How do you handle disagreements or conflicts with appraisers?

Sample answer to the question

When it comes to handling disagreements or conflicts with appraisers, open communication is key. I believe in discussing the issue directly with the appraiser to understand their perspective and share my concerns. I would listen carefully to their explanation and try to find common ground. If necessary, I would involve a third party or seek guidance from a senior reviewer to reach a resolution. In the end, the goal is to maintain a professional and collaborative working relationship.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as an Appraisal Reviewer, I encountered disagreements with appraisers from time to time. When faced with conflicts, I always ensured that I approached the situation with a calm and objective mindset. I would start by carefully reviewing the appraisal report and identifying the specific areas of disagreement. Then, I would schedule a meeting with the appraiser to discuss these concerns. During the meeting, I would actively listen to their perspective and ask questions to gain a better understanding of their reasoning. I would also share my concerns and provide any supporting evidence or guidelines to clarify my position. Together, we would work towards finding a resolution that aligns with both our objectives - providing accurate and compliant appraisal reports. If we couldn't reach a consensus, I would escalate the issue to a senior reviewer or seek guidance from a supervisor to ensure a fair and unbiased resolution.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details about the candidate's previous experience as an Appraisal Reviewer and how they handled disagreements or conflicts with appraisers. It demonstrates their ability to approach conflicts objectively, actively listen, provide evidence, and seek guidance when needed. However, it can be further improved by including an example that showcases their strong analytical thinking and effective communication skills in resolving a conflict.

An exceptional answer

In my previous role as an Appraisal Reviewer, I encountered a disagreement with an appraiser regarding the valuation of a commercial property. The appraiser had used a comparable property that I believed was not an accurate representation of the property being appraised. Instead of immediately escalating the issue, I took a proactive approach to resolve the conflict. I conducted thorough research and analysis, gathering market data and conducting site visits to support my argument. Armed with this information, I scheduled a meeting with the appraiser to discuss my concerns. During the meeting, I presented my findings and explained why I believed the chosen comparable property was not suitable. I also provided alternative comparables that I had found through my research. By engaging in a constructive dialogue and presenting concrete evidence, I was able to convince the appraiser of the need to revise their valuation. The revised appraisal report received positive feedback from the client and demonstrated my ability to handle conflicts with appraisers effectively.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a specific example that showcases the candidate's strong analytical thinking and effective communication skills. It demonstrates their ability to conduct thorough research, gather evidence, present findings, and convince others to revise their opinion through a constructive dialogue. This example highlights their attention to detail, understanding of valuation techniques, and commitment to providing accurate appraisal services. Additionally, it shows their ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining a professional and collaborative working relationship. Overall, this answer clearly aligns with the evaluation areas and job description.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with common valuation techniques and industry regulations to support your perspective during conflicts.
Practice active listening and effective communication skills to ensure a constructive dialogue with appraisers.
Develop the ability to conduct thorough research and gather evidence to support your arguments.
Seek feedback or guidance from senior reviewers or supervisors when faced with complex conflicts to ensure a fair and unbiased resolution.

What interviewers are evaluating

Analytical thinking
Interpersonal skills
Effective communication