exam prep
352) AMC Test
06/21/08
Dear Henry,
I recently filled out an application with an AMC that included an appraisal test/quiz at the end. The Q & A was very shoddy. Here's a sample question:
"Across the board adjustments:
A) should never be made when possible.
B) can be acceptable in some cases such as REO properties when no similar condition homes exist.
C) should be evident to the client when they were needed. That is why they are in the report.
D) Both a & b
Do these multiple choice answers make any sense to you? The other 10 questions are equally faulty. I know a company can choose their own criteria for determining whether they will provide assignments to an appraiser, but this quiz was far from appropriate in my opinion. Does an AMC have any business quizzing licensed appraisers this way and for this purpose?
Name withheld by request
Dear Friend,
Using the answer "both a & b" or "all of the above" in a multiple choice question is no longer considered to be good test question construction. The State of Florida Real Estate Commission will not approve any question with such answers. Frankly, I think it is very unprofessional for an AMC to have a test like this as part of their approval process.
H2
I recently filled out an application with an AMC that included an appraisal test/quiz at the end. The Q & A was very shoddy. Here's a sample question:
"Across the board adjustments:
A) should never be made when possible.
B) can be acceptable in some cases such as REO properties when no similar condition homes exist.
C) should be evident to the client when they were needed. That is why they are in the report.
D) Both a & b
Do these multiple choice answers make any sense to you? The other 10 questions are equally faulty. I know a company can choose their own criteria for determining whether they will provide assignments to an appraiser, but this quiz was far from appropriate in my opinion. Does an AMC have any business quizzing licensed appraisers this way and for this purpose?
Name withheld by request
Dear Friend,
Using the answer "both a & b" or "all of the above" in a multiple choice question is no longer considered to be good test question construction. The State of Florida Real Estate Commission will not approve any question with such answers. Frankly, I think it is very unprofessional for an AMC to have a test like this as part of their approval process.
H2
323) FHA Manual & URAR Guide
05/21/08
Dear H2,
I'm in the process of becoming approved to complete FHA appraisals. What are the best basic manuals or guidebooks that I should have?
Jane Ritzenthaler jane@azappraisalmanagement.com
Dear Jane,
We recommend three.
1. First off, you need to download (or purchase) a copy of the main HUD Manual, 4150.2. It gives chapter and verse on what FHA wants you to consider when you make an appraisal for them. Click here: http://www.hud.gov/groups/appraisers.cfm Then, on the right under the green RESOURCES tab, click on "HUD Handbook 4150.2" [NOTE: Save this link. It is the main HUD resource page for FHA Appraisers, including training, events, news, and various updates.]
2. Secondly, we suggest purchasing Ann O'Rourke's new FHA Handbook. Ann is very knowledgeable and her information is current and very useful. Click here: http://www.appraisaltoday.com/products.htm Ann's Special Report on FHA Appraising is the first item for sale.
3. Finally, we think every appraiser doing appraisal reports on the URAR should have a copy of my book, Harrison's Illustrated Guide: How to Make a Single Family Appraisal on the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac URAR Form. This line-by-line guide to filling out a URAR form ihas been a bestseller for over 20 years, through 4 major updates. The book listed here is current, including the 2008-2009 USPAP requirements.
Click here: http://www.formsandworms.com/cgi-bin/select.pl?ImageName=300285
H2
I'm in the process of becoming approved to complete FHA appraisals. What are the best basic manuals or guidebooks that I should have?
Jane Ritzenthaler jane@azappraisalmanagement.com
Dear Jane,
We recommend three.
1. First off, you need to download (or purchase) a copy of the main HUD Manual, 4150.2. It gives chapter and verse on what FHA wants you to consider when you make an appraisal for them. Click here: http://www.hud.gov/groups/appraisers.cfm Then, on the right under the green RESOURCES tab, click on "HUD Handbook 4150.2" [NOTE: Save this link. It is the main HUD resource page for FHA Appraisers, including training, events, news, and various updates.]
2. Secondly, we suggest purchasing Ann O'Rourke's new FHA Handbook. Ann is very knowledgeable and her information is current and very useful. Click here: http://www.appraisaltoday.com/products.htm Ann's Special Report on FHA Appraising is the first item for sale.
