What is a CGHA designation?

At Appraisals by Yawn & Associates, LLC, our lead appraiser holds the Certified Green Home Appraiser (CGHA) designation—awarded by McKissock Learning to professionals who demonstrate advanced expertise in appraising green and high-performance residential properties.

Launched in 2021, the CGHA program was created in response to the growing demand for valuation professionals who understand the nuances of sustainable building practices, energy-efficient systems, and green certification standards. Appraisers who earn this designation complete a rigorous curriculum covering green building concepts, solar valuation, and sustainable property analysis—going well beyond the scope of traditional residential appraisal education.

CGHA appraisers are trained to identify and quantify the value impact of green features, ensuring that homes with energy-efficient upgrades, renewable systems, and sustainable materials are accurately and defensibly appraised. This designation supports USPAP compliance while enhancing comparability and clarity in valuation logic.

As of today, only a limited number of CGHA-certified appraisers operate within Texas, making this credential a rare and strategic differentiator. It reflects our commitment to staying ahead of market trends, delivering future-ready reports, and offering specialized insight for eco-conscious homeowners, builders, and lenders.

Contact us for more information regarding our specific designations and how they help ensure you get the highest quality appraisal and service.

CGHA Designation:

Certified Green Home Appraiser – McKissock Learning

Designates must meet the following criteria for the CGHA designation:

Must hold a current Certified Residential Appraiser or Certified General Appraiser license in good standing
Must complete 14 hours of specialized coursework, including:
- Green Building Concepts for Appraisers – 7 hours
- Valuation of Green Residential Properties – 4 hours
- Valuation of Residential Solar – 3 hours
Must demonstrate proficiency in identifying and valuing energy-efficient features, renewable systems, and green certifications
Must complete the CGHA certification program within one year of starting the first course
Must uphold USPAP compliance, ethical standards, and defensible valuation logic tailored to sustainable housing

Because of the specialized education and focus on sustainability, you can be confident that CGHA-designated appraisers provide high-quality, future-ready residential appraisal services. The CGHA designation reflects a growing market need for professionals who understand the complexities of green and high-performance homes.

This information was sourced from the CERTIFIED GREEN HOME APPRAISER