VA CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/21/2025 05/22/2028 92983
    VT CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/28/2025 05/28/2029 CA-298764
    WA CE 7 7 Synchronous 09/08/2025 05/22/2028 A25026591
    WI CE 3 3 Synchronous 05/21/2025 05/22/2028 92983
    WV CE 3 3 Synchronous 06/17/2025 06/18/2028
    WY CE 3 3 Synchronous 09/03/2025 05/22/2028 2601
    Course Objectives
    • Define key appraisal terms such as "client," "intended user," "intended use," "scope of work," and assignment conditions, emphasizing their role in appraisal problem identification.
    • Describe the three steps of problem-solving—identifying the problem, determining the solution, and applying the solution—and their interdependent nature in appraisal practice.
    • Explain how analyzing assignment elements like property type, characteristics, and purpose guides appraisal problem identification.
    • Discuss the importance of clear communication with clients to establish the appraisal problem, scope of work, and assignment conditions.
    • Define key appraisal terms such as "client," "intended user," "intended use," "scope of work," and assignment conditions, emphasizing their role in appraisal problem identification.
      • Describe the three steps of problem-solving—identifying the problem, determining the solution, and applying the solution—and their interdependent nature in appraisal practice.
      • Explain how analyzing assignment elements like property type, characteristics, and purpose guides appraisal problem identification.
      • Discuss the importance of clear communication with clients to establish the appraisal problem, scope of work, and assignment conditions.
      • Analyze how the independent variables of problem identification (intended use, intended users, type/definition of value) influence dependent variables such as relevant characteristics, effective dates, and assignment conditions.
      • Identify potential consequences of misidentifying assignment elements and explain their impact on the scope of work, credibility, and public trust.
      • Evaluate the relationship between scope of work and appraisal problem identification, focusing on how they ensure credible results.
      • Propose strategies to align the scope of work with professional standards, client expectations, and legal requirements to support meaningful and accurate appraisals. Define the concept of public trust in appraisal reporting and explain its role as the primary objective of professional standards.
      • Identify ethical and procedural objectives that support public trust, including competency, transparency, and accountability.
      • Analyze how development and reporting contribute to credible appraisal results that are "worthy of belief."
      • Differentiate between "use" and "reliance on" in appraisal reports, highlighting their implications for appraiser liability and third-party reliance.
      • Apply the concept of privity to real-world appraisal scenarios and explain how it impacts client relationships and liability.
      • Recognize and address potential misleading information in appraisal reports, focusing on avoiding omissions, unclear language, or subjective proxies.
      • Illustrate the interconnectedness of public trust, credibility, and clear communication in producing meaningful and transparent appraisal results.
      • Develop strategies to ensure appraisal communication avoids misleading statements, maintains credibility, and upholds public trust.
    Course Details

    Program Overview:

    Introduction and overview
    Lesson A: Communication and the Appraisal Problem 

    • Problem Solving Basics
    • Discussion Question
    • Review Key Elements of Appraisal Problem Identification
    • Communication and the Appraisal Problem Characteristics
    • Discussion Question
    • Problem Identification: Intended Use and Intended User
    • Appraiser Negligence and Reasonable Care
      • Duty of Care/Standard of Care
      • Principles based Standards
      • Scope of Work Acceptability
    • Independent and Dependent Variables of Problem Identification
    • Assignment Conditions and Client Conditions 

    Lesson B: Understanding the Objectives (Introduction)

    • Objectives in Appraisal Standards
    • Public Trust
      • What is Trust? 
        o Use versus Reliance On
        o Privity
    • Credible
    • Misleading in Appraisal Reporting vs. Credibility
    • Proxies and Appraisal Jargon
    • Interconnectivity of Public Trust, Credible, and Misleading

    Equipment:

    AI National Synchronous Participation Requirements:

    All students are required to have a computer, webcam, and microphone capability to participate and receive continuing or qualifying education credit where approved.
    It is the student’s responsibility to have the required equipment to participate and receive credit. Visit the System Requirements for Attendees and Share Webcam pages for help.

    Additional Information:

    Location:
     

    This course will be held via live interactive classroom technology. 
     

    State Credit:
     

    A course may NOT be approved in every state for every delivery format. For example, some states do NOT allow any virtual education. When registering for any Appraisal Institute course, all participants will be required to check state approvals based on delivery format. For more information, see our state approvals page.
     
    Connection Information:

    Several minutes after you receive your Appraisal Institute receipt email, you will receive a second email from GoToTraining which will include instructions on connecting to the live session and a link to a small download of the GoToTraining software. The software runs on almost all operating systems and popular browsers. Connection email reminders are sent at specific intervals: 1 week, 1 day, and 1 hour prior to the live session start time. If you do not receive the connection information, please check your junk, spam, or quarantine folders. For questions, please email customerservice@appraisalinstitute.org or call (312) 335-4100. Note: Work devices with strong VPNs or firewalls have trouble connecting to GTT systems. It is recommended to use your personal device or to reach out to your organization’s IT department for assistance prior to the first session.  

    Prerequisites

    None

    Course Materials & Recommended Books
    None
    Pricing Options
    Rate Full Price AI Price
    Early-Bird
    Today thru 05/08/2026
    $145.00 $125.00
    Standard
    05/09/2026 thru 05/14/2026
    $155.00 $135.00
    Additional Course Offerings
    Sponsor Date Location Format
    South Florida Chapter September 24, 2026 Synchronous View Details Register
    East Florida Chapter September 24, 2026 Synchronous View Details Register
    Northeast Florida Chapter September 24, 2026 Synchronous View Details Register
    Florida Gulf Coast Chapter September 24, 2026 Synchronous View Details Register
    Event Information

    CLASS SCHEDULE:

    May 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (ET)

    LOCATION:

    Zoom Livestream Videoconference

    REQUIRED EQUIPMENT & TECHNOLOGY:

    • basic free Zoom Application software (https://zoom.us/pricing)
    • reliable internet connection
    • computer, iPad, or tablet
    • web camera (built into laptop computer or external attachment)
    • audio with speaker and microphone capability (built into your computer, headphone, or earbuds)

    NEW TO ZOOM?:

    If you are new to ZOOM or need a little refresher, please take their FREE tutorial Getting Started Guide.

    https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/article?id=zm_kb&sysparm_article=KB0061316&utm_source=chatgpt.com

    PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:

    To participate and receive continuing education credit, students must meet the following requirements:

    • Technology: A reliable internet connection, a computer or tablet with a functioning webcam, speakers, and microphone.
    • Webcam: Must be on and VISIBLE at all times. Adjust privacy settings to allow Zoom access. Lenovo laptop users may need the Lenovo Vantage App for webcam functionality.
    • Zoom: No paid Zoom account is needed, but students must sign up for a free basic account at Zoom.us and install the Zoom app before the seminar.
    • Interactive Platform & Experience: The seminar is live and interactive; the instructor and students must be able to see and interact with one another.
    • Environment: Students must participate from a distraction-free location to ensure full attention and engagement.
    • Identity Verification: Email a copy of your driver's license or other photo ID (with private information concealed except for your full name and photo) to the Chapter office after registration and before the seminar begins.

    Registrants will receive a separate email from Suzanne Brockway, approximately 24 hours before class, with Zoom login information. Contact the chapter office if you have any questions regarding the participation guidelines, at Suzanne.Brockway@appraisalinstitute.org.

    ATTENDANCE POLICY:

    To receive AI and State credit, 100% attendance is required for all Appraisal Institute education programs.

    • attendance will be monitored throughout the day, via webcam and zoom chat roll call
    • students are required to be visible on the virtual platform during the entirety of class time
    • students are required to be in front of the camera with the camera in the on position (100% of the time)
    • instructor may direct questions to each student throughout the class day
    • Important: Please have your photo ID ready at the start of class. To expedite check-in, we will view all attendees’ IDs at the same time and take a screenshot. We recommend covering private information on your ID except your full name and photo.   

    STUDENT SEMINAR MATERIAL:

    Tuition includes a downloadable set of materials. It does not include a shipped printed set of material. You must purchase printed materials separately, during the registration process.  Student material is automatically provided to ALL students via a download option. Please have your computer/reader available with the downloaded material or have a printed copy of the material with you. If you would like to receive a printed copy of the student material, you will have an option during the registration process to order a set. Students requesting printed material will be charged a material fee plus shipping in addition to the tuition. (Note that if you do not receive the material shipment in time for class, please download or print a copy of the material from the Education and Events section of your AI account.)

    How to Download Materials?

    • Sign into your AI Account at www.appraisalinstitute.org with the username and password you used when you registered.
    • Click on “Education and Events” located on the right navigation menu.
    • On the My Events page, find the course under the “Classroom Offerings/Synchronous Offerings/Conferences” heading and click the "View" button.
    • Scroll down to the “Download Course Materials” section and click on each link to download the course materials.