HIGHER LEARNING

Taking Zaio appraisers to the top of the class

Once appraisers are on board with Zaio, it’s up to trainer Frank O’Neill to bring them up to speed. Having sold over 750 zones to new appraisers over the past few months, that’s a daunting task. But O’Neill is up to the challenge. He has over 15 years’ experience as an appraisal instructor for the Appraisal Institute and many other schools and organizations. During his career, O’Neill has designed and taught courses and seminars covering a diverse range of appraisal topics.

Since joining Zaio in November, O’Neill has been developing a series of training modules to introduce appraisers to the Zaio process. When fully operational, the training program will be available on line with 24/7 access, making it convenient for every appraiser regardless of time zone or location.

Course material will be supported by real-time interactive presentations (GoToMeetings). Up to 25 appraisers at a time will be able to access this on-line, interactive service. Joining O’Neill for on-line sessions will be Michael Hartman, one of Zaio’s Spokane-area appraisers. As a seasoned Zaio appraiser, Hartman can offer other appraisers first-hand reports on Zaio software and its practical applications in the field and in the marketplace.

Five training modules will lead new appraisers in learning the steps required for efficient and effective zone development:

Module 1 – Process overview
2 hours, classroom or online

A Zaio representative will deliver an update on the Company’s progress, discuss photography and training, and outline the work required in the weeks ahead. Appraisers will be introduced to the Zaio system’s market groups and criteria, and briefed on the steps they can take to prepare for zone photography. The interactive forum will conclude with a question and answer session.

Module 2 – Market groups and criteria; introduction to GeoScoring
2-hour online GoToMeeting

This module helps establish a fundamental knowledge of Zaio software, including an understanding of the strategies and challenges involved in determining market groups and criteria. Appraisers will become familiar with the GeoScore™ hierarchy that captures the unique attributes of each valuation category while maintaining reasonable consistency. Training will also cover the mechanics of GeoScoring and the transfer of intelligence to appraisers’ staff members.

Module 3 – Field inspection using a Personal Data Assistant (PDA)
1-hour online GoToMeeting

During a real-time demonstration, appraisers will learn how to use a PDA for scoring and grading. Field-inspection efficiency and property screening will be covered, in addition to functions such as error reporting. Appraisers will also learn how to upload inspection results to the Zaio network.

Module 4 – Working with market groups and comparable sales
3-hour online GoToMeeting

Additional market grouping information will be presented, along with details on how to apply and manage this data. The process of choosing and working with comparable properties will be discussed. Appraisers will learn how to use the scorecard function to manage changes in market groupings and will be briefed on strategies they can implement to achieve accurate values.

Module 5 – On-going maintenance
2-hour online GoToMeeting

Training concludes with instruction on updating comparables on a monthly basis, monitoring concerns, annual re-inspections, new construction appraisals, property renovations and changes, and working with the Zaio photographers.

O’Neill has designed this five-module series to serve as the foundation for an ongoing continuing-education program for appraisers. Zone appraisers will be advised of schedules and registration details as soon as the program is up and running.

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