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    General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies

    More Info Register
    May 7-10, 2025 Braintree, MA
    Date
    May 7-10, 2025
    Time
    8:00AM - 5:00PM (EST)
    Sponsor
    Massachusetts Rhode Island and Maine Chapter
    Location
    Hyatt Place Boston Braintee
    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
    Full Price
    $609.00
    AI Price
    $559.00
    Enroll by April 23 and save $60!
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    Course Description
    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.

     

    Objectives:

    • Identify the nature of appraisal reports and report requirements.
    • Identify the basic principles of grammar and effective report writing.
    • Practice writing descriptive sections of appraisal reports.
    • Practice writing sections of appraisal reports that include extensive numerical material.
    • Practice writing analytical sections of appraisal reports.
    Who Should Enroll
    • Those seeking general real property appraiser certification
    • Appraisers who want to improve their writing skills
    AI CE Points
    Attend:
    175
    Attend & Pass Exam:
    225
    Pass Only:
    200
    State Approvals
    State QE/CE Course & Exam Course Only Exam Only Delivery Format Approval Format Start Date Expire Date State Code
    AK CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 04/05/2022 06/13/2025 18763
    AK QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/05/2022 06/13/2025 18763
    AR CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 04/13/2024 04/11/2026 A1066
    AR QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/13/2024 04/11/2026 A1066
    AZ CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    AZ CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    AZ QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    CA CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 02/03/2023 02/02/2027 07754115
    CA QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 02/03/2023 02/02/2027 07754115
    CO CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 03/25/2022 06/13/2025 2172
    CO CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 03/25/2022 06/13/2025 2172
    CO QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 03/25/2022 06/13/2025 2172
    CT CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 04/13/2022 04/13/2025 AAL.000927
    CT QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/13/2022 04/13/2025 APR.000253
    DC CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 02/29/2024 02/28/2026 6112
    DC QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 02/29/2024 02/28/2026 6111
    DE CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    DE CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    DE QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    FL QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 10/25/2023 10/24/2025 0008054
    GA CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 06/25/2007 06/13/2025 74115
    GA CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/26/2007 06/13/2025 74115
    GA QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/26/2007 06/13/2025 74115
    HI CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/13/2022 12/31/2024 22-237, 23-379
    HI CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 06/13/2022 12/31/2024 22-237, 23-379
    HI QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2024 12/31/2024 23-379
    IA CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 04/05/2022 06/13/2025 A518-1235
    IA CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/05/2022 06/13/2025 A518-1236
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    ID CE 30 27 3 Classroom Classroom 03/29/2022 06/13/2025
    ID QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 03/29/2022 06/13/2025
    IL CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2023 12/31/2024 575.010496
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    IN CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    IN CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    IN QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    KS CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2024 12/31/2024 192.C24.R
    KS QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2024 12/31/2024 312.P24.R
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    LA CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 09/09/2019
    LA QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 09/09/2019
    MA CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/14/2022 06/13/2025 120139
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    MD CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    MD QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    ME CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
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    MI CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 08/25/2022 06/13/2025 1013
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    MN CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/01/2023 05/31/2025 1002464
    MO CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/14/2022 06/13/2025
    MO QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/14/2022 06/13/2025
    MS CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 04/29/2024 06/13/2025 MAB #7285
    MS QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/29/2024 06/13/2025 MAB #7285
    MT CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/09/2022 12/09/2024 REA-CEC-REC-14627, REA-CEC-REC-15312
    MT QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/09/2022 12/09/2024 REA-CEC-REC-14627, REA-CEC-REC-15312
    NC QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2024 12/31/2024
    ND CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/06/2007 QE2706
    ND QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/06/2007 QE2706
    NE QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 11/19/2018 1181447.02
    NH CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 05/11/2022 06/13/2025
    NH CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 05/11/2022 06/13/2025
    NH QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/14/2023 06/13/2025
    NJ CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 04/20/2022 2022-3451
    NJ QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/20/2022 2022-3451
    NM CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 03/25/2022 06/13/2025 4071
    NM CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 03/25/2022 06/13/2025 4071
    NM QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 03/25/2022 06/13/2025 4071
    NY CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2024 12/31/2024 A3040-28
    NY QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 10/01/2024 09/30/2025 Q0215-G8
    OH CE 27 27 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2024 12/31/2024 084400404A 22
    OH QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 05/03/2007 06/13/2025 79268
    OK CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 06/03/2022 06/13/2025 740
    OK QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/03/2022 06/13/2025 634
    OR CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 05/17/2022 06/13/2025 APIN-Q-0522-8929
    OR QE 30 27 3 Classroom Classroom 05/17/2022 06/13/2025 APIN-Q-0522-8929
    PA CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 04/07/2022 06/12/2025
    PA QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/07/2022 06/13/2025
    PR CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    PR CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    PR QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    RI CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 04/01/2022 06/13/2025 REA.0001857-CE
    RI QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/01/2022 06/13/2025 REA.0001857-CE
    SC CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 09/01/2024 08/31/2026 AC . 2021
    SC QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 09/01/2024 08/31/2026 AC . 2021
    SD CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 05/04/2023 05/04/2026 SD 448
    SD QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 05/04/2023 05/04/2026 SD 448
    TN CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 06/01/2023 05/31/2025 1082
    TN CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 05/01/2024 04/30/2026 2582
    TN QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/01/2023 05/31/2025 1082
    TX QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 06/13/2022 06/13/2025 TX Provider #:8038 Course #:49582
    UT CE 30 30 Classroom Classroom 09/01/2023 08/31/2025 AQ220306
    UT QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 03/15/2022 03/31/2026 AQ220306, AQ240308
    VA CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    VA CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    VA QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 12/01/2023 11/30/2025 4006000481
    VT CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 12/10/2020 04/26/2026
    VT QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 12/10/2020 04/01/2026
    WA CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 04/08/2022 06/13/2025 A2015
    WA QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/08/2022 06/13/2025 A2015
    WI CE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    WI CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    WI QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 01/01/2022 06/13/2025 79268
    WV CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 06/23/2022 06/13/2025
    WV QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 04/04/2022 06/13/2025
    WY CE 28 28 Classroom Classroom 03/30/2022 03/30/2025
    WY QE 30 28 2 Classroom Classroom 03/30/2022 03/30/2025
    Course Objectives
    See descriptions above
    Course Details

    Program Overview:
    Table of Contents and Overview
    Course Schedule

    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:

    Course Materials Include:

    • Course Handbook (522 pp.)
    • Solutions Booklet (136 pp.)
    • Student Letter (1 p.)
    • 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.

    Requirements:
    None specified

    Additional Course Offerings
    Sponsor Date Location Format
    Appraisal Institute On Demand Online View Details Register
    Philadelphia Metropolitan Chapter October 6-9, 2025 Willow Grove, PA Classroom View Details Register
    Chicago Chapter November 10-13, 2025 Chicago, IL Classroom View Details Register
    Event Information

    Course Location/Schedule:


    Hyatt Place, 50 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA


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


    Classroom Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm unless other 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.