Appraisal Scoop

New Instructor-Led Appraisal Online Class - Statistics, Modeling and Finance

New Instructor-Led Online Classes Promote a Traditional Classroom Experience Through the Convenience of a Personal Computer

STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CompuTaught, part of Cengage Learning and a leading developer of computer-based real estate education, today unveiled a new series of live, instructor-led, advanced appraisal courses that will be offered online via WebEx.

The new online courses feature CompuTaught's standard online registration, administration and learning management support systems while combining real-time instruction with WebEx's synchronous, interactive delivery, bringing a live classroom experience to the student's personal computer. These live, online appraisal courses have gained both International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC) and Appraiser Qualification Board (AQB) approval and will be delivered in accordance with individual state regulations.

 

With all of the features of an onsite classroom and more, the courses feature a virtual classroom environment with audio, video, screen and document sharing, chat and other interactive elements, with instant access to required course materials. To aid with testing and engagement, the classes also include incremental assessment exams which are reviewed live by the instructors to ensure understanding. Courses include random individual student inquiries throughout the duration to verify student identity and engagement. In addition, students receive information on scheduling the proctored final exam for the course (if required).

"Moving through this digital age, the traditional classroom is shifting and a recent growth in online education is giving us the opportunity to transform the way we teach and deliver content," said Dave Shaut, vice president, CompuTaught. "These new live courses combine the trusted reliability of our computer-based real estate and appraisal education with the convenience of live instruction. We strive to continually evolve with our ever-changing customers and provide them with the most convenient and cost effective ways to work toward their real estate and appraisal education goals."

The NEXT course to be introduced, Statistics, Modeling and Finance, will be offered on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23, 2011.  The course will be led by Certified General Real Estate Appraisers and award-winning instructors Mark A. Munizzo and Lisa Virruso Musial.  This course comes at an important time for the industry, as Bradford Technologies' Appraisal Industry Predictions for 2011 indicate that certified residential appraisers and other real estate professionals are searching for courses on statistics, applied regression and advanced valuation skills to stay current or advance their career. 

Courses are IDECC, AQB and State approved and delivered online via WebEx.   For state specific information, click here http://www.careerwebschool.com/ , THEN click on Appraisal / Continuing Education on the right, THEN select your state.  On the next screen, click on the red "View Online Instructor-Led Courses" button. 

Main Features:

• 50 minute sessions w/breaks, 1hr for lunch
• WebEX with audio, video, and chat
• Textbook: eBook (PDF) and hard copy
• Quizzes reviewed live by the instructors
• Random individual student inquires throughout the course to verify student identity and engagement
• Information on scheduling the proctored final exam for the course, if required
• System Requirements: Broadband to Internet, speakers or headphones

"Many students operate under the false impression that online learning is inferior to a traditional classroom," said Sam Martin, educator, certified appraiser and creator of samthetutor.com. "In fact, according to a recent white paper from the U.S. Department of Education, online courses are just as effective as conventional classroom instruction, proving these new courses from CompuTaught as a convenient and interactive alternative for students who are seeking state approved education."

For more information on the new courses, CompuTaught's Educational Referral Network program or other online or computer-based courses offered, please visit www.computaught.com or www.cengage.com.

About CompuTaught

CompuTaught, part of Cengage Learning, is a market leader in the computer-based real estate learning market. In 1989, CompuTaught was the first in the country to offer state-approved real estate licensing courses on computer and continues to be the leading developer of computer-based education for the real estate and appraisal professions. It currently distributes its courses through more than 300 independent schools, with about 50,000 enrollments annually. For more information on CompuTaught, please visit www.computaught.com.

About Cengage Learning

Cengage Learning is a leading provider of innovative teaching, learning and research solutions for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. The company's products and services are designed to foster academic excellence and professional development, increase student engagement and improve learning outcomes. Cengage Learning's brands include Heinle, Gale, Wadsworth, Delmar, Brooks/Cole and South-Western, among others. For more information on Cengage Learning please visit www.cengage.com

SOURCE Cengage Learning http://www.cengage.com

FREE Valuation Tools and Webinar - Upcoming Hands-On Regression Seminars

You are invited to the second of two FREE regression webinars hosted by David Braun, MAI of AVT.  

It will be August 25th at 2:00 EST.  Click here to register.

To watch the video of Webinar 1: “Introduction to Regression Analysis” 

1) Load the required Webex viewer (click run to load): http://automatedvaluationtools.com/media/nbr2player.msi

 2) Click the following link to watch the video: http://automatedvaluationtools.com/media/Introduction_Regression_Analysis.arf  This webinar is about 40 minutes long.

