Can an appraiser certify a personal inspection after only viewing the exterior of a non-residential property?

The assertion that an appraiser can certify a personal inspection after viewing only the exterior of a non-residential property is based on the understanding that certain types of appraisals may allow for limited inspections depending on the purpose and scope of the assignment. In various appraisal practices, especially for certain types of non-residential properties, it’s possible that an exterior-only inspection can sufficiently inform the appraiser’s analysis, provided that it meets the criteria set forth in relevant appraisal standards and guidelines.

For instance, exterior inspections may be deemed adequate in situations where the interior condition or layout is not critical to the appraised value or if the appraised property is already well-understood from previous appraisals. Moreover, an exterior-focused review could be supported by external data sources, such as public records and market analyses. Hence, if the appraisal approach aligns with the given situation's requirements and standards, an exterior-only inspection may be classified as sufficient.

It's important for appraisers to be aware of specific appraisal methodologies and the expectations of their clients, as certain non-residential properties might have standards that allow for such assessments when necessary.