First person or third person - what's your reporting style - and why?

[B Houghton]

Hi all,

I was just wondering if you type your reports and comments in first person "I inspected the property and I found no detriment" or in third person "The appraiser inspected the property and found no detriment", and why you go one way or the other?

I'm asking because I've prepared a ton of reports, and reviewed a ton more. It appears that most appraisers lean towards third person, however I have noted a few written in first person. The third person reports read more like a manual, whereas the first person reports read more like somebody sitting there and describing the property. Each have their good points and bad points.

I can't put my finger on it, but I seem to recall a recent class stating that one way is preferred over the other in the industry. May have been an FHA class, but can't find my notes.

So, what's your style and why do you go with that style?

[Craig Farr]

Avoid either way. It is obvious that the appraiser developed the appraisal. Now let the appraisal be the subject.

"I assume" or "this appraiser assumes" can be replaced with "this appraisal assumes". Etc.

"I searched for data" or "this appraiser searched for data" can be replaced with "data was gathered....". Etc.

"I was unable to find" or "this appraiser was unable to find" can be replaced with "there is no.....". Etc.

[B Houghton]

I like your style Craig. Makes a lot of sense, since the appraisal report is doing the speaking and we are giving it the tools and ammo (filling it out) to speak for itself. Thank for the info!

[Keith Scott]

I agree with Mr. Farr as well. It is already apparent that the opinion comes from the individual writing the report. I feel that the reports are more professional looking when comments like "I assume" or "The appraiser assumes" are avoided. The newer narrative report writing course through the A.I. briefly covered this as well.

[Nigel Mountbatten]

I also agree with Mr. Farr.

[Rick Daniel]

How about the property was inspected on such and such date and no adverse conditions noted.