The #1 Way Realtors Can Easily Reduce Liability

What if I told you there is a way that real estate appraisers can help realtors easily reduce liability?

This post is all about how an appraisal can reduce liability and disputes with clients, buyers, or sellers.

reduce liability

The worst case scenario (for a realtor) in a real estate transaction is that something goes terribly wrong and everyone is pointing a finger at the realtor.

And you’re the realtor they are pointing at.

Not a great way to get a future referral, right?

What if I told you the #1 way that realtors can easily reduce liability is by getting a house appraisal?

Here is how your connection with an appraiser will not only reduce liability, but also get you that referral you rely upon for future business.

This post is all about how an appraisal can help realtors reduce liability and disputes with clients, buyers, or sellers.

Here are 9 ways in which an appraisal will help realtors reduce liability:

Real estate appraisers can help realtors reduce liability by

  • providing accurate and objective property valuations,
  • contributing to informed decision-making,
  • and adhering to professional standards.

Let’s look at 9 specific ways the appraisal will reduce liability for the realtor:

1. Objective Valuation

Appraisers provide an independent and objective assessment of a property’s value.

This objectivity helps realtors avoid overpricing or underpricing properties, reducing the risk of disputes with clients, buyers, or sellers.

2. Adherence to Professional Standards

Appraisers are required to follow professional standards and ethical guidelines, such as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

By adhering to these standards, appraisers ensure

  • consistency
  • reliability
  • transparency

in their valuation practices, reducing the likelihood of legal issues.

3. Documentation of the Valuation Process

Appraisers meticulously document their valuation process.

Including property inspections, data analysis, and the selection of comparable sales.

This documentation serves as a detailed record of the appraisal, providing a basis for their conclusions and actions taken.

4. Legal Compliance to Reduce Liability

Appraisers are knowledgeable about relevant laws and regulations governing their profession.

Realtors can rely on the expertise of appraisers to ensure that transactions comply with legal requirements, reducing the risk of legal challenges.

5. Verification of Property Information

Appraisers verify property information.

Including details related to size, condition, and features.

This verification helps prevent errors and inaccuracies in property listings, reducing the risk of liability resulting from misinformation.

6. Identification of Property Issues

Appraisers may identify property issues or defects during their inspections.

This information can be crucial for realtors in disclosing potential problems to buyers, reducing the risk of post-purchase disputes and liability.

7. Support in Pricing Discussions

Realtors can use appraisers’ reports as support in pricing discussions with clients.

The objective valuation provided by appraisers can help realtors justify their pricing recommendations to sellers.

And manage expectations, minimizing the risk of disputes.

8. Professional Collaboration to Reduce Liability

Collaborating with appraisers allows realtors to tap into their expertise.

Realtors can seek advice on potential valuation challenges, market trends, and other factors that may impact property values.

This enhances their ability to help their clients make informed decisions.

9. Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest

Appraisers are expected to maintain independence and avoid conflicts of interest.

Realtors can benefit from this independence, relying on appraisers to provide unbiased assessments without external influences, which helps reduce the risk of legal disputes.

We enjoy helping realtors reduce liability

We’ve been doing more and more pre-listing appraisals recently.

By working closely with appraisers and leveraging their expertise, realtors can

  • enhance their risk management practices
  • provide clients with accurate information
  • reduce the potential for liability in real estate transactions

It’s our pleasure to be able to work alongside our local real estate professionals and support them in their real estate needs!

Always here to answer your questions 🙂

This post is all about how an appraisal can help realtors reduce liability and disputes with clients, buyers, or sellers.
author avatar
Carole Henrysen
Hi there - I was born and raised in NE Philly and currently reside in Ambler with my husband Greg. We love taking our grandchildren on adventures while encouraging curiosity and gratitude for all the beautiful experiences life has to offer. I have been appraising homes in Philadelphia and suburbs since 2004 and training new appraisers since 2014. Looking forward to meeting you, and helping you find the answers to any and all of your questions. PS: The unique and challenging appraisals are my favorite! I can be directly reached on my cell phone at 215-280-9876 or email: carole@zenappraisals.com