Certified General

Appraiser: One who is expected to perform valuation services competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective. (USPAP, 2010-11 ed.) U-1, Line 34-35.

Individuals wishing to become certified as a real property appraiser must complete two different but somewhat similar goals. First they must become a Reistered Trainee which every appraiser must do, then earn their certification either as a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser or as a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser by taking the required courses and earning the appropriate number of credits as prescribed by board rules.

The Certified General Appraiser certification may appraise units without regards to transaction value or complexity.

If you wish to become a Certified General Appraiser, you must have sucessfully taken the 90 hours of prerequisite courses to earn the trainee registration. The courses are: Principles, Procedures, Residential Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use, and USPAP). The following courses to earn your general certification may be taken in any order:

General Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use

This 30-hour course is focused on the Collection and Analysis of Data beginning with National and Regional trend data and continuing with Economic Base data, Local Area & Neighborhood data and finally analyzing Site & Improvement data.  All laying the groundwork for the Highest and Best Use Analysis.  Using an open instructional design, each lesson blends theory and practice to engage students while separating textbook material into useful elements.  “In Practice” or case study scenario applications develop critical thinking skills in all real estate-related analysis.  Lessons end with section review questions that reinforce overall understanding.  Case studies contain solution explanations and draw from student participation.  The course is designed to provide a simple and understandable framework that should motivate students to continue their learning experience.

General Sales Comparison Approach

(HP12C FINANCIAL CALCULATOR REQUIRED)

This Appraisal Qualification Board (AQB) approved, 30-hour text is an in-depth look at this valuation methodology. Beginning with property comparability, choosing the most meaningful comparable sales based on strength and weaknesses, making supportable adjustments when necessary, understanding the mathematics behind the adjustment and finally understanding reconciliation from both the clients and the appraiser’s point of view. The course also explores ways to sort and analyze data effectively and understand how to apply certain statistical analysis tools. The textbook also contains many case studies, review questions and practical examples of real world adjustment problems that guide the student to a betted understanding of the material.

General Site Valuation and Cost Approach

(HP12C FINANCIAL CALCULATOR REQUIRED)

An intense, practical, hands-on course that concentrates on two basic aspects of real estate appraisal: basic land/site valuations using various methodology and the development of the cost approach. The textbook contains an in-depth study of the Sales Comparison Approach, the Allocation Method, the Extraction or Abstraction Method, the Absorption or Subdivision Development Method, and finally the Land Residual and Ground Rent Capitalization Methodology in finalizing site valuation values. All of this information leads the student into the cost approach analysis. Case studies offer practice in applying your land analysis to the cost approach and reconciling your work into a final estimate of market value for the property using the cost approach.

General Report Writing and Case Studies

(LAPTOPS and HP12C FINANCIAL CALCULATOR REQUIRED)

This 30-hour course offers the student a in-depth understanding of narrative report writing, reasoning, and effective communication. In addition it covers USPAP compliance. The course is designed around the three types of writing most often used in appraisal reports: descriptive, numerical, and analytical. Case studies, in-class writing exercises and presentations provide excellent guidance in effective communication. Students will write a thesis statement, summarize data, create effective tables, write a conclusion, communicate a highest and best use analysis, write a letter of transmittal, and reconcile an opinion of value. A two-hour exam designed around components of good writing will conclude the course.