Basics of Real Estate Appraisals for Conservation Easement and Fee Simple Transactions

Qualified appraisals of real estate are essential to sound conservation transactions. A poorly supported appraisal, whether fraudulent or merely sloppy, damages the integrity of a conservation transaction regardless of the conservation values involved. It also damages the reputation of the land trust involved in the transaction, risks violating the public’s trust, and may reduce support for conservation in general. Staff, board members and volunteers working in acquisitions need to understand the basics of appraisals, and details specific to transactions that involve donations of conservation easements or fee simple property when the landowner is seeking a charitable deduction. Land trusts also need to know enough about appraisal standards to ensure receiving a compliant report.

Join appraiser and appraisal educator Brian Gatzke of Northern Plains Appraisal, LLC, for an introduction to appraisals for purchased and donated conservation easements and fee simple property. He will primarily focus on transactions that do not involve federal funding sources.

Here’s a look at what we will cover:

• An overview of the appraisal process.

• Strategies for selecting a qualified appraiser.

• Basics of appraisal standards (USPAP, UASFLA/YellowBook, IRS and NRCS) and transaction circumstances that require a particular standard.

• Common mistakes made in valuing easements.

• Tips for recognizing inappropriate or abusive appraisals.

• Review of appraisal guidelines from Land Trust Standards and Practices.

• Land Trust Alliance efforts to increase access to qualified appraisals and other appraisal education sources and resources.

This webinar is included in the 2025 Webinar Pass.

Participants in Land Trust Alliance events should review and agree to the Alliance Code of Conduct.