If a client records an oral appraisal report and shares it, is the appraiser responsible for how it is used?

In a scenario where a client records an oral appraisal report and subsequently shares it, the correct perspective is that the appraiser has no control over how the client uses this information. Once the appraiser has communicated their findings, they are not responsible for the client's actions or decisions regarding the use of that information.

It is essential for appraisers to communicate clