General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies

• 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.

Program Overview:

Module 1: Introduction to Reports & Report Writing

Module 2: Setting the Stage: Effective Communication in Narrative Appraisal Reports

Module 3: Planning the Appraisal Report

Module 4: Identification of the Appraisal Problem: Intended Use, Intended User(s) and Property Rights Appraised

Module 5: Identification of the Appraisal Problem: Reporting the Scope of Work

Module 6: Extended Writing Assignment #1: Reporting the Scope of Work

Module 7: Identification of the Appraisal Problem: Property Identification and Description

Module 8: Data Presentation in Narrative Appraisal Reports: Text-based Description

Module 9: Data Presentation in Narrative Appraisal Reports: Extended Writing Assignment #2 – Property Description Paragraph

Module 10: Data Presentation in Narrative Appraisal Reports: Image-based Description

Module 11: Image-based Description: Application and Analysis

Module 12: Reporting Highest and Best Use

Module 13: Reporting Highest and Best Use: Extended Writing Assignment #3

Module 14: Reporting the Cost Approach

Module 15: Extended Writing Assignment #5 - Clarifying Complex Concepts

Module 16: Analyze and Revise: Creating Coherent Arguments

Module 17: Reporting the Sales Comparison Approach

Module 18: Reporting the Sales Comparison Approach: Two Writing Exercises

Module 19: Reporting the Income Capitalization Approach

Module 20: Communicating Data-Dense Analysis: Extended Writing Assignment #7A

Module 21: Communicating Data-Dense Analysis: Extended Writing Assignment #7B

Module 22: Writing Convincing Reconciliations

Module 23: Writing Convincing Reconciliations – Extended Writing Assignment #8

Module 24: Writing Effective Letters of Transmittal

Module 25: Other Information Appraisers Need to Know about Report Writing

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).

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:

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

Requirements:

Online Education FAQ

• Basic Appraisal Principles
• Basic Appraisal Procedures    
• National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Course, 15-Hour   
• General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use
• General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach   
• General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach    
• General Appraiser Income Approach/Part 1    
• General Appraiser Income Approach/Part 2

• The Appraisal of Real Estate, 16th ed.
   
• The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, 8th ed.
   
• Effective Report Writing: A Guide for Appraisers and Reviewers
   
• Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace, 12th ed
   
• The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th ed.