Which bias is described as the most common type among appraisers?

• A. Unintentional
• B. Intentional
• C. Systemic
• D. Cultural

Answer: (A)

Unintentional bias, or unconscious bias, is the kind that typically affects appraisals without any deliberate intent. It’s the most common because people rely on mental shortcuts and familiar cues from data, neighborhoods, or market patterns, which can slip into judgments without realizing it. An appraiser may unconsciously overweight certain comparables, make quick assumptions about condition or quality, or rely on stereotypes about a neighborhood, all of which can skew value. Intentional bias would involve purposeful discrimination, which is less common and more easily detected. Systemic and cultural biases describe broader structural patterns rather than the everyday, individual judgment at issue, though they can contribute; the everyday error most appraisers encounter is unintentional bias. Recognizing this helps emphasize the need for objective data, standardized methods, and thorough documentation to mitigate it and stay compliant with fair housing laws.