Appraiser’s Guide to Highest & Best Use
Explore this pivotal analysis for appraisers and its critical role in ensuring credible real property valuations
Thursday, July 9th, 2026
10AM – 2PM Central Time
$119.95
Certified for 4 hours of continuing education in the following states:
COURSE APPROVAL INFORMATION
AL – Course #C02940
AZ – Course #0124-0000002
AR – Course #AE048
CA – Course #2410501063
CO – Course #2550
CT – AAL.001209
DC – PENDING
FL – Course #3815
GA – Course #77299
HI – Course #24-132
ID – APPROVED
IL – Course #575.010729
IN – PENDING
*IA—Accepts
KS – Course #572.C24.N
KY – APPROVED
LA – Course #A0050
MD – APPROVED
MA – Course #1360050
MI – Course #20-1159194
MN – Course #1036635
MS – Course #50566
MO – APPROVED
*MT – Accepts
NE – Course #2243434.33
NV – Course #CE.0009821-A
NH – APPROVED
NJ – Course #2024-207
NM – Course #4386
NY – Course #A5744-04
NC – Course #4620
*ND – Accepts
OH – Course #Q04402301A 24
OK – Course #735
OR – Course #APEL-C-0124-0070
PA – APPROVED
SC – Course #2185
TN – Course #2761
TX – Course #48901
UT – Course #AC240114
VA – APPROVED
WA – Course #A24002186
WV – APPROVED
WI – Course #20-1292146
More State Approvals coming soon!
*States with an asterisk will accept CE which is approved in the state where it is being taught.
*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.
Course Description
Highest and best use analysis isn’t just a cut-and-paste recipe. It’s a logical decision-making process for appraisers, a series of hypotheses you’ll test against the facts on the ground. Think of yourself as a detective on a case: Assume nothing. Ask the four big questions:
- Do zoning laws and other regulations permit the proposed use?
- Can the structure physically be built on this property?
- Will it make money?
- Which of the feasible uses provides the most benefit?
Collect evidence. Support your findings. Most of all, keep an open mind as you seek answers. This is a critical part of your analysis, and it plays an immense role in making your real property appraisal credible. In this course, you’ll learn how to apply the four tests and make your H&BU analysis count.
*REFUND POLICY (24hr 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.
*CE ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: The class is offered via Zoom Meeting. 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.
System Requirements:
- This class is offered via Zoom meeting. Computer Audio, Video and a reliable internet connection are required. We must be able to see and hear you on camera. This is a state requirement for CE.
- We recommend testing your computer video and audio prior to class day by opening a practice meeting on https://zoom.us/test.
*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).
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).
Course Author
Bryan Reynolds
Bryan S. Reynolds, CDEI™ is a KY/TN Certified General Real Property Appraiser, a registered agent with the TN State Board of Equalization and an AQB Certified USPAP Instructor. He has testified and appeared in various courts, planning and zoning boards as both an expert and as an agent making valuation arguments before local and state hearing officials and Administrated Law Judges. Reynolds is the owner of Bryan S. Reynolds & Associates, Reynolds Appraisal Service and a partner in Appraiser eLearning, www.appraiserelearning.com. He provides residential and commercial valuation services throughout the region and various educational offerings, mentoring, consulting and litigation support services throughout the country as well as being available for lectures and is well known for his Think Outside the “Check” Box approach.
AQB Certified USPAP Instructor
Certified General Real Property Appraiser
Consultant
Litigation Valuation Expert
FHA Lender Selection Roster Appraiser
Expert Witness
