Sep
28
Mon
2026
Master the New URAR — In-Person (7 CE Hours) @ Hampton Inn Deptford, Ava Room
Sep 28 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • 7 CE Hours (AI-SNJ)
  • Instructor: Mark V. Smeltzer, Sr., MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

The biggest shift in residential appraisal reporting in 20 years is here. Are you prepared?

The Appraisal Institute is excited to introduce the Appraiser’s Guide to the New URAR, a comprehensive course designed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help you master the redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) and stay at the forefront of your profession.

Why This Course Matters More Than Ever

  • Major Industry Shift – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are implementing significant structural and data field changes through the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) redesign. Understanding these updates is critical for appraisers.
  • Stay Compliant & Competitive – Ensure your reports align with mortgage lending requirements, helping you avoid costly errors and maintain a competitive edge.
  • Real-World Application – Learn from expert instructors who will guide you through case studies, best practices, and proven strategies to enhance your appraisal accuracy and effectiveness.

Who Should Attend?

  • Residential appraisers who complete mortgage lending assignments.
  • Appraisers looking to stay ahead of industry changes and maintain compliance.
  • Professionals new to residential appraisal who want a strong foundation in the new URAR.

What You’ll Learn

  • Decode the New URAR – Get a clear understanding of every new field & structural change to adapt quickly & efficiently.
  • Avoid Common Pitfalls – Learn how to sidestep reporting errors & enhance accuracy in appraisals.
  • Position Yourself for the Future – Discover how these changes will shape the appraisal industry and how you can leverage new opportunities in the evolving mortgage lending landscape.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit This course has been designed for 7 hours of continuing education credits. CE credit hours and state approvals vary — please check the Appraisal Institute’s course page for up-to-date schedule and approval information and confirm with your state appraiser regulatory agency.

What’s Next? The UAD redesign isn’t just a form update — it’s a fundamental shift in how appraisals are conducted. That’s why the Appraisal Institute is developing additional programs covering critical topics such as market analysis, the sales comparison approach, and strategic business positioning. Attending the Appraiser’s Guide to the New URAR ensures you’ll be the first to know when these companion courses are released, giving you an ongoing advantage in your practice.

This course, developed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, is only offered by a select few education providers. Our instructors are veteran appraisers and industry thought leaders who deeply understand the new URAR updates.

While this is a national offering, email Lisa Weiss with any questions!  LisaMay.Weiss@appraisalinstitute.org

Any & all cancellations are subject to an admin fee. No credit/refunds for cancellations made on or after 7 days prior to class. No credit/refunds for no-shows.

This course is also being offered virtually. Click here if you plan to attend via ZOOM.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE PDF FLYER FOR THIS COURSE.

Master the New URAR — Virtual (7 CE Hours) @ via ZOOM
Sep 28 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • 7 CE Hours (AI-SNJ)
  • Instructor: Mark V. Smeltzer, Sr., MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

The biggest shift in residential appraisal reporting in 20 years is here. Are you prepared?

The Appraisal Institute is excited to introduce the Appraiser’s Guide to the New URAR, a comprehensive course designed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help you master the redesigned Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) and stay at the forefront of your profession.

Why This Course Matters More Than Ever

  • Major Industry Shift – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are implementing significant structural and data field changes through the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) redesign. Understanding these updates is critical for appraisers.
  • Stay Compliant & Competitive – Ensure your reports align with mortgage lending requirements, helping you avoid costly errors and maintain a competitive edge.
  • Real-World Application – Learn from expert instructors who will guide you through case studies, best practices, and proven strategies to enhance your appraisal accuracy and effectiveness.

Who Should Attend?

  • Residential appraisers who complete mortgage lending assignments.
  • Appraisers looking to stay ahead of industry changes and maintain compliance.
  • Professionals new to residential appraisal who want a strong foundation in the new URAR.

What You’ll Learn

  • Decode the New URAR – Get a clear understanding of every new field & structural change to adapt quickly & efficiently.
  • Avoid Common Pitfalls – Learn how to sidestep reporting errors & enhance accuracy in appraisals.
  • Position Yourself for the Future – Discover how these changes will shape the appraisal industry and how you can leverage new opportunities in the evolving mortgage lending landscape.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit This course has been designed for 7 hours of continuing education credits. CE credit hours and state approvals vary — please check the Appraisal Institute’s course page for up-to-date schedule and approval information and confirm with your state appraiser regulatory agency.

What’s Next? The UAD redesign isn’t just a form update — it’s a fundamental shift in how appraisals are conducted. That’s why the Appraisal Institute is developing additional programs covering critical topics such as market analysis, the sales comparison approach, and strategic business positioning. Attending the Appraiser’s Guide to the New URAR ensures you’ll be the first to know when these companion courses are released, giving you an ongoing advantage in your practice.

