User Tips: How to upload an appraisal and analyze comparables in Restb Lens

The Upload Appraisal feature in Restb Lens allows you to extract comparable addresses directly from an appraisal PDF and analyze them alongside platform-identified comparables - all ranked together by similarity.

Instead of manually typing comp addresses or reviewing them in isolation, you can evaluate the appraiser’s selections within the full market context in one structured workflow.

This guide walks you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Choose how to add comparables

Start by entering the subject property address.

To include additional comps, click + Add comparables. You’ll see two options: Upload appraisal form or Add comparables manually.

If you’re reviewing an appraisal and want to evaluate the comps selected by the appraiser, choose Upload appraisal form.

Step 2: Upload the appraisal PDF

You can upload the file in two ways:

• Drag and drop the PDF into the upload area

• Click Click to Upload and select the file from your computer
  

Once uploaded, Restb Lens automatically begins processing the document.

Behind the scenes, the system:

• Extracts the subject property address

• Identifies the comparable addresses used in the appraisal

• Prepares them to be included in the similarity search

No manual copying or retyping required.

Step 3: Review extracted comparables and click “Get Comparables”

After processing, you’ll see the uploaded file name, populated subject property address and a list of extracted comparables (Comp 1, Comp 2, etc.)

At this stage, you can remove any extracted comp if needed or add additional comparables manually.

When everything looks correct, click Get comparables.

This runs the full similarity analysis and integrates the appraisal comps into the results.

🔎 Important Tip: Working with older appraisals

If you are reviewing an older appraisal, make sure to apply a date range filter before clicking “Get comparables.”

Why this matters:

Restb Lens ranks comparables based on current similarity. If you are analyzing a report from several months (or years) ago without adjusting the date filter, the original comps may:

• Appear less similar today

• Fall toward the bottom of the table

• Seem misaligned due to market changes
  

By applying a date range filter that matches the appraisal’s effective date, you effectively “go back in time.”

This ensures:

• The extracted appraisal comps appear in the correct historical market context

• Similarity ranking reflects conditions at that time

• Comparables used in the original report are evaluated fairly
  

This small step makes a big difference in accurate review.

Step 4: Review Results in the comparables table

Once the search completes, all comparables appear in a single table — including:

• Platform-identified comparables

• Comparables extracted from the uploaded appraisal

Appraisal comps are clearly labeled as User Comparables.

All comparables, regardless of source, are sorted by similarity to the subject property, ranked within the same structured table, presented in one unified analysis view.

From here, you can view property photos, see map locations, review property characteristics, analyze condition and quality scores, compare price, distance, status, and more.

This side-by-side view allows you to quickly assess how the appraiser’s comps rank by similarity. Are there stronger alternatives? Does condition and quality align appropriately?

Why this feature matters

The Upload Appraisal feature transforms appraisal review from a manual comparison process into a structured, data-driven workflow.

Instead of reviewing comps in isolation, you can:

• Validate appraiser selections against the broader market

• Identify higher-ranked alternatives instantly

• Analyze condition and quality objectively

• Reduce manual effort and save time
  

All within Restb Lens - in one streamlined interface. Log in and try the Upload Appraisal feature on your next file.

Or, if you’re not yet using Restb Lens, request a demo and see how quickly it transforms your appraisal review process.