I recently attended the Appraisal Institute's Review Theory week-long course that was taught by Vincent Dowling, MAI, MRICS, SRPA, M.Ed. Some at the course were there to get AI's new review designation, others were there for continuing education. One reason I was there was to learn what's important to bank reviewers. I view external bank reviewers as my client and I quickly learned they are often under tight deadlines similar to fee appraisers. Most folks in the room were "seasoned" review appraisers. I learned from them, be it bank, legal, government or DOT backgrounds.

The course had an underlying theme to view a review of another appraiser's report with balance. Instead of solely focusing on what's wrong with the report, assume the report will be a good one on the onset of reading. Obviously, some reports can turn out to be a stinker, but the reviewer should carefully read the totality of the report and determine the difference between incidental and material errors.  

Mr. Dowling emphasized that a personal attack on the appraiser is unprofessional and the reviewer should endeavor to focus on the report not the person. Vindictive review styles coupled with endless "need more support" taken to the extreme provides a disservice to the bank. These folks are dinosaurs nearing extinction.  

Fee appraisers can get defensive when an external reviewer contacts them. I understand that feeling, but the market is changing. The tone of the review should be one of collaboration since, after all, the reviewer is signing their name to your report. Moreover, review appraisers are often the ones fighting the good fight within lending institutions, communicating the value of ethical and knowledgeable fee appraisers.  

Reviewers with a collaborative attitude generally have much better working relationships with fee appraisers, which results in a much better appraisal product. I'm not saying all reviews should be like rainbows, puppies and unicorns with everyone holding hands singing "we are the world." However, resist the urge to communicate 100% by email. Picking up the phone will result in more depth, more understanding and a point of view each side may have not thought of while writing or reviewing the report. Communication is key, but it can also be difficult to achieve as illustrated by George Bernard Shaw; "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."  

If you own the appraisal firm, focus on collective results by teaching your appraisers it's ok to share data and best practices. This will lead to accelerated and amplified success.



Sensei is a Japanese word for teacher or "one who has gone before." The word is also used to show respect to someone who has achieved a certain level of mastery in an art form or some other skill. I put Mr. Dowling in this category, as you could tell he cares deeply about the profession and has extensive valuation chomps.  

My Sensei is Kyoshi Luis Lugo. He is a very wise and patient man, but also possesses masterful combat skills.  His mission is to help the community by positively influencing the physical and mental growth via the rigorous training methods of martial arts.  To learn masterful ways to transform our thoughts, feelings and actions in a positive manner.  To create a culture of self-mastery to build a base of more tolerant, kind, compassionate and loving citizens in our community.



What is the mission statement of our commercial appraisal industry? Perhaps, we can take the martial arts approach to our trade and look to our teachers, our sensei's, for guidance. Who are they? Are you an appraisal sensei? If you're on the sidelines consider being an AI advisor. Consider taking on trainees.  Consider lobbying government about our profession. Consider articulating our value to the business community at large.  

There is an African proverb that says, "When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground." If you were once the student and now the master, impart your wisdom. Rania Al-Abdullah sums it up nicely; "We are stronger when we listen, and smarter when we share."  Be a sensei for someone, appraisal or otherwise.