3. Finally, we think every appraiser doing appraisal reports on the URAR should have a copy of my book, Harrison's Illustrated Guide: How to Make a Single Family Appraisal on the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac URAR Form. This line-by-line guide to filling out a URAR form ihas been a bestseller for over 20 years, through 4 major updates. The book listed here is current, including the 2008-2009 USPAP requirements.
Click here: http://www.formsandworms.com/cgi-bin/select.pl?ImageName=300285
H2
303) Basic Appraisal Procedures
04/23/08
Hello Mr. Harrison --
My question is what is the best book to show you the techniques to do the sales comparison approach, time adjustments, comparable listing and pending sales, ect.
Thanks.
Alfredo zayas Zayas5@yahoo.com
Dear Alfedo,
My new book Basic Appraisal Procedures should help you. It is available from Form and Worms www.formsandworms.com or 1-800-243-4545.
H2
My question is what is the best book to show you the techniques to do the sales comparison approach, time adjustments, comparable listing and pending sales, ect.
Thanks.
Alfredo zayas Zayas5@yahoo.com
Dear Alfedo,
My new book Basic Appraisal Procedures should help you. It is available from Form and Worms www.formsandworms.com or 1-800-243-4545.
H2
267) New Exam Prep
03/11/08
Dear Henry,
I have a two part question:
When licensing was first instituted I used your Q and A book with sample exams to prepare for the exam (resedential.) I have applied for an upgrade to general and was wondering if you will be updating the book to take into account the new national test.
The second part is do you know if my state (RI) has adopted the "segmented" option. My education was approved but had not received final approval of the experience so in either case I know I must pass the new exam.
Name Withheld by Request
Dear Friend,
We plan to update the Q&A book to reflect the new type of question structure on the national exam. However, the body of knowledge being tested has not changed -- just the structure of the questions.
I am not familiar with the rules for all the states regarding the "segmented" option. You'll need to check with your state's real estate commission.
H2
I have a two part question:
When licensing was first instituted I used your Q and A book with sample exams to prepare for the exam (resedential.) I have applied for an upgrade to general and was wondering if you will be updating the book to take into account the new national test.
The second part is do you know if my state (RI) has adopted the "segmented" option. My education was approved but had not received final approval of the experience so in either case I know I must pass the new exam.
Name Withheld by Request
Dear Friend,
We plan to update the Q&A book to reflect the new type of question structure on the national exam. However, the body of knowledge being tested has not changed -- just the structure of the questions.
I am not familiar with the rules for all the states regarding the "segmented" option. You'll need to check with your state's real estate commission.
H2
249) New Exams
02/22/08
Dear Henry,
I am getting ready to take my test the first part of the year. Has there been changes to the test for the new license requirements. Do I still study the original questions and answers?
Thank you, I have been in the business for over 30 years in the office and caring for a family so that I am just now getting my license.
Carolyn sewinsue23@msn.com
Dear Carolyn,
As of January 1, 2008 there is one standard national test. It probably is significantly different than the one your state was giving in the past. The Winter 2008 issue of our magazine, Real Estate Valuation Magazine Online features an article about changes to the exams, what to expect, and sample questions. You should take a look!
H2
I am getting ready to take my test the first part of the year. Has there been changes to the test for the new license requirements. Do I still study the original questions and answers?
Thank you, I have been in the business for over 30 years in the office and caring for a family so that I am just now getting my license.
Carolyn sewinsue23@msn.com
Dear Carolyn,
As of January 1, 2008 there is one standard national test. It probably is significantly different than the one your state was giving in the past. The Winter 2008 issue of our magazine, Real Estate Valuation Magazine Online features an article about changes to the exams, what to expect, and sample questions. You should take a look!
H2
233) Q&A Book Update
02/05/08
Hello Henry,
I have a copy of your book with 1001 questions to pass the appraisal exam some time ago. I was told that Texas changed the test as of January 2008. Does the book have everything in it I would need to know for the 2008 test? Will there be an update to your book?
Laura Roberts Laura_Roberts@LandSafe.com
Dear Laura,
The new national AQB test started on January 1, 2008. It covers the same body of knowledge as before. We usually update the book annually and plan to do so after we know more about the structure of the new exams.
H2
I have a copy of your book with 1001 questions to pass the appraisal exam some time ago. I was told that Texas changed the test as of January 2008. Does the book have everything in it I would need to know for the 2008 test? Will there be an update to your book?