FUSION, a low end USPAP compliant appraisal and report will be posted on the site very soon.  It is free, but it utilizes updated verions of the Regression+ and the USL Documenter for it to run.  If you purchased either of these products in the past year the updates are free.  If you purchased over a year ago the update will only be $25.00 plus S&H.

Also, an updated Total Solution will posted the week of August 16th.  This will meet the recent FANNIE MAE required changes.  This most recent Fannie requirement is better than using the cumulative listing count, but statistically has some issues.  One sample from each period for the number of listings may produce unreliable results.  The Total Solution for the 1004mc form is now a FREE download.  I guess you will just have buy something else (ha ha). 

 Upcoming Regression Analysis Seminar Chicago, Illinois (October 21-22, 2010) Directions and Hotels Here 

 Two day seminar (14 hours with test, 12 hours without test) Prerequisites: This seminar requires that attendees have basic (beginner) knowledge of MS Excel®. 

This seminar is taught in a computer-lab setting. It presents a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on case study training. No need to bring your laptop or any software. Your computer will be provided as well as MS Excel® spreadsheet and a demonstration copy of “Regression+ for real estate professionals©” software. 

 At the end of this seminar participants will be able to: 

• Understand how “least squares, straight-line” regression analysis works. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of relevant statistical terminology. 
• Understand how regression analysis relates to appraising and where traditional appraisal techniques and regression analysis overlap. 
• Prepare data for analysis by “scrubbing” it in an Excel spreadsheet. 
• Perform regression analysis of sales data to form an opinion of market value and extract adjustment values. o Utilizing the “Stepwise” method o Utilizing “Dummy Fields” o And, much more. · 
• Recognize the weakness (unreliability) of trending one property component at a time (such as sales price or sales price per square foot). 
• Able to understand the underlying “assumptions” of regression and how to test that these assumptions have not been violated. 
• Able to understand the reliability of the regression analysis results. · Decide if adding regression analysis to your appraisal practice is right for you. 
• If you are a user of appraisals; determine if regression analysis can meet your valuation needs.

Click here for more information.

Geek's Corner - Looking for an "Appraiser's Camera"? Check out the Samsung HZ10W (or HZ15W)

The 10.2 mega-pixel Samsung HZ10W sets a new standard for the mega-zoom category, offering a high-performance, ultra-wide 24mm Schneider lens with 10x optical zoom that allows shooters to be more creative and flexible when taking digital images.

The Samsung HZ10W is aimed at fans of wide-angle photography. And what Appraiser isn't! The HZ10W offers a 24 - 240mm equivalent focal range, a generous wide angle to a useful telephoto.

The HZ10W offers a host of manual controls, including the ability to adjust shutter speed, aperture, exposure, and focus. The camera also incorporates both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce image blur.

The HZ10W gives shooters the ability to capture video in 720p high-definition at 30 frames-per-second (fps), and thanks to H.264 compression, users can record video for longer periods of time, allowing them to better utilize the remaining memory capacity on their memory card.

Additionally, shooters can utilize Optical Image Stabilization and the camera's 10x optical zoom while recording video, as well as Samsung's Successive Recording mode, which allows the user to pause and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.

Appraiser's Review:

Samsung HZ10W or HZ15W (difference is number of max pixels). As cheap as $155 on Amazon, which is a steal !!! I paid about $235 for mine when I bought it 6 months ago. Great wide angle lens. This is a much better camera than the V705. http://tinyurl.com/y658fko Dollar for dollar, this is the best camera for appraisal work currently on the market.

I completely checked out the specs on this camera before I got it. It has manual mode which is something I like for more control. Of course, it has a slew of automatic functions. Did I mention it has a built-in microphone so you can add audio notes to a photo? And HD 780p video. Overall, as I said, a super camera for the dollars. And it’s a single lens – not dual lens like the Kodak. With the same 24mm wide angle capability.

Leland Hill - Certified General Real Estate Appraiser

Free FNC(R) Webinar on Fannie Mae's Collateral Data Delivery Requirement - Requires Appraisals to be Delivered As Electronic Data

OXFORD, Miss., Mar 15, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mortgage technology company FNC Inc. will host a free webinar to discuss Fannie Mae's initiative requiring mortgage lenders to provide appraisal information as electronic data.

via www.marketwatch.com

The webinar begins at 1 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, March 16, and is open to the public through free registration at www.fncinc.com/ClientAccess/WebConf_cdd.aspx

After Fannie Mae's Collateral Data Delivery guidelines require all appraisal information to be delivered as electronic data, other secondary market participants are expected to follow suit.

 "Fannie Mae's requirements are nothing new to FNC; we've converted appraisal information to electronic data for more than 10 years, saving our clients time and money," said Shawn Telford, FNC's director of product management, who will lead the webinar along with FNC Chief Strategy Officer Mike Mitchell.

Also joining the webinar will be Kirk Rzasa, senior business consultant, Quicken Loans; and JJ Nielsen, AVP for loan risk and recovery, SunTrust.

The webinar is also expected to address:

• How mortgage lenders' processes may be affected if they don't have a system that converts appraisal data to electronic form for delivery to the secondary market.
• What can be done now to leverage technology to make these new regulations a non-issue.

For more information about this critical webinar, contact FNC at (888) 963-3330.

SOURCE: FNC Inc

PR: FNC Releases New Appraisal Review Technology for Mortgage Industry

GAAR Viewer Assists Appraisal Reviewers, Underwriters

OXFORD, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FNC Inc.®, the mortgage technology company known for automating processes for the nation’s major lenders, has released a new product designed to make appraisal review more efficient.

The Web-based workflow software, GAAR Viewer, works hand-in-hand with one of FNC’s flagship products, the Generally Accepted Appraisal Rules™ (GAAR®)—software that scours appraisal reports for any regulatory compliance violations, as well as inconsistencies and excessive adjustments--possible indicators of unsupported values and/or fraud.

“This thorough, automated review tool serves as an assistant to the underwriter or reviewer, providing instant results of potential issues,” said Gwen Magrisso, GAAR project manager.

Designed to save time for reviewers and cut costs for banks, GAAR Viewer presents an on-screen view of the appraisal report with any rule firings and related fields on the appraisal report form highlighted in red. Reviewers, underwriters, QA professionals – any users of GAAR Viewer – can hover their cursor over the highlights to reveal the rule reference number and description of the potential violation.

For example, suppose an appraiser accidentally failed to answer a question that requires a checkmark in a “did” or “did not” question (“My research __did or __did not reveal any prior sales of the subject property…”). With GAAR Viewer, the question would be highlighted in red on an image of the appraisal report and the rule reference number and reason for firing would be available at a glance. The reviewer would then have an opportunity to decide next steps, which may include returning the appraisal report to the appraiser for correction.

“The result of using GAAR Viewer is a more accurate appraisal review and ultimately a more reliable appraisal report. For lenders, that means greater confidence in the property valuation on which their loans are supported,” said Karen Mogridge, FNC’s product manager for collateral data and analytics.

Become a FAN of Appraisal Scoop on facebook and Twitter!

Some of you may have notice the new facebook and Twitter widgets on the right side of Appraisal Scoop?  The Appraisal Scoop facebook and Twitter accounts include links to most all of the posts on Appraisal Scoop but also many stories and ideas that are of interest to real estate professionals . . but couldn't be developed into a full-blown post or article.

They also allow you to join in on the social networking aspect of our industry.  Some find commenting on Appraisal Scoop a bit daunting.  Our facebook Fan Page should allow you to join in on the conversation with ease from your computer or phone.

Get a "Mobile Optimized" Version of Appraisal Scoop on Your Mobile Phone

Appraisal Scoop is now using Mippin Mobilizer,

the free mobile media service for sharing content on mobile phones. http://mippin.com/appraisalscoop

With Mippin Mobilizer, Appraisal Scoop has created a mobile version which is automatically optimized for any mobile phone with a web browser – over 2000 different devices – and available instantly.

Mippin Mobilizer is free to use and is the ideal solution for the extending our reach and distribution through a mobile platform, without the need for technical expertise or the extensive cost of developing a separate mobile site.

Mippin Mobilizer takes care of the complexity of creating the mobile service, making it work perfectly across thousands of different devices from large screen iPhones to compact RAZRs.

“Until now, mobilizing a website was not easy and required a great deal of technical expertise. We made Mippin Mobilizer so that almost any blog or website could instantly create a mobile version of their site and reach people on the go in just a few steps,” said Scott Beaumont, Co-Founder, Mippin.

Look for the this logo at the top left of Appraisal Scoop . . .

I Joined Twitter, Now What Do I Do?

Some of you may have notice the new Twitter widget on the left side of Appraisal Scoop?  The Appraisal Scoop twitter account includes links to all of the posts on Appraisal Scoop but also many stories and ideas that are of interest . . but just couldn't be developed into a full-blown post or article.

Twitter is a micro-blogging platform and it's a little different from any other online or social media tool. When people first begin using it, it can seem overwhelming and confusing. How can you really type anything of substance in 140 characters or less?

The first thing I usually advise is that you take some time getting familiar with how it all works. Put up a picture of yourself, find some others to follow, and "tweet" some updates. It may seem a little like you are talking to yourself to do this especially if you are not being followed by anyone else. But it helps to see activity when someone comes upon your page and is making a decision whether to follow you or not.

Once you have observed and participated a little, there are a few things you can do to help you build relationships. Why is that so important? It all goes back to establishing that know, like and trust factor. People like to do business with those they know, like and trust, right? Here are some of the ways to use Twitter to create rapport and get more visibility for your business:

1) Give value. Share links, offer advice and answer questions. I usually suggest a balance of 85% non-promotional tweets to 15% promotional tweets. When you are sharing interesting tidbits, they do not (and should not) be all about your services and offerings. On Twitter, people are looking to learn more about you the person, not just you the business owner. Of course, once they feel that they know you better, they are more willing to eventually buy from you!

2) Engage others. Ask questions, use the @ function to spark conversations and re-tweet others' messages. This helps people get to know you, but it is also a chance for you to demonstrate your expertise. You don't need to outright sell in order for others to see that you have something of value to offer them. Before you know it, others will be re-tweeting (sharing) your helpful information with others, leading to more visibility for you.

3) Use your profile to your advantage. You are able to link to your website in your profile as well as include a small blurb about who you are and what it is you do. Although you don't have a ton of space to write here, be sure to give a little snapshot of your personal self as well as your professional self. This is a great way to get others to explore your offerings, become your subscribers or clients and boost your traffic.

Most of all, remember that Twitter is a place to be you, listen, respond and be helpful. The results for your bottom line may not be immediate, but you are building your reputation and strengthening relationships each time you participate. And that's great for business!

Christine Gallagher, MLS, MSIS, founder of CommunicateValue.com, teaches solopreneurs and small business owners how to use online marketing and social media to communicate effectively and authentically and attract more business. For FREE tips on how to build profitable relationships, leverage technology and create your own successful online business, visit http://CommunicateValue.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Gallagher

Come hang-out at "The Appraiser's Water Cooler" - Appraisal Scoop's Social Networking Forum

Do you ever wonder who reads Appraisal Scoop?  What they look like?  Do you want to have a "direct" conversation with them?  Do you wish that Appraisal Scoop had a searchable "forum".  You've got your wish!

Today is the GRAND OPENING of "The Appraiser's Water Cooler" social networking site.  The service is powered by http://www.ning.com and is similar to other networking sites like Facebook,  Ning offers the latest social networking features, all infinitely customizable.  Unlike other services that offer a “one-size-fits-all” offering, the Appraiser's Water Cooler social network runs on a programmable platform.

What does that mean to YOU?

• Member Profiles: Each member has a fully customizable profile with their photo, basic information and everything they’ve contributed to the network
• Interest Groups: We can create groups inside our social network around hobbies, interests, affinities, geographical locations and more
• Discussion Forum:  Get appraisers talking. Start a discussion on any topic and watch other appraisers respond with posts, photos and attachments.  AND . . .it's searchable!
• Custom Video Players: Upload original footage or share videos from popular video services like YouTube, Google Video and Vimeo

This is just the beginning!  This concept was just launched last night and already we've got members customizing their own "personal" profile pages, talking on the forum, chatting in the IM, and uploading photos.

The Appraiser's Water Cooler (just like Appraisal Scoop) will evolve as we begin to USE it.  Try out the forum, and other features, and let me know what you like, don't like, and would like to see included.

Visit The Appraiser's Water Cooler

Expert Advice or Expert Spinning? FNC responds to buzz about their new "User Agreement"

Today the appraisal industry was given the latest edition of the Appraisal Port Newsletter. It is dealing with Neil Olson’s opinion of FNC’s new user agreement. It is six questions and Mr. Olson’s answer to those questions.   Download appraisalport_qa_memo.pdf

Corporations, as is usually the case, try to spin everything that they do in a positive light. That makes sense in many cases. I am not a lawyer, nor would I ever attempt to pretend to be one, but using common sense all of us small business owners/appraisers have to make up our minds as to how we feel about the user agreement.

I have included Mr. Olson’s questions and answers (screen shots) with my own musings following each. I will leave it up to you, the reader/appraiser to make up your own mind regarding FNC’s Newsletter.

FNC is clear that they don’t want an open court room battle. They would rather take their chances with a third party expert, than let a judge or possibly a sympathetic jury decide a case. Arbitration does allow for faster decisions, something that is very important to a company that wants to go public, and won’t with a pending class action lawsuit underway.

It is suspicious that a company is only willing to undergo any proceedings within a geographic location that is proximate to its sphere of influence. Additionally, this waives the appraiser’s right to a trial by jury.

This is a typical pro-corporation agreement that does its best to reduce the rights of an industry that is traditionally small business centric. Placing a dispute in front of an “expert arbitrator” places the appraiser at the mercy of someone that is traditionally pro-corporation, in most instances.

Click here to continue reading . . .