Grey Matters: Judgement in the Appraisal Process

Steve Kahane’s 4hr Live-Zoom CE Course

Wednesday, August 26th

10:00am – 2:00pm Central Time

4 HOURS

$119.95

COURSE APPROVAL INFORMATION

Education Provider: Appraiser eLearning LLC

Author/Instructor: Steve Kahane

Approved States: Approved for 4 hours of continuing education in the following states:

AL – Course Approval #PENDING
AZ – Course Approval #335
AR – Course Approval #AE080
CA – Course Approval #2610501095
CO – Course Approval #3099
CT – Course Approval #AAL.001565
FL – Course Approval #4079
GA – Course Approval #79880
HI – Course Approval #PENDING
ID – Course Approval #1998468
IL – Course Approval #575.010899
*IA – Accepts via Reciprocity
KS – Course Approval #C462-28
KY – Course Approval #PENDING
LA – Course Approval #A0080
MD – Course Approval #PENDING
MA – Course Approval #9632465-RA-CE
MI – Course Approval #20-1364393
MN – Course Approval #1040613
MS – Course Approval #PENDING
MO – Course Approval #2026000224
*MT – Accepts via Reciprocity
NE – Course Approval #PENDING
NV – Course Approval #CE.0010021-A
NH – Course Approval #20-1364400
NJ – Course Approval #PENDING
NM – Course Approval #PENDING
NY – Course Approval #A6065
NC – Course Approval #4821
*ND – Accepts via Reciprocity
OH – Course Approval #Q04603003A 26
OK – Course Approval #753
OR – Course Approval #APEL-C-0326-0121
PA – Course Approval #AA0006938924
RI – Course Approval #REA.0203951.CE
SC – Course Approval #20-1364390
TN – Course Approval #3007
TX – Course Approval #03530-ACE
UT – Course Approval #AC260307
VA – APPROVED
WA – Course Approval #A26006395
WV – APPROVED
WI – Course Approval #20-1364406
WY – Course Approval #2796

*States with an asterisk will accept CE which is approved in the state where it is being taught, or via reciprocity from other state approvals.

*If you don’t see your state listed, CLICK HERE to send an email to our education director, Ben Maxwell, and request approval or ask questions.

Grey Matters: Judgment in the Appraisal Process is built for the moments where data alone is not enough. This course focuses on one of the most critical, yet often underdeveloped, skills in the profession: applying sound, defensible judgment in real-world appraisal scenarios.

Appraisers are constantly asked to make decisions in areas where guidance exists, but certainty does not. From defining neighborhoods and selecting comparable sales to interpreting condition ratings, concessions, and market trends, judgment plays a central role in producing credible results. This course brings those “grey areas” into focus.

Developed by industry expert Steve Kahane, this course combines institutional guidance with real-world discussion to help you navigate complex valuation decisions with confidence and consistency.

What You’ll Gain

A clearer understanding of how judgment fits within USPAP and lender expectations
Practical frameworks for handling ambiguous appraisal scenarios
Insight into how other professionals approach common “grey area” decisions
Tools to improve consistency, credibility, and defensibility in your reports
Confidence in making decisions when there is no single “right” answer

Why This Course Matters

In today’s appraisal environment, credibility is everything. Inconsistent application of judgment can erode trust and open the door to alternative valuation methods.

This course helps you:

Bridge the gap between methodology and professional interpretation
Align your decision-making with GSE and lender expectations
Reduce variability in your reports through shared best practices
Strengthen your ability to support and defend your value conclusions

Ultimately, your value opinion is not just a calculation. It is a judgment call. This course ensures that judgment is informed, consistent, and trusted.

Course Topics Include

This course walks through real-world scenarios and decision points across the appraisal process, including:

Defining neighborhoods and market areas
Market condition analysis and data selection
Comparable selection and adjustment logic
Gross Living Area challenges and edge cases
Condition and quality ratings
Handling unique and non-conforming property features
Reconciliation and support for value conclusions
Inspection protocols and communication boundaries
Managing interactions with agents, buyers, and sellers
Seller concessions and contract analysis

Each topic is explored through practical discussion and “What would you do?” scenarios that mirror real assignments.

Who Should Take This Course

Licensed and certified residential appraisers
Appraiser trainees
Review appraisers and compliance professionals
Supervisory appraisers
Real estate professionals seeking deeper valuation insight

Course Format

4-hour continuing education course
Interactive discussion and case-based learning
Real-world scenarios and peer-driven insights
No exam required for CE credit

*KNOW YOUR TIME ZONE: We’re on CENTRAL TIME, and class starts at 10AM CT sharp!

If you are on Pacific Time, Class is from 8AM-12PM PT (doors open at 7am)

If you are on Mountain Time, Class is from 9AM-1PM MT (doors open at 8am) *AZ – check local time

If you are on Central Time, Class is from 10AM-2PM CT (doors open at 9am)

If you are on Eastern Time, Class is from 11AM-3PM ET (doors open at 10am)

System Requirements:

This class is offered via Zoom meeting. Computer Audio, Video and a reliable internet connection are required.
If you’re new to zoom, we recommend testing your computer video and audio prior to class day by opening a practice meeting on https://zoom.us/test.

CE/Attendance Requirements:

The class is offered via Zoom Meetings. Computer audio/video, reliable internet connection, and 100% attendance are required for CE credit. We must be able to see and hear your camera, and you are not allowed to be driving or riding in a car during class. These are state requirements for CE.