Laura Roberts Laura_Roberts@LandSafe.com
Dear Laura,
The new national AQB test started on January 1, 2008. It covers the same body of knowledge as before. We usually update the book annually and plan to do so after we know more about the structure of the new exams.
H2
231) National 6 Hour AQB Test
02/03/08
Dear Henry,
Thank you for all your advice. What are your thoughts on the new 6 hour test for Certified appraisers? Do you have books on how to pass this test?
Nam Withheld By Request
Dear Friend,
I like the idea of a national test being run by the AQB. So far nobody who has taken the test has told me what it is like.
My book "1001 Questions and Answers to Help You PASS Any Appraisal License or Certification Test" should still work as the body of knowledge has not changed.
Use this link to buy it directly from Forms and Worms: www.formsandworms.com
H2
Thank you for all your advice. What are your thoughts on the new 6 hour test for Certified appraisers? Do you have books on how to pass this test?
Nam Withheld By Request
Dear Friend,
I like the idea of a national test being run by the AQB. So far nobody who has taken the test has told me what it is like.
My book "1001 Questions and Answers to Help You PASS Any Appraisal License or Certification Test" should still work as the body of knowledge has not changed.
Use this link to buy it directly from Forms and Worms: www.formsandworms.com
H2
119) Answers to FHA exam
08/12/07
Hello Henry,
As you noted, all the questions you listed in the article about the FHA exam in REV Magazine [www.revmag.com/summer2007/05.html] are in Appendix D of the FHA Handbook, 4150.2 except for Question 8 which deals with USPAP. That answer is located in the Ethics part of USPAP.
The question I am having major trouble with, however, is Question 5 which says: "To be eligible for FHA Title II Financing, list at least three criteria that a manufactured housing unit must meet." The only information I found is on page D-45 which says "Manufactured homes must be taxed as real estate to be eligible for Title II FHA insurance." I cannot find any other references for 2 other criteria.
Can you help?
John Mathias jmathias@bellsouth.net
Dear John,
I don't think it is a good idea for me to publish what I believe the correct answer should be. The purpose of the exam is to have you read the new Appendix D -Valuation Protocol. I can tell you that my copy of Appendix D 4150.2 gives the answer to Question 5 on page D-43.
H2
As you noted, all the questions you listed in the article about the FHA exam in REV Magazine [www.revmag.com/summer2007/05.html] are in Appendix D of the FHA Handbook, 4150.2 except for Question 8 which deals with USPAP. That answer is located in the Ethics part of USPAP.
The question I am having major trouble with, however, is Question 5 which says: "To be eligible for FHA Title II Financing, list at least three criteria that a manufactured housing unit must meet." The only information I found is on page D-45 which says "Manufactured homes must be taxed as real estate to be eligible for Title II FHA insurance." I cannot find any other references for 2 other criteria.
Can you help?
John Mathias jmathias@bellsouth.net
Dear John,
I don't think it is a good idea for me to publish what I believe the correct answer should be. The purpose of the exam is to have you read the new Appendix D -Valuation Protocol. I can tell you that my copy of Appendix D 4150.2 gives the answer to Question 5 on page D-43.
H2
103) HUD/FHA Exam Prep
06/14/07
Dear Henry --
I AM TRYING TO LOCATE YOUR BOOK ON HOW TO PASS FHA & HUD EXAMS. PLEASE HELP!
GAIL GRAY HARBORCITYAPPRAISAL@CFL.RR.COM
Dear Gail,
I doubt you will need our book anymore. The new FHA application contains only 10 easy "open book" questions. There no longer is a 50 question exam.
A feature article on the new FHA requirements, including all the questions and suggested answers, will appear in the SUMMER 2007 issue of Real Estate Valuation Magazine Online -- www.revmag.com -- which will be posted early in July.
If you can't wait, go to www.FHA.gov where all this information is now available. Look on the left hand side of the opening screen for "appraisers."
H2
I AM TRYING TO LOCATE YOUR BOOK ON HOW TO PASS FHA & HUD EXAMS. PLEASE HELP!
GAIL GRAY HARBORCITYAPPRAISAL@CFL.RR.COM
Dear Gail,
I doubt you will need our book anymore. The new FHA application contains only 10 easy "open book" questions. There no longer is a 50 question exam.
A feature article on the new FHA requirements, including all the questions and suggested answers, will appear in the SUMMER 2007 issue of Real Estate Valuation Magazine Online -- www.revmag.com -- which will be posted early in July.
