9. Unacceptable Appraisal Assignments
Can I order a "comp search" without ordering an appraisal?
The following list of unacceptable appraisal assignments is derived from the Appraisal Foundation, the organization that has jurisdiction for setting appraisal standards and guidelines.
Appraisers report that the caller usually makes it clear that they do not want the appraiser to do any fieldwork. Some callers refer to the service requested as a "comp check" while others refer to it as a "preliminary appraisal" or use some terms other than appraisal (such as preliminary evaluation, study, analysis, etc.). Some callers indicate that if the numbers will not work, the appraiser can send a bill for research services or a "preliminary" inspection. Other callers promise future assignments if the appraiser can make the present deal work.
Certain types of conditions are unacceptable in any assignment because performing an assignment under such conditions violates USPAP. Specifically, an assignment condition is unacceptable when it:
- precludes an appraiser's impartiality. Because such a condition destroys the objectivity and independence required for the development and communication of credible results;
- Limits the scope of work to such a degree that the assignment results are not credible, given the purpose of the assignment and the intended use of those results;
- limits the content