Cents and Sensibility: A Deep Dive into the Cost Approach
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
10:00am – 2:00pm Central Time
Instructor: Cathy Putegnat
$119.95
COURSE APPROVAL INFORMATION
AL – Course #C03178
AR – Course #AE071
AZ – Course #285
CA – Course #2510501090
CO – Course #2954
CT – Course #AAL.001449
DE – Course #REA-AC-071725-119864
FL – Course #3998
GA – Course #78981
HI – Course #25-068
*IA – Accepts
ID – Course #1737898
IL – Course #575.01084
IN – Course #56
KS – Course #656.C25.N
KY – APPROVED
LA – Course #A0074
MA – PENDING
MD – APPROVED
ME – Course #120C028
MN – Course #1039211
MO – Course #89
MS – Course #5696
*MT – Accepts
NC – Course #4766
*ND – Accepts
NE – Course #2253469.33
NH – Course #20-1315883
NJ – Course #2025-210
NM – APPROVED
NV – Course #CE.0009939-A
NY – Course #A-5946-04
OH – Course #Q04503707A 25
OK – Course #752
OR – Course #APEL-C-0725-0110
PA – Course #AA0006435137
RI – Course #REA.0002423-CE
SC – Course #CE2322
SD – PENDING
TN – Course #2941
TX – Course #53257
UT – Course #AC251003
VA – APPROVED
VT – Course #CA-309784
WA – Course #A25020977
WI – Course #20-1344816
WV – APPROVED
WY – Course #2550
*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
This 4-hour CE class provides a deep dive into the Cost Approach—a fundamental appraisal method used to determine property values based on the cost of constructing a similar structure minus depreciation. Designed for real estate appraisers seeking to refine their expertise or other industry partners that desire a better understanding of this process, the course combines theory with practical application to ensure participants gain a comprehensive understanding of this valuation method.
Course Objectives
- Foundations of the Cost Approach: Understand the core principles and rationale behind the cost approach, including when and why it is most effectively used.
- Replacement and Reproduction Costs: Learn and understand the differences in replacement and reproduction costs, and know when to use each one.
- Depreciation and Adjustments: Explore various types of depreciation—physical, functional, and economic—and how to apply these concepts in adjusting property values accurately.
- Depreciation in Different Style Housing: Understand the differences in why depreciation between different style housing matters.
- Depreciation: Understand the different techniques in quantifying physical depreciation.
- Construction Documents Interpretation: Develop the ability to understand construction documents to accurately estimate replacement costs.
- Replacement vs. Reproduction: Differentiate between replacement and reproduction cost estimates, and understand when each approach is most applicable.
- Obsolescence Factors: Analyze both functional and external obsolescence factors that can affect property value and how to quantify their impact.
- Land Valuation: Understand the recognized methodologies in developing land/site value.
- Data Sources: Review and understand the differences in the available data sources.
- Application in Field Practice: Analyze case studies and real-world examples to see the cost approach in action, including challenges encountered and best practices for resolution.
- Compliance and Reporting: Review regulatory considerations, ensuring that appraisal reports adhere to current professional standards and requirements.
Course Policies
Refund/Cancellation/Transfer 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 Requirements/Attendance Policy:
- 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 driving or riding in a car is not allowed during class. These are state requirements for CE.
Software/System Requirements:
Class is offered via Zoom Meeting.
- If you’re new to Zoom, the links below may be helpful:
- Click the following link to download Zoom: https://
zoom.us/download - Click the following link to launch a Zoom Test Meeting: https://zoom.us/test
- Click the following link to download Zoom: https://
Reminders:
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)
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
Cathy Putegnat
Cathy Putegnat is an appraiser, consultant, and author. With a career spanning over two decades, Cathy has established herself as a trusted professional in the industry. Throughout her career, Cathy has kept pace with the ever-evolving real estate landscape, staying informed about the latest industry regulations, advancements in technology, and valuation methodologies. Cathy has a dedication to constant professional development and learning.
Cathy has been an independent business owner for most of the span of her career beginning in Colorado. After spending 5 years in Colorado, Cathy and her family left the mainland and spent the next 12 years living, breathing, and working in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. During that time, Cathy not only was the owner and operator of her appraisal firm, she was also the chief consultant for Appraiser Aide, a data entry company for Appraisers across the country. In 2018, Cathy and her husband left the islands and she continued her professional career path in Oregon and Washington. Cathy has served on the board and continues to serve on committees for the National Association of Appraisers.
In her free time, Cathy enjoys hiking, spending time at the coast, sky-diving, and spending time with her family.