This course, developed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, is only offered by a select few education providers. Our instructors are veteran appraisers and industry thought leaders who deeply understand the new URAR updates.

Students must have computer, webcam & microphone capability to participate & receive CE credit. The platform will be interactive and live. The instructor must be able to physically see and interact with all students, and students must be able to see and interact with the instructor. A copy of your driver’s license must be emailed to the Chapter office as verification after you have registered for the offering prior to the offering start date. You will receive a separate email from the Chapter Office with log-in/access information. You do not need a paid account from ZOOM to participate. If you are using your Ipad/Iphone/smartphone download the ZOOM app prior to offering. Check your webcam privacy settings on your computer. Contact lisamay.weiss@appraisalinstitute.org  with questions.

Any & all cancellations are subject to an admin fee. No credit/refunds for cancellations made on or after 7 days prior to class. No credit/refunds for no-shows.

While this is a national offering, email Lisa Weiss with any questions!  LisaMay.Weiss@appraisalinstitute.org

This course is also being offered in person. Click here to register for the in-person program.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE PDF FLYER FOR THIS COURSE.

Oct
7
Wed
2026
Bankers, Builders, and Investors in Construction (3 CE Hours) @ via ZOOM
Oct 7 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Sign in at 8:45 am
  • Seminar runs from 9 am to 12 pm
  • CE credits pending with NJ (PA reciprocal credits)
  • Developed and presented by Lamar Ellis. III, MAI, SRA

“Bankers, Builders, and Investors in Construction” is a dynamic, case study that examines the construction process through the distinct yet interconnected perspectives of financing, execution, and investment.

Built around a comprehensive 11-month residential construction project, this course utilizes actual construction draw sheets, detailed cost breakdowns, and both aerial and ground-level documentation to provide a step-by-step analysis of the construction lifecycle. The Case Study begins from initial budgeting and loan structuring to final completion and disbursement.

Participants will gain practical insight into how construction funds are allocated and controlled, how progress is verified through inspections and draw requests, and how each stage of construction influences overall cost, risk & value. The course further delivers a detailed, real-time analysis of the construction process, equipping participants with the ability to identify construction components, recognize finished products, and evaluate completion at each stage of development. Bridging the gap between theory & real-world application, this equips attendees with the tools to interpret construction budgets and draw schedules, identify potential red flags, and better understand the financial & operational dynamics that shape residential development.

This course is designed for real estate appraisers, construction loan professionals, builders, investors, and other industry participants seeking a deeper, practical understanding of construction finance, project execution, and inspection methodology.  At the completion of this course, participants will:

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the construction process from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
  • Learn how Cost schedules function in real-world applications.
  • Understand how to analyze and interpret construction draw sheets and builders cost breakdowns and how they are related.
  • Identify the relationship between the construction progress and cost allocation.
  • Gain insight into the risk management considerations of bankers, builders, and investors.
  • Apply practical knowledge to improve decision-making in construction-related assignments.

About the Presenter

Lamar Ellis, MAI, SRA, has been appraising residential and commercial real estate for over 30 years, having begun his career as a staff appraiser and construction loan inspector for a local Atlanta Savings and Loan Bank in 1989. In 1992, he began working as an independent fee appraiser for local Atlanta Banks. From 1999 – 2000, Lamar led a construction lending department in Henry County, Georgia for Main Street Bank.  He is an active member of  the Atlanta Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. In 2010, Lamar earned the certification of SRA; in 2011, he became an approved instructor; and in 2014, Lamar earned the MAI designation. In 2014 began to develop courses focusing on Drone Technology and Its Impact on the Appraisal Profession. He has presented in 41 States and internationally on the benefits of aerial inspections for real estate.

Cancellations

Three CE credits pending with the NJ State board (reciprocal credits in PA.) Any & all cancellations are subject to an admin fee. No credit/refunds for cancellations made on or after 7 days prior to class.  No credit/refunds for no-shows.

This Seminar is on Zoom  

Students must have computer, webcam & microphone capability to participate & receive CE credit. The platform will be interactive & live. The instructors must be able to physically see & interact with all students. Students must be able see & interact w/ instructor. You’ll receive a separate email from the chapter with log-in/access information. You do not need a paid account from ZOOM to participate. If you are using your Ipad/Iphone/smartphone download the ZOOM app prior to offering. Check your webcam privacy settings on your computer.

Questions? Need help enrolling?

Email:  lisamay.weiss@appraisalinstitute.org   Call: 856.415.0281

Click here to download a printable PDF flyer for this course.