Who orders Appraisal Reviews & When?

Appraisal reviews are used in many real-world situations where someone needs an independent check on an existing appraisal. Here are the most common reasons for a review and who typically hires us to perform a review:

Lenders & Banks

Banks and federally insured lenders order reviews to confirm the original appraisal meets their guidelines, is accurate, and supports the loan amount. This is often required for risk management, regulatory compliance, or high-value/complex loans. A review can at times replace the need for a second full appraisal.

Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs)

AMCs hire reviewers to perform quality control and compliance checks on appraisals submitted by field appraisers — ensuring reports are USPAP-compliant and reliable before sending them to the lender. Often, AMC’s don’t have a qualified reviewer on staff who is qualified to perform review appraisal work in Alaska.

Attorneys in Litigation

Lawyers in divorce cases, eminent domain/condemnation proceedings, tax appeals, partnership disputes, or estate battles hire reviewers to critique an opposing appraisal, provide rebuttal evidence, or support their side’s position in court. Often, we’re hired to help determine a litigation plan for a case (which falls into appraisal consulting)

Borrowers — Commercial Real Estate

Commercial borrowers (business owners, investors, developers) who believe the appraisal used for their loan was inaccurate or undervalued often order a review to gather evidence for negotiations with their lender, reconsideration of value requests, or to strengthen their position in refinancing or loan disputes.

Homeowners — Residential Loans

Homeowners who suspect foul play in the appraisal used for their mortgage — such as predatory lending practices, inflated values to push a loan, or substandard/non-existent appraisal work — frequently contact us for an independent review. A review can help identify issues, provide evidence for negotiations with the lender, or support potential legal action.

Property Owners & Investors

Owners or investors request reviews when they question the value in a recent appraisal — for example, before selling, refinancing, or deciding whether to accept an offer.

Government Agencies & Tax Authorities

State or local agencies may order reviews for eminent domain cases, property tax assessment challenges, or internal compliance.

Other Appraisers or Appraisal Firms

Appraisers sometimes hire reviewers for peer review, complex cases, or when a second opinion is needed for their own clients. We also offer consulting and education services for appraisers who need assistance in meeting competency requirements or find themselves “in over their heads” with an appraisal problem they didn’t anticipate. Additionally, some appraisal assignments are too complex for less qualified appraisers who wish for assistance from a more experienced and qualified appraiser.