If you can't wait, go to www.FHA.gov where all this information is now available. Look on the left hand side of the opening screen for "appraisers."
H2
93) Purchasing "1001 Q&A" Book
05/24/07
Dear Henry,
Where can I get a copy of your Q&A for the Certified Residential exam, ASAP, to bone up for test. Everywhere I find on Amazon says 1 month for shipping.
Frank Bradley frankbradley@mris.com
Dear Frank,
Forms and Worms is our national distributor, and has the 2006 revision of the book in stock. They will ship it out any way you want, including overnight express. 1-800-243-4545 or www.formsandworm.com
Good luck on your exam.
H2
Where can I get a copy of your Q&A for the Certified Residential exam, ASAP, to bone up for test. Everywhere I find on Amazon says 1 month for shipping.
Frank Bradley frankbradley@mris.com
Dear Frank,
Forms and Worms is our national distributor, and has the 2006 revision of the book in stock. They will ship it out any way you want, including overnight express. 1-800-243-4545 or www.formsandworm.com
Good luck on your exam.
H2
83) How To Use The Q&A Book
05/03/07
Hi Henry --
Can you tell me if you make a CD of your Appraisal Exam Prep book, so that I can study it from my computer?
Thank you!
Jackie appnet@sbcglobal.net
Dear Jackie,
Although we do not offer it on CD yet, thousands of appraisers have successfully used my book 1001 Q & A to Help You PASS Any Licensed or Certification Appraisal Exam. It is available from Forms and Worms at www.formsandworms.com
The most effective way to use the book is not to read it cover to cover, because you waste a lot of time on things you all ready know.
Use our 6 step study process shown below to rapidly gain the knowledge you need to "ace" your exam:
1. Do NOT start by reading through the book. Instead, take the practice exam at the end of Chapter #1 and correct it immediately.
2. Ignore all the questions you answered correctly. Next to each question you answered incorrectly is a arrow that directs you to the page and paragraph in the text that has the correct information. Read only that material, not the whole page.
3. Then proceed to repeat the process until you have studied the correct answers to all the questions you missed.
4. When you finish, move on and repeat the process for Chapter #2 and all the remaining chapters.
5. After you have done all of this, take the first practice exam at the end of the book. Again, you should study only the answers you missed and then move on and repeat the process for the 2nd practice exam.
We have found from experience that if you follow this plan, your chance of passing are better than 95%. (If you still fail the exam, we recommend taking another formal course.)
H2
Can you tell me if you make a CD of your Appraisal Exam Prep book, so that I can study it from my computer?
Thank you!
Jackie appnet@sbcglobal.net
Dear Jackie,
Although we do not offer it on CD yet, thousands of appraisers have successfully used my book 1001 Q & A to Help You PASS Any Licensed or Certification Appraisal Exam. It is available from Forms and Worms at www.formsandworms.com
The most effective way to use the book is not to read it cover to cover, because you waste a lot of time on things you all ready know.
Use our 6 step study process shown below to rapidly gain the knowledge you need to "ace" your exam:
1. Do NOT start by reading through the book. Instead, take the practice exam at the end of Chapter #1 and correct it immediately.
2. Ignore all the questions you answered correctly. Next to each question you answered incorrectly is a arrow that directs you to the page and paragraph in the text that has the correct information. Read only that material, not the whole page.
3. Then proceed to repeat the process until you have studied the correct answers to all the questions you missed.
4. When you finish, move on and repeat the process for Chapter #2 and all the remaining chapters.
5. After you have done all of this, take the first practice exam at the end of the book. Again, you should study only the answers you missed and then move on and repeat the process for the 2nd practice exam.
We have found from experience that if you follow this plan, your chance of passing are better than 95%. (If you still fail the exam, we recommend taking another formal course.)
H2
77) 1001 Questions And Answers Book
04/11/07
Dear Henry,
I'm getting ready to take the Oregon State Certified test. I've been an appraiser for 15 years. I have (and used) a 1991 copy of your book How to Pass any General or Residential Appraisal Examination.
My question is: has this book been updated and if so is it very different? If it is updated and different, what is the most recent update publication date?
Thanks.. and keep up the amazing work you do for this industry.
Marsha Sandman mjs1@cablespeed.com
Dear Marsha,
You have an antique edition of 1001 Questions and Answers to Help you Pass Any License or Certification Exam. The book is updated every few years. The last update was 2006. The biggest change update was the USPAP.
