How do you write the addendum in your appraisal reports?

[Joe Flacco]

I do say exactly what I did, I just don't refer to myself; for example under a heading of Scope of Work I might state "Data sources included..." or "Dwelling exterior measurements were taken on-site..." It's already established elsewhere in the report in multiple ways that I'm the one completing it so, repeating it isn't necessary. The redundancy instead would tax the user with verbiage and give a less-professional appearance, IMO.

The appraisal report speaks for itself.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

The appraisal report speaks for itself.

Just not in complete sentences in a form.

 

[Have Laser-Will Travel]

IMO, it is difficult to form an opinion/take a stand/form an argument if only use 3rd person writing style.
Facts can't speak for themselves.

You almost did! Remove "IMO" and you have your opinion without referring to yourself. It's really no different when writing a report.

E.g. "The appraiser relied on MLS photos in analyzing condition" becomes "MLS photos were relied on in analyzing condition".

I think we feel a need to disclose when we reach junctures where we are relying more on our judgment. That naturally leads to first-person language. I wouldn't call it wrong but it might be wordy and present as more subjective.

If you try plucking self-references out of what you've written and touch up the grammar, I think you'll find you can still get your point across.

 

[thegentlemanlydrinker]

After reading this thread I have come to the conclusion that I no longer want to remain a sociopath, and will from this date forward refer to myself - the appraiser, as 'I' in narrative comments.

 

[RSW]

I personally think writing in 1st person sounds unprofessional. I was taught to write in 3rd person and have been doing so for over 30 years. I have never had a lender/client ask me to change my writing style and will continue to write in 3rd person. It actually bothers me that I used the word "I" 4 times in this post.

Signed,

The Appraiser

 

[Joe Flacco]

Yeah. Doesn't really matter.

 

[Michigan CG]

Nonsense. First person is bush league. Almost as bad as typing in all caps.

@Indiana Jones

You know this is the internet and people have differing opinions and many times those opinions can be supported even though people posting on the internet might disagree.

But then we have people who insult with words such as "nonsense" and accusing an appraiser as being "bush league". And some people think this is OK and don't expect any response.

You certainly can disagree with me but when you insult you might get some pushback. I know that I have written in the first person as that is how I was trained by my MAI mentor. I understand why some people write in the third person EVEN THOUGH the certifications you sign on the 1004 form are written in the FIRST PERSON. Twenty of the certifications you sign on a 1004 report start with the word "I".

There are six limiting conditions in the 1004 and they all start with "the appraiser".

But let us get back to the "Bush League" comment. You have no support for that comment other than it is your unsupported opinion. None of the 10-12 lawyers who hire me or any of the judges who have read my reports have ever had a problem with my first-person commentary. None of the eight townships I work for have a problem with my first-person commentary. None of my residential, farm or commercial clients have a problem with my first-person commentary. Neither reviewer, when I submitted reports for two Appraisal Institute designations had a problem with my first-person verbiage.

But the licensed dude from Indiana says "nonsense" and calls me "bush league". OK.

 

[Michigan CG]

I personally think writing in 1st person sounds unprofessional. I was taught to write in 3rd person and have been doing so for over 30 years. I have never had a lender/client ask me to change my writing style and will continue to write in 3rd person. It actually bothers me that I used the word "I" 4 times in this post.

Signed,

The Appraiser

I personally think writing in the third person sound unprofessional but to each their own; there are arguments on both sides and there are bigger things to debate.

Unless you are Indiana Jones and want to insult people then I will debate it all day.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

First person writing, using I’ or ‘we’, means the writer has a central role in the document, therefore the writing cannot be objective. First person writing is used in reports, memos, business letters, and some types of academic writing, where the writer wants to establish his or her credentials or opinions.​

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Writing in the second person means you address your reader directly. It gives the document a casual, friendly tone, which helps the reader to focus on the content. It is appropriate for writing instructions, memos and how-to manuals. However, this style isn’t appropriate for other, more formal, types of technical writing.​

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Academic writing, scientific reports, business reports and some types of reference books usually require a more detached, measured tone. You don’t need (or want) to create a personal bond with the reader in these types of writing; certainly the reader will not want to be overly aware of your presence. Second or first person writing would most likely sound presumptuous, awkward and unprofessional. Writing in the third person creates an appropriate sense of distance or formality between the reader and the writer.​

The choice is between you writing a scientific treatise or are you writing an opinion piece. I opt for the opinion, but regardless which you choose, there is one other aspect to the writing. That is active or passive "voice" and clearly you should write in an active voice. "I recommended an electrical inspection" or "The appraiser recommends an electrical inspection." Not, "An electrical inspection is recommended by this appraiser."

 

[spittman]

I usually write in third person, but in specific times have written "I (the appraiser)".