Basic Appraisal Principles

February 9-12, 2026

8:30am - 5:00pm Central Time daily
Registration at 8:00 AM Monday

Hilton Garden Inn
Maple Grove, MN

Click here to register through NSCAI

 This course is co-sponsored by MAAO and the North Star Chapter of the Appraisal Institute (NSCAI). 

Description:  If you’re considering a career in professional valuation services, your journey should begin with Basic Appraisal Principles. This four-day course will introduce you to real property concepts and characteristics, legal considerations, influences on real estate values, types of value, economic principles, real estate markets and analysis, highest and best use, and ethical considerations. The course should provide a solid foundation in basic appraisal principles no matter what appraisal specialty you pursue.

Co-developed by the Appraisal Institute, ASA, and ASFMRA.

Registration:  Through the North Star Chapter of the Appraisal Institute (NSCAI). If you have issues with registration, please reach out to Doug Stangohr with the Appraisal Institute at [email protected] or (651) 400-8488. MAAO Members will receive the same registration rate as Appraisal Institute members automatically.

Location:  Hilton Garden Inn, 6350 Vinewood Ln N., Maple Grove, MN

Instructors:  Byron Miller and Jon Gargulak

Prerequisite:  Six months work experience and Assessment Laws and Procedures preferred

Requirements: A financial calculator is required. The accepted model used in the program is the HP-12C. AI education programs that require a financial calculator are developed with HP-12C keystrokes; using this model is highly recommended.

Course Materials: When you register through the Appraisal Institute, you will have the option to either download course materials (included in the registration price) or pay an additional fee to have a hard copy sent to you directly, prior to the course. No hard copies will be available at the course.

Food & Beverages:  For student, instructor, and employer convenience, a limited variety of refreshments and snacks are included in your registration fee and will be available for a.m. and p.m. breaks. In order to keep registration fees lower, lunch will be on your own for MAAO co-sponsored courses such as this one, so please plan accordingly.

Hotel Group Rate:  For your convenience, a block of hotel rooms has been reserve at Hilton Garden Inn, Maple Grove, MN for $139/night. To ensure you receive the group rate, call (763) 509 - 9500 and mention "MAAO" or use this booking link before January 31, 2026. It's your responsibility to make your own reservations.

Scholarships:  MAAO offers weeklong course scholarships to anyone that is interested in pursuing a career in the assessment field and demonstrates a financial need. Courses eligible for a scholarship include Assessment Laws and Procedures (ALP), Appraisal Principles, Appraisal Procedures, and Mass Appraisal. More information and a scholarship application are available by clicking here.

ADA Policy:  If you have a disability and may require some accommodations at any event, please notify us via email to [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the course, and we will attempt to make reasonable arrangements.

COVID Considerations: MAAO is following the current guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health. Each educational offering is subject to cancellation if mandated by the Governor or due to a change in COVID conditions. A 100% refund will be processed for any registrant due to a COVID-related cancellation. Attendance at any course is at the risk of the employer and attendee. MAAO or A.I. will not be held liable.

Additional Information: Refer to MAAO's education FAQs and policies.

Click here to register through NSCAI

 This course is co-sponsored by MAAO and the North Star Chapter of the Appraisal Institute (NSCAI). 

If you are not currently a member of MAAO and would like to join to receive member-based pricing, click here to learn how to join MAAO.  Please allow one business day for membership application processing prior to registering for courses and seminars.

hen you register through the Appraisal Institute, you will have the option to either download course materials (included in the registration price) or pay an additional fee to have a hard copy sent to you directly, prior to the course. No hard copies will be available at the course.

You will need a standard calculator for this class.  It does NOT need to be a financial calculator.   You can use your smart phone calculator for the class room exams, but you can NOT use your smart phone during the exam.