Pennsylvania Appraiser
Continuing Education (CE) Classes

An overview of the 2020-2021 updates to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

The core of this course focuses on the 2020-2021 Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice updates as set forth by the Appraisal Standards Board of The Appraisal Foundation. Also included are issues that appraisers face in their daily appraisal assignments, as well as common USPAP violations.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider
• Classroom/Live Course Approved as '2020-2021 7-Hour National USPAP Update Course'

Learn how to approach green properties in an appraisal.

Green features have become increasingly common in the marketplace, so it is important for appraisers to understand how to approach these properties in an appraisal. This course defines green building principles and terms and provides an overview of emerging trends around green building and energy efficiency. Considerations for Green Home Appraisals also highlights tools that can guide appraisers from scope of work to final appraisal report, including valuation advisories, green certifications, and energy labels. From there, the course offers guidance for appraisers to determine competency and adjust for sustainable and energy-efficient features in a green appraisal. Two case studies allow students to work through theoretical appraisal assignments.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included

A detailed overview of the Pennsylvania Appraisers Certification Act.

The Pennsylvania Mandated Law for Appraisers course fulfills the two-hour mandatory law continuing education requirement for appraisers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In this course, you will examine the Pennsylvania Appraisers Certification Act in detail. You will also review the responsibilities of the certified appraiser when overseeing the work of appraisal assistants. Important issues such as violations, complaints, and disciplinary actions that an appraiser needs to understand and avoid are also included.

• Approval # (Online)
• 2 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

Explore the effects of the changes and reforms that were implemented following the financial crisis of 2008.

In recent years, the appraisal industry has come under scrutiny. The financial crisis of 2008 and the housing-bubble-burst led to industry changes and reforms, including the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC), the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD). How did these changes affect appraisers, reviewers and the industry as a whole? Were they welcome? Were they effective? This course will explore those questions as well as delve into the role of the reviewer, the obligations of the appraiser, relevant USPAP regulations, common errors appraisers can avoid, and the importance of structured report writing.

• Approval # (Online)
• 5 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

An overview of fundamental construction methods in residential real estate.

The Basic Construction Refresher course is designed for real estate agents and appraisers to review fundamental construction methods, both old and new, in residential real estate. The course covers construction from site preparation through completion. Major components of a house are identified including building materials and mechanical systems. Further, the course reveals “red flags” that are discernible to agents and appraisers when inspecting a home for a listing, sale, or valuation. Finally, the course describes how physical and functional issues in houses affect value.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

Gain valuable insight into performing residential site valuation in appraisal practice.

This course will help students gain valuable insight and a working knowledge of the various theories and methodologies for performing residential site valuation and developing the cost approach in appraisal practice. Various costing methods will be discussed and applications of the cost approach in residential appraising will be examined. The important distinction between Replacement Cost New and Reproduction Cost New will be discussed, along with an in-depth look at accepted methods for estimating accrued depreciation.

• 14 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included

An overview of the industry changes and reforms that were implemented following the financial crisis of 2008.

In recent years, the appraisal industry has come under scrutiny. The financial crisis of 2008 and the housing-bubble-burst led to industry changes and reforms, including the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC), the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD). How did these changes affect appraisers, reviewers and the industry as a whole? Were they welcome? Were they effective? Better Safe Than Sorry will explore those questions as well as delve into the role of the reviewer, the obligations of the appraiser, relevant USPAP regulations, common errors appraisers can avoid, and the importance of structured report writing.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider
• Classroom/Live Course Approved as 'Better Safe Than Sorry'

Learn to recognize and meet quality standards expected by clients and appraiser regulators.

In today’s world, appraisers must remain keenly aware of the quality standards expected by their clients as well as the compliance obligations required by appraiser regulators. Many users of an appraiser’s services and appraiser regulatory agencies have expanded or amplified their quality standards as a result of recent events of financial turmoil involving valuation issues. Defensible Appraising is an all-encompassing course designed to provide a comprehensive look at best practices for appraisers in order to recognize and meet those expectations. The course commences with discussion of various avenues, which could cause liability concerns for appraisers, including the appraisal review process. Common areas of deficiencies and inadequacies in the appraisal process are discussed as well. The remainder of the course takes a detailed look at compliance with USPAP, beginning with identification of the problem through the reporting process. This includes expanded illustrations of both acceptable and unacceptable practices.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

An overview of the basics of green as it applies to Real Estate agents and appraisers.

Green construction, green energy, and green living are key topics about the environment for everyone today. For real estate agents and appraisers, the first step is to understand basics about green as it applies to real estate. A home is made up of many different systems and real estate professionals need to understand how they work together and independently to make a home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. In this course on the appraisal of green residences, we will study the basic concepts about green as it applies to real estate and the appraisal of property value, primarily regarding residential property. We will review the elements of green materials and techniques, as well as relevant property characteristics that affect value. We will also cover what to look for when inspecting the interior and exterior of a home, including any related adjustments and the effect of green.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

An overview of Appraisal review and a discussion of applicable USPAP rules.

This course provides an overview of appraisal review and a discussion of applicable USPAP Rules, along with illustration of common errors and shortcomings commonly found by reviewers. STANDARD 3 is fully discussed along with applicable guidance offered by the Appraisal Standards Board. The course continues with an overview of the STANDARDS 1 and 2 appraisal development and reporting obligations. Finally, common mortgage industry appraisal and appraisal review forms are illustrated and discussed from a review perspective. Throughout, the course especially emphasizes best practices for a reviewer when developing opinions and conclusions regarding the quality of another appraiser’s work.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

An overview of the Sales Comparison approach in residential appraisal assignments.

