How do you present appraisal recommendations?

1 Know your audience

Before you prepare your presentation, you should know who your audience is and what their expectations and needs are. Different types of clients may have different levels of familiarity with appraisal terminology, methods, and standards. For example, a lender may require more details and documentation than a homeowner who just wants to know the market value of their property. You should also consider the purpose and scope of the appraisal assignment, and tailor your presentation accordingly. For example, if you are appraising a property for tax purposes, you may need to explain how you applied the cost, income, and sales comparison approaches.

2 Organize your information

A good presentation should have a logical and coherent structure that guides your audience through your appraisal process and conclusions. You should start with an introduction that summarizes the main points and objectives of your presentation, and provides some background information on the property and the market. Then, you should present your data and analysis in a clear and consistent way, using charts, graphs, tables, maps, and photos to illustrate your points. You should also explain how you adjusted and reconciled the data to arrive at your final value estimate. Finally, you should end with a conclusion that restates your main findings and recommendations, and answers any questions or concerns that your audience may have.

3 Use clear and appropriate language

When presenting appraisal recommendations, you should use clear and appropriate language that conveys your message effectively and accurately. You should avoid using jargon, slang, or acronyms that your audience may not understand, and instead use plain and simple words that express your meaning. You should also avoid using vague or ambiguous terms that may create confusion or misunderstanding, and instead use precise and specific terms that describe your data and opinions. For example, instead of saying "the property is in good condition", you should say "the property has been well-maintained and has no major defects or repairs needed". You should also use consistent and standard terminology that follows the real estate appraisal standards and guidelines, such as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

5 Follow up and document your presentation

After presenting appraisal recommendations, you should follow up and document your presentation to ensure that your communication is complete and effective. You should provide your audience with a copy of your presentation materials, such as slides, handouts, or reports, and ask them if they have any questions or comments. You should also provide them with your contact information, and invite them to reach out to you if they need any clarification or additional information. You should also document your presentation in your appraisal work file, and record any changes or revisions that you made based on your audience's feedback or requests. You should also keep a record of the date, time, location, and attendees of your presentation, and any other relevant details.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?