Is it permissible for a review appraiser to use information not available to the original appraiser to discredit their value opinion?

The correct understanding is that a review appraiser must adhere to ethical standards, which include maintaining the integrity of the appraisal process. The use of information not available to the original appraiser solely for the purpose of discrediting their value opinion is not permissible. The function of the review appraiser is to evaluate the quality of the original appraisal and to determine if it was prepared in accordance with appropriate standards and guidelines, rather than to undermine it.

Review appraisers are expected to use additional information to ascertain whether the original appraisal opinion is well-supported and credible. While they may indeed encounter new data, their role is not to invalidate previous conclusions without due diligence. Instead, they should provide constructive feedback or enhancements to the findings if necessary, ensuring that their evaluation aligns with the standards of professional practice.

This perspective reinforces the importance of maintaining a collaborative and constructive approach within the appraisal community, upholding the quality and reliability of appraisals as a whole.