If you want a current edition, you can get one online from Forms and Worms at www.formsandworms.com or call 1 800 243-4545.
H2
I'm getting ready to take the Oregon State Certified test. I've been an appraiser for 15 years. I have (and used) a 1991 copy of your book How to Pass any General or Residential Appraisal Examination.
My question is: has this book been updated and if so is it very different? If it is updated and different, what is the most recent update publication date?
Thanks.. and keep up the amazing work you do for this industry.
Marsha Sandman mjs1@cablespeed.com
Dear Marsha,
You have an antique edition of 1001 Questions and Answers to Help you Pass Any License or Certification Exam. The book is updated every few years. The last update was 2006. The biggest change update was the USPAP.
If you want a current edition, you can get one online from Forms and Worms at www.formsandworms.com or call 1 800 243-4545.
H2
72) Certification Exam
04/02/07
Dear Henry,
I need to prepare for my appraisal certification exam. What do you have to help me study?
Harry Britt cahtii@aol.com
Dear Harry,
Thousands of appraisers have successfully used my book 1001 Q & A to Help You Pass Any Licensed or Certification Appraisal Exam. It is available from Forms and Worms at www.formsandworms.com
The most effective way to use the book is not to read it cover to cover, because you waste a lot of time on things you all ready know. The trick it to take the practice exam at the end of chapter #1 and correct it immediately. Ignore all the questions you answered correctly. Next to each question you answered incorrectly is a arrow that directs you to the page and paragraph in the text that has the correct information. Read only that material, not the whole page. Then proceed to repeat the process until you have studied the correct answers to all the questions you missed. When you finish, move on and repeat the process for Chapter #2 and all the remaining chapters. After you have done all of this, take the first practice exam at the end of the book. Again, you should study only the answers you missed and then move on and repeat the process for the 2nd practice exam.
If you do all this, your chances of passing are better than 95%. (If you still fail the exam, we recommend taking another formal course.)
Good Luck!
H2
I need to prepare for my appraisal certification exam. What do you have to help me study?
Harry Britt cahtii@aol.com
Dear Harry,
Thousands of appraisers have successfully used my book 1001 Q & A to Help You Pass Any Licensed or Certification Appraisal Exam. It is available from Forms and Worms at www.formsandworms.com
The most effective way to use the book is not to read it cover to cover, because you waste a lot of time on things you all ready know. The trick it to take the practice exam at the end of chapter #1 and correct it immediately. Ignore all the questions you answered correctly. Next to each question you answered incorrectly is a arrow that directs you to the page and paragraph in the text that has the correct information. Read only that material, not the whole page. Then proceed to repeat the process until you have studied the correct answers to all the questions you missed. When you finish, move on and repeat the process for Chapter #2 and all the remaining chapters. After you have done all of this, take the first practice exam at the end of the book. Again, you should study only the answers you missed and then move on and repeat the process for the 2nd practice exam.
If you do all this, your chances of passing are better than 95%. (If you still fail the exam, we recommend taking another formal course.)
Good Luck!
H2
38) Ordering The "1001 Q & A" Exam Prep Book
01/20/07
Dear Henry,
I am preparing for the Arizona State Appraisal Exam and was recommended your book, 1001 Q & A to Help You PASS Any License or Certification Appraisal Exam I have not found the book locally but have found it online. My question is, what is the most current printing? I have found a 1991 version and a 2000 version. Any other advice you can give is also appreciated. Thank you for your assistance.
John Stutzman stutzfree@hotmail.com
Dear John,
There is a new 2006 edition that includes review questions on the 2006 USPAP.
The most current editions of our books are always available from our national distributors, Forms and Worms, at 1-800 243-4545 or online at http://www.formsandworms.com
Good luck on your exam.
H2
I am preparing for the Arizona State Appraisal Exam and was recommended your book, 1001 Q & A to Help You PASS Any License or Certification Appraisal Exam I have not found the book locally but have found it online. My question is, what is the most current printing? I have found a 1991 version and a 2000 version. Any other advice you can give is also appreciated. Thank you for your assistance.
John Stutzman stutzfree@hotmail.com
Dear John,
There is a new 2006 edition that includes review questions on the 2006 USPAP.
The most current editions of our books are always available from our national distributors, Forms and Worms, at 1-800 243-4545 or online at http://www.formsandworms.com
Good luck on your exam.
H2