This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge of the development and application of the sales comparison approach in residential appraisal assignments. The course begins with how the fundamental principles of valuation and appraisal standards apply to an assignment in which the sales comparison approach is relevant in the scope of work, and details the development steps in the appraisal process through reconciliation. As part of the progression, you will become acquainted with accepted methodology and techniques that can be applied in the assignment using the sales comparison approach. Included and emphasized, through numerous illustrations and application case studies, are choosing comparable data, derivation and application of adjustments for various elements, derivation and application of rates of capitalization, and the logic and rationale applied during reconciliation. Also included is a discussion about using the sales comparison approach in special situations.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

A comprehensive review of the development and application of the income aproach in residential appraisal assignments.

This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive review of the development and application of the income approach in residential appraisal assignments. The course begins with how the fundamental principles of valuation and appraisal standards apply to an assignment in which the income approach is relevant in the scope of work, and details the development steps in the appraisal process through reconciliation. As part of the progression, the student will become acquainted with accepted methodology and techniques that can be applied in the assignment using the income approach. Included and emphasized, through illustrations and application case studies, are choosing comparable data, derivation and application of adjustments for various elements, derivation and application of rates of capitalization, and the logic and rationale applied during reconciliation. Also included is a discussion about using the income approach in special situations.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

An overview of key elements of market analysis of two-to-four family and multi-family properties.

Having knowledge of how to appraise two- to four-family and multi-family properties will allow appraisers to accept more assignments involving income-producing properties. Appraisal Small Residential Income Properties provides students with the necessary background information to appraise such properties. This course identifies key elements of market analysis of two-to-four-family and multi-family properties and distinguishes which features and characteristics are important to an appraiser’s analysis. Students will also learn how to analyze income and expenses and how this analysis is used in an appraisal of an income-producing property. Appropriate income methodologies and how the appraisal approaches apply to income-producing properties are also discussed. This course walks the student through the preparation of the Fannie Mae Reporting Form 1025/Freddie Mac Reporting Form 72, Small Residential Income Property Appraisal Report. It introduces students to the guidelines for each and how to compile the required data and correctly complete the analysis. In addition, the Fannie Mae Form 216/Freddie Mac Form 998, Operating Income Statement Form, is covered as this is a required exhibit that accompanies the 1025/72 report.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

An overview of FHA insured financing and the current handbook.

The popularity of FHA insured financing is arguably at an all-time high, and many certified appraisers are currently included, or seeking to be included, on the FHA appraiser roster. Because many real estate sales transactions are being financed with FHA insured financing, it is important and welcomed for real estate brokerage professionals to also stay well informed regarding FHA protocol. Effective September 14, 2015, most of the existing handbooks, mortgagee letters, and other references formally used by lenders, appraisers, and other real estate professionals will be superseded by a new, and more comprehensive Handbook titled: the FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1. The FHA Single Family Housing Appraisal Report and Data Delivery Guide, a companion publication to the Handbook, will also go into effect September 14, 2105. This course will include direct excerpts and quotations of the Handbook, Guide, and other publications. The course will begin with FHA's Minimum Property Requirements and Minimum Property Standards, and move into specific property applications and appraisal-related functions. Numerous best practices and illustrations will be included.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider
• Classroom/Live Course Approved as 'FHA Property Analysis'

Explore valuable reporting and effective communication practices as they relate to Appraisal situations.

In this course, we will explore valuable appraisal reporting practices, beginning with a review of select USPAP reporting obligations. Next, we will review the completion of the URAR reporting form, along with compliance requirements of the Uniform Automated Dataset (UAD). An overview of key reporting areas necessary for the completion of other appraisal and evaluation forms, including Broker's Pricing Opinion (BPO) reports, will follow. We'll conclude this course with a comprehensive study of the art of effective communication through composition of concise narrative commentary for numerous appraisal situations.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

A detailed look at the former Real Estate crisis and the regulations put in place as a result.

This Mortgages, Appraisers, and Foreclosures course provides a comprehensive look at the former real estate crisis and regulations put in place as a result of the crisis and as a means to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent mortgage lending practices. The first three lessons of this course cover key historical facts and current mortgage-specific regulations that are important for appraisers to know and understand in terms of how they impact the business of mortgage origination and property valuation. In lesson three, specific attention is given to how appraisers are impacted by mortgage origination laws pertaining to disclosures, the right of rescission, prohibited mortgage appraiser activities, and private mortgage insurance cancellation. The remainder of the course looks more specifically at the laws and processes that directly impact how appraisers and appraisal management companies must do business. The course highlights the proper use of the Fannie Mae Form 1004MC, how to appraise “flipped” homes and homes facing foreclosure, and how to appraise properties given different market conditions. Requirements that must be met by appraisal management companies as the result of the Dodd-Frank Act final rule that amended the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act are also covered.

• 7 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider

An overview of the rules, requirements, and USPAP standards for supervisory and trainee appraisers.

Appraising for the Supervisor and Trainee is designed to assist in creating competent appraisers who can continually promote and reinforce ethical appraisal practice, abide by state and national laws and regulations, and uphold an appropriate supervisory/trainee appraiser relationship. An overview is provided of the rules, requirements, and USPAP standards for supervisory and trainee appraisers, identifying the AQB and state-specific requirements, and especially noting the credentialing requirements for supervisory and trainee appraisers.

• 4 Credit Hours (TALCB)
• Textbook(s) included
• Online course is taken via a 3rd-party provider