Can the appraiser certify a personal inspection if information is solely acquired from a third-party inspector?

The correct answer is that the appraiser must have conducted the inspection personally. This principle is rooted in the foundational requirements of appraisal standards, which emphasize that appraisers must ensure the reliability of the data and observations they report. A personal inspection allows the appraiser to directly assess the property’s condition, characteristics, and any pertinent details that could influence value.

By relying solely on information from a third-party inspector, the appraiser cannot provide a certified opinion on the property's condition, as they have not verified the data firsthand. This personal involvement is essential for ensuring accuracy and integrity in the appraisal process.

The integrity of the appraisal depends on the appraiser’s personal judgment and expertise, which cannot be fully substituted by information derived from another source. This also reinforces the importance of direct engagement by the appraiser to uphold the credibility of the appraisal report.