Can an appraiser certify that they made a personal inspection of a property based on a detailed report from a property inspector?

An appraiser is required to perform a personal inspection of the property they are valuing in order to ensure the accuracy and credibility of their appraisal report. This personal inspection allows the appraiser to observe the property's condition, features, and any factors that may affect its value first-hand. Relying solely on a detailed report from a property inspector does not meet the stringent requirements established by USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice).

By not conducting a personal inspection, the appraiser cannot fulfill their duty to provide an opinion of value that reflects the actual state of the property as observed by them. This ensures that the appraisal process maintains integrity and provides a reliable assessment of value for all parties involved. Thus, the correct position is that an appraiser cannot certify a personal inspection based solely on another individual's report, highlighting the fundamental importance of direct observation in the appraisal process.