Washington Appraisal Continuing Education (CE) Classes

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.

Additional Information:

• 7 CE Credit Hours

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.

Additional Information:

• 7 CE Credit Hours

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letters, and other references formally used by lenders, appraisers, and other real estate professionals will be superseded by a new, and more comprehensive Handbook titled: the FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1.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.

Additional Information:

• 7 CE Credit Hours

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.

Additional Information:

• 7 CE Credit Hours

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.

Additional Information:

• 7 CE Credit Hours

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.

Additional Information:

• 7 CE Credit Hours

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.

Additional Information:

• 7 CE Credit Hours

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 i nspecting a home for a listing, sale, or valuation. Finally, the course describes how physical and functional issues in houses affect value.

Additional Information:

• 7 CE Credit Hours

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.

Additional Information:

• 4 CE Credit Hours