What should appraisers avoid to uphold Nondiscrimination principles?

To uphold nondiscrimination principles in appraisal practice, it is crucial for appraisers to base their adjustments on credible evidence rather than making automatic adjustments without a sound foundation. When appraisers make adjustments without substantiated data, they risk perpetuating bias and discrimination, as these adjustments may not accurately reflect the market conditions or characteristics of comparable properties. This approach can lead to unfair appraisals, which can disproportionately affect certain demographic groups, thereby violating the principles of nondiscrimination that are central to ethical appraisal practices.

In contrast, using various property types in comparison, discussing neighborhood demographics, and adjusting for property age when appropriate may enhance the appraiser's analysis when done thoughtfully and with due consideration of their relevance and impact on the appraisal. However, these actions must be taken with appropriate care to ensure compliance with fair housing laws and regulations, which emphasize the importance of equitable treatment in the appraisal process. Thus, making automatic, evidence-free adjustments is particularly problematic in terms of upholding nondiscrimination principles.