According to the Nondiscrimination section of the ETHICS RULE, which of the following is specifically prohibited when forming an opinion of value?

The Nondiscrimination section of the ETHICS RULE explicitly prohibits the use of certain criteria in forming an opinion of value, one of which involves using public assistance income as a basis for that opinion. This prohibition is rooted in the principle of ensuring that appraisals are conducted fairly and without bias, regardless of the socioeconomic status of individuals or families.

When appraisers consider public assistance income, it may lead to discriminatory practices, as it can unfairly affect the valuation process, potentially marginalizing certain groups based on their financial background. Thus, referencing public assistance income when determining the value of a property contradicts ethical standards aimed at promoting equality and fairness in appraisal practices.

In contrast, the other options, while they might involve considerations necessary for appraising a property, do not inherently breach ethical guidelines related to nondiscrimination. Neighborhood conditions, property style adjustments, and comparing properties from different neighborhoods can all be relevant and necessary factors in determining property value, provided they are not used in a discriminatory manner.