By Randy Wouters, Senior Market Development Specialist, DataMaster
When it comes to writing a clean, defensible appraisal report, few things are more important, or more frequently scrutinized, than consistent, supportable adjustments. Even seasoned appraisers can find themselves fielding revision requests due to discrepancies in how similar features are adjusted across comparable properties.
Fannie Mae puts it plainly:
“Adjustments must reflect the market’s reaction to the differences between the comparable sales and the subject property for significant features such as location, view, site, quality, condition, room count, gross living area, etc.”
— Fannie Mae Selling Guide, B4-1.3-09, Adjustments to Comparable Sales
Furthermore, it’s not enough to apply adjustments; you must explain them:
“The appraiser must provide appropriate commentary if the market data does not support adjustments or if the adjustments appear to be inconsistent.”
— Fannie Mae Selling Guide, B4-1.3-09
Whether you're working under UAD guidelines or navigating lender overlays, inconsistency in your grid often signals a lack of analytical support, which can undermine your credibility and trigger time-consuming revisions.
DataMaster’s Adjustment Support tool was designed specifically to help appraisers address this exact challenge. It compares data across each comp, flags potential inconsistencies, and gives you an evidence-based foundation to support your decisions. The result? Clearer logic in your grid, fewer revision requests, and more confidence at every stage of your report.
Jared Preisler, SRA, Chief Appraiser at DataMaster and the 2023 Appraiser of the Year, puts it this way:
“An appraiser’s grid should tell a coherent story. If similar comps are adjusted differently without solid reasoning, the credibility of the entire report comes into question.”
— Jared Preisler, SRA
This is where having a tool like DataMaster in your corner pays off. Not only does it save you time (60–90 minutes per report on average), but it also ensures your adjustments are in line with both market data and reviewer expectations.
Adjustment consistency isn’t just a compliance issue, it’s a professional standard. As noted in a widely shared article from Appraisal Buzz:
“By leveraging paired sales, market indices, and graphical representations, appraisers can ensure their adjustments are accurate and defensible.”
— Appraisal Buzz, “Supporting Market Conditions Adjustments – A Comprehensive Guide for Appraisers”
This philosophy is exactly what DataMaster’s tools are built on. We don’t replace your judgment, we enhance your ability to defend it with clarity, speed, and data integrity.
If you’re tired of answering unnecessary revision calls or writing long addenda explaining your grid decisions, it’s time to take advantage of a better workflow. With DataMaster, your adjustments are consistent, your logic is clear, and your confidence grows with every report.
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