Appraisal Reconsideration of Value Guide

Updated August 17, 2026. General appraisal information only; not legal, tax, lending, engineering or accounting advice.

Use the client's process

For lender work, the lender controls how a reconsideration is submitted. Direct pressure outside that channel can create independence concerns.

Obtain the report and instructions, meet deadlines and keep a copy of the exact submission.

Separate errors from disagreement

A wrong area, missing garage, incorrect site size or misidentified sale may be a factual issue. Disliking a comparable without evidence is not the same.

List corrections concisely and attach reliable surveys, plans, permits or records. Explain relevance rather than sending an unorganized file.

Choose comparable evidence that competes

Alternative sales should be similar in location, date, property type, size, quality, condition and utility. A higher price alone does not make a sale better.

Listings and pending sales may offer context but are not completed transactions.

Discuss adjustments with market support

Adjustments reflect market reaction, not universal menu prices. Identify specific inconsistency or market data instead of substituting a personal figure.

Consider the entire sale. A property may be superior in one feature and inferior in several others.

Avoid pressure and understand outcomes

Do not frame the request around a loan amount or desired sale price. Factual, professional submissions are easier to evaluate.

The appraiser may correct, explain, consider evidence without changing value or revise the result. Review does not guarantee change.

Planning checklist

• Obtain report and instructions
• Use authorized channel
• List factual issues separately
• Attach reliable documents
• Limit alternative sales
• Explain similarity
• Avoid unsupported adjustment demands
• Remove target-value language
• Submit on time
• Keep a copy