Appraisal smoothing, the reduced variability of real estate return series, has been attributed to appraisers being influenced by their own previous value estimates. This hypothesis is tested experimentally. Expert apppraisers from Atlanta were asked to value a hypothetical apartment project in Phoenix. Eight months later, these experts were asked to update their original appraisals given certain market and property changes. At this time, an independent group of Atlanta experts was asked to appraise the property based on the updated conditions. Results support the hypothesis of insufficient adjustment from previous value judgments. Copyright American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association.

Theory suggest that valuers will rely on previous values estimates in the face of greater market uncertainty. Nevertheless recent research has provided evidence that experienced real estate valuers (appraisers) working in geographic areas familiar to them may not be influenced by the previous value judgement of other, anonymous experts. Presents a study which extends the previous investigation by examining appraisers valuing property in geographic areas unfamiliar to them, appraisers who therefore face significant market uncertainty. In controlled experiments valuers were asked to appraise a subject property in an area unfamiliar to them and were offered the previous value judgement of an anonymous expert as a potential anchor (reference point). A control group of experts unfamiliar with the subject market was given no reference point whatsoever. Evaluation of the experimental data revealed evidence that unlike subjects operating in areas of familiarity, subjects unfamiliar with the subject area were influenced by the provided reference point.

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This paper examines behavioral research in property. Such research is relatively new in the property field and is still in its first decade. The behavioral approach is examined and compared with the more traditional approach. Its aims and its accomplishments are also discussed. The previous literature upon the subject is examined and the future of behavioral research in property is alluded to as a conclusion.

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