Common reasons for a reconsideration request
A reconsideration request is a way to raise a specific question about the facts, the comparable sales or the analysis in a report, with supporting information. A request can address:
- Factual errors or omissions — incorrect square footage, room count, lot size, condition, upgrades or property characteristics.
- Inadequate comparable data — relevant sales the appraiser did not consider, or comparables that do not reflect the subject's market.
- Concerns about bias or discrimination — any indication the value was influenced by a prohibited basis. These are reviewed under a separate process and may be reported to the appropriate authorities.
What doesn't qualify on its own: a different opinion about what the house is worth. Without new information, there's nothing for the appraiser to reconsider.
What to send with it
Evidence is what moves a reconsideration. The more specific the request, the more useful the response. Helpful documentation includes:
- Permits, plans, listing details or photographs that establish the fact in question
- A short statement of what is believed to be in error and why
- Alternative comparable sales with MLS or public-record source
Comparable-sale guidelines
Requests often include alternative comparable sales. They carry weight when they're genuinely comparable — same market, similar house, recent. As a working guide:
| Criterion | Working guideline |
|---|---|
| Sale date | Recent closed sale near the effective date |
| Location | Same market area or competing neighbourhood |
| Size and style | Similar living area, lot, age and design |
| Verification | MLS number or public-record source provided |
| Number | Follow the lender's submission requirements for alternative sales |
Thresholds are illustrative of typical practice.
What happens after you submit
- 01
Request
Lender submits with documentation.
Lender - 02
Screen
Checked for completeness and appropriateness.
- 03
Route
Sent to the appraiser; independence protected.
- 04
Respond
Appraiser addresses each point in writing.
Appraiser - 05
Review and deliver
Outcome reviewed and returned to the lender.
The lender's role
Receives the borrower's request, screens it for specificity, and submits it through Avisso. The lender does not contact the appraiser directly about value.
The appraiser's role
Reviews the information, responds to each point, and revises the report only where the analysis supports it. The appraiser remains responsible for the professional opinion.
Avisso's role
Checks the request is complete and appropriate, routes it while protecting independence, tracks the response, and reviews the outcome.
What an ROV can't do
It can't guarantee a change in value, a faster closing, or a second appraisal. If the appraiser's analysis holds up after a fair look at the new information, the original conclusion stands — and that's the process working, not failing. A lender can separately decide whether a review or second appraisal is warranted.
Questions
Requests come through the lender, which is the client of record. Borrowers should ask their loan officer.
It depends on the request and the appraiser's schedule. Your contact will tell you where it stands.
Tell the lender. Concerns about discrimination are handled under a separate review and may be reported to the appropriate state and federal authorities.
No. Communication is routed through Avisso to protect appraisal independence.