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

Refund requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to the start of class. Cancellation must be in writing. No refunds will be given within 24 hours of class start.
If you register within 24 hours of Class Start, you will only be eligible for a transfer. This transfer credit expires 30 days after the original class date. After this 30-day period, we are unable to issue a transfer, and you will forfeit the class cost.

Everything you need to know about our live virtual class offerings via Zoom

How do I register?

Add any live-zoom course(s) to your cart and proceed to checkout.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to provide the correct state and license number information during checkout, as this will be automatically pulled into our system for your completion certificate and reporting to your state.
Once purchased, you’ll be automatically registered for the Zoom class meeting and you will receive a receipt via email.

What happens once I purchase?

You will receive a confirmation email with your JOIN MEETING link (save this! This is the link you will click to join the zoom class meeting on Class Day.)
If this is your first purchase with us, you will also receive an email with your Student Login Credentials, which give you access to your Student Account; Your student account is where you will access any online courses or completion certificates.
If your Zoom Class comes with Course materials, they will be made available in your student account and also emailed to you in reminder emails (see “What to expect on class day.” below)
If you don’t see your confirmation email (and you’ve checked your spam folder), just email us (we make typos too, and we’re happy to help).
We highly recommend you download zoom for an even better in-class experience.
You’ll receive reminder emails the day before and the morning of class. (NOTE: If you register within 24 hours of class start time, you might not receive reminder emails.)
Be sure to click the Zoom meeting link and join the meeting 30 minutes before class start time, so we can get you checked in.

What do I need prior to class?

Check your time zone! All classes are listed in CENTRAL TIME, so adjust your calendar accordingly. Our reminder emails the day before and the morning of class will list the correct times for all time zones, for reference.
Download any course materials. You can find all appropriate documents for your course under “My Courses” in your student account.
If you are taking a USPAP update course, have the current USPAP publication on hand.
It is required that you keep your camera on for the duration of the class. Be sure to have a device with a working webcam, audio, and microphone, as well as good internet access.

Use the Zoom meeting link to join the class 30 minutes before class start time, so we can get you checked in.

Where is my link to join class?

You should have received a confirmation email immediately after purchase, as well as reminder emails the day before and the morning of class. Your Zoom link to join class can be found in any of those emails.
Be sure to check your spam folder if it is not in your inbox.

What should I expect on class day?

Remember to use the Zoom meeting link to join class at least 30 minutes before the official start time, so we can get you checked in.
Zoom Confirmation Emails (how you join the class): We will resend everyone’s Zoom confirmation emails 1 hour prior to class start
Class Reminder emails with handouts (if any) and reminders: We send reminder emails on the day before and the day of class (unless class falls on a Monday or Friday; we don’t work weekends)
Reminder emails will include: Any class handouts (if applicable), important expectations and requirements; REMINDERS ABOUT KNOWING YOUR TIME ZONE (we’re on Central Time); and student support / instructor contact information.
Remember: you must be present with your camera on 100% of the class time. (This is a state requirement, not ours. We cannot make exceptions.)

What is your refund/cancellation Policy if I have to miss the class?

Refunds require a 24-hour written notice.
BUT if you miss class and forget to notify us, no worries! Just reach out to our team, and we’re happy to transfer you to a later class.
We can only provide one transfer, so if you miss the second class, you will not have the option for a transfer and will forfeit the purchase cost.

What’s required for CE credit?

You must be present with your camera on for the duration of class. (This is a state requirement, not ours. We cannot make exceptions.)
You must be visible and prepared to answer instructor questions (please do not drive, work on other tasks, walk your dog, or anything else that might be distracting to the class).
If you have an emergency or are otherwise prevented from being present and visible on camera, please contact one of the class moderators.

What features should I be aware of on the Zoom platform?

Chat Feature
Raise Hand Feature (alt + Y is the keyboard shortcut, or click the Reactions button)
Mute/Unmute & Stop Video (you should only turn cameras off when on breaks)
In addition to the live instructor, we’ll have a team member available to help everything run smoothly during class.

What happens after class ends?

Ben Maxwell, our Education Director, will email a Course Evaluation link to all students immediately after class.
Once you complete the evaluation, you’ll receive an emailed certificate from our LMS. Please keep in mind that failure to complete this survey will delay your certificate (it is REQUIRED).
If you have any issues with the automated certificate, just reply to Ben’s Course Evaluation email and request a PDF copy.
If you’re in a state that requires the provider to report on your behalf, we will report your CE after class. Please give us 24 hours to do so. (States in which we report on your behalf include: FL, GA, IL, NC, NV, OH, SC, TX, and UT.)
If you have any questions, the instructor and class moderator will stick around for a few minutes after class ends.

How can I reach out if I still have questions?

Feel free to reach out to our team Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST. Call us at (615) 965-5705 or email us at support@appraiserelearning.com | support@agentelearning.com

Course Author

Steve Kahane

Steve Kahane has been a certified residential appraiser in the Houston area since 2001 and appraised commercial properties as an appraiser in Chicago before then. He’s appraised properties from $1 to over $100 million, houses from 400 sf to 16,000 sf. Steve is president of the Association of Texas Appraisers and sits on the board of governors of the National Association of Appraisers. He has advocated on behalf of appraisers to the Appraisal Foundation, Appraiser Qualifications Board, Appraisal Subcommittee and Texas Appraisal Licensing and Certification Board. He presents seminars to hundreds of Houston Realtors® about appraising real estate and has authored numerous articles about appraising for trade publications.

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