Jeff Hogan
Jeff Hogan, Chief Appraiser for Valligent, is an accomplished leader with a proven record in fostering transparency, diversity, and reliability within the appraisal profession.
The Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) recently adopted Advisory Opinion (AO) 41, Use of Technology in the Appraisal and Appraisal Review Assignment, to address appraisers’ responsibilities under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) when technology is utilized in an appraisal or appraisal review assignment. By introducing this comprehensive update, the ASB has streamlined its guidance, retiring older and narrower advisories, specifically AO-18 and AO- 37.
As an appraiser with more than 30 years in the field, I have gone from using paper MLS books, microfiche, fax machines, and hand calculations to spreadsheets, automated valuation models (AVMs), and now artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools. Many of these recent changes are long overdue for a profession that still uses appraisal report forms designed to be completed on typewriters. Yes, change can be uncomfortable, but in the long run, it is for our good and our survival as a profession. AO-41 addresses the evolution of emerging technology head on without losing sight of the appraiser’s role.
1. It keeps the appraiser in control
AO-41 makes it clear that tools do not do appraisals; appraisers do. A tool cannot “comply” with USPAP, that responsibility always stays with the appraiser completing the assignment.
We have moved from manually inputting field inspection and comparable sales data to auto-populated fields and direct data transfers directly from the Cloud to our home office laptops and real-time analytics, but our accountability for data verification and accuracy has not changed. This includes remaining strictly compliant with USPAP confidentiality and record keeping rules when feeding assignment data into third-party or cloud-based platforms. This Advisory Opinion simply reinforces the importance of professional judgment in the appraisal process.
2. It supports technology with common sense guardrails
We have evolved from Excel models to tools that analyze massive datasets in seconds. AO-41 recognizes this shift but makes it clear that output must always be evaluated, not blindly accepted. This aligns directly with the USPAP Competency Rule, reminding us that while we do not need to be software engineers, we must understand a tool’s underlying methodology well enough to know if its results are credible. It offers appraisers practical guidance while still allowing the flexibility to use technology efficiently.
3. It validates innovation and the Veros approach
AO-41 recognizes AVMs, machine learning, and AI as part of modern practice, while reinforcing that these are inputs rather than conclusions. That aligns directly with our mission at Veros and Valligent. Our goal is to enhance the appraiser’s role, not replace them.
Bottom Line
From paper files and typewriters to AI, the tools of the trade have changed, but the appraiser’s responsibility has not. Advisory Opinion 41 protects that foundational truth while enabling the profession to move forward.
It is often said that AI will not replace appraisers, but AI will replace appraisers who do not use AI. I want to encourage all my fellow appraisers to explore the many exciting new tools available today and find the ones that work best for you.
