Relevant USPAP & Advisory References (AO-16)

• The PREAMBLE states, It is essential that appraisers develop and communicate their analyses, opinions, and conclusions to intended users of their services in a manner that is meaningful and not misleading.

• The Conduct section of the ETHICS RULE states:
  An appraiser must perform assignments ethically and competently, in accordance with USPAP.
  An appraiser must not engage in criminal conduct.
  An appraiser must perform assignments with impartiality, objectivity, and independence, and without accommodation of personal interests.

• The Comment to the COMPETENCY RULE states: The COMPETENCY RULE requires recognition of, and compliance with, laws and regulations that apply to the appraiser or to the assignment.

• The COMPETENCY RULE states, …an appraiser must properly identify the problem to be addressed and have the knowledge and experience to complete the assignment competently….

• The Comment to Standards Rule 1-1(a) states, Social change has also had an effect on appraisal theory and practice. To keep abreast of these changes and developments, the appraisal profession is constantly reviewing and revising appraisal methods and techniques and developing new methods and techniques to meet new circumstances. For this reason, it is not sufficient for appraisers to simply maintain the skills and knowledge they possess when they become appraisers. Each appraiser must continuously improve his or her skills to remain proficient in real property appraisal.

• Standards Rule  2-1(a) states, Each written or oral real property appraisal report must clearly and accurately set forth the appraisal in a manner that will not be misleading.

• The content of the certification in Standards Rules  2-3, 3-3, 5-3, and 6-9 requires the following disclosures: I certify that, to best of my knowledge and belief, … the reported analyses, opinions, and conclusions are my personal, impartial, and unbiased professional analyses, opinions, and conclusions …[and] my analyses, opinions, and conclusions were developed, and this report has been prepared, in conformity with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

• The Conduct section of the ETHICS RULE states, An appraiser must not use or rely on unsupported conclusions relating to characteristics such as race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, familial status, age, receipt of public assistance income, handicap, or an unsupported conclusion that homogeneity of such characteristics is necessary to maximize value.

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