Understand Property Valuation and Support Better Lending Decisions
Real estate valuation is a critical component of sound lending decisions. The Real Estate Appraisal course provides learners with an understanding of the appraisal process, valuation methods, and the factors that influence property value.
This course references and explains the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and introduces appraisal-related topics included in educational requirements for universal state licensing and certification.
Course Prerequisite Information:
CFT strongly recommends that students complete the Residential Mortgage Lending course prior to taking the Real Estate Appraisal course.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for real estate lenders and financial services professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of:
- The real estate appraisal process
- Property valuation methods
- Market and neighborhood analysis
- Property inspection and analysis
- Factors that influence property value
- How appraisal information supports lending decisions
How This Course Supports Professional Growth
A strong understanding of real estate appraisal concepts helps professionals better evaluate property information and understand the role of valuation in the lending process.
Learners will develop knowledge related to:
- Real estate economics and value
- Sales comparison, cost, and income approaches
- Comparable sales analysis
- Legal considerations in appraisal
- Appraisal standards and practices
- Reconciling value estimates
This knowledge can help professionals make more informed lending decisions and better understand the factors that influence real estate transactions.
Course Topics Include:
- Real Estate Appraisal and You
- Legal Considerations in Appraisal
- The Formal Appraisal Process
- Focus on Neighborhood, Community, and Market
- Real Estate Economics and Value
- Property Inspection and Analysis: The Site
- Property Inspection and Analysis: The Improvements
- The Sales Comparison Approach
- Analyzing and Adjusting Comparable Sales
- Valuing the Site
- Introducing the Cost Approach
- Estimating Loss in Value: Accrued Depreciation
- The Income Approach
- Income Capitalization: Rates and Techniques
- Reconciling the Value Estimates
Course Details
Time to Complete: Up to 13 weeks
FlexLearn provides a structured online learning experience with the flexibility to progress through coursework while balancing professional responsibilities. Each course has an established timeframe based on course content, but learners who prefer to move through the material more quickly may complete their coursework sooner.
Once enrolled, learners receive login information and a detailed course outline with suggested due dates to help them stay on track. Coursework includes readings, discussion questions, assignments, and evaluations, quizzes and/or exams.
Upon successful completion, learners receive a final grade, diploma evaluation, and course completion badge.
Diplomas and Certificates Applicable to the Real Estate Appraisal course:
eBook Access Included in Tuition
Your eBook provides convenient access to course materials from any device and includes features designed to support different learning preferences, including highlighting, bookmarking, creating flashcards, and read-aloud functionality.
Related Topics
Instructor
Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has been the Chief Lending Officer at Freedom Credit Union in Springfield, MA since 2013 and is in charge of managing the Commercial, Mortgage, and Consumer Lending portfolios, as well as t... read more.
