Expert Witness Testimony Basics for Appraisers

This course is designed to introduce real property appraisers to expert witness testimony, or to serve as a refresher for the experienced appraiser expert.  In short, this course is designed to help determine if the role of expert witness is right for you.

The course begins with some legal basics, including types of witnesses, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and legal precedents regarding expert qualifications.  An appraiser’s fundamental USPAP obligations are also covered, with a focus on advocacy and why appraisers are prohibited from performing as advocates.

The importance of problem identification and developing an appropriate scope of work are addressed.  The course material stresses and provides examples of the higher level of due diligence in researching and analyzing data than what is typically performed in a mortgage lending assignment.

An in-depth look at providing sworn testimony, in a deposition and a courtroom setting, is presented. Deposition and courtroom testimony tips are provided, along with an examination of common errors and pitfalls that can make or break an expert witness. The wrap-up focuses on proper protocol for leaving the witness stand and when the invoice should be presented, along with how to the comply with the RECORD KEEPING RULE (both report of the testimony and the retention period).