As all appraisers are human, we are bound to make mistakes. I personally have never had a perfect appraisal report, and I think you would be hard-pressed to find a report completely void of mistakes. As a result, it is important for us, as fellow appraisers, to treat one another with respect when it comes to reviewing each other’s work.
I recently came across a couple of disturbing situations online. An appraiser had posted a report he was reviewing online and proceeded to point out all of its flaws. What made the situation even worse, was the fact that the name and license number of the appraiser being reviewed was left on the report. Not only was the report ridiculed on a public platform, the appraiser was left vulnerable to public criticism. The other situation I came across was similar, except the reviewer was asking Facebook if he should post the report he was reviewing for the world to see. In both of these situations, the reviewer failed to treat his peer with the respect they deserved.
Peer reviews can be a valuable tool in the appraisal world. If we know there is a possibility of our reports being reviewed, we will be more careful in our work. When we as appraisers have the opportunity to step into the reviewer role, it is important for us to treat our fellow appraisers how we would like to be treated if the roles were reversed.
The appraisal review process can be a wonderful opportunity to learn and improve if done right. Constructive criticism can be invaluable. When reviewing your peers, ask yourself how you would like to be treated and seek to build other appraisers up rather than tearing them down. Create a safe space for others to learn and grow as you treat them with kindness and respect.
Of course, that is not to say that reviewer should not do their job. Appraisers who are not performing their job in an appropriate an ethical manner, should be called out-privately!
For more information on this subject, please listen to The Appraiser Coach Podcast Episode:
