Upzoning Appraising – “Using Highest & Best Use (HBU) Analysis”

     Single-family residential zoning in America is under attack! Cities across the U.S. are facing a shortage of affordable housing. As a result, housing advocates, builders, realtors, policy makers, and legislators have formed an alliance to promote a solution. The alliances’ solution is legislation to increase density in cities across the country.

     This legislative movement is commonly called Upzoning. And is popping up all over the

country from Austin, TX to Washington State, as well as, California, Minnesota to name a few.  These laws dramatically reduce the number of parcels that are available for only single-family residential use. Moreover, Upzoning legislation has a huge effect on how appraisers do their jobs.

     A broad range of practical topics are discussed in this class. For example, this class introduces the concepts of Upzoning, and how this legislation impacts the appraisal process. Intended and unintended consequences of Upzoning are discussed. A Highest & Best Use (HBU) refresher, and practical analysis related to Upzoning appraising is presented. And finally, there is a discussion of workfile related issues with regards to Upzoning HBU analysis. This class is a must for all appraisers, wanting to up their game by enhancing their marketability, and differentiating themselves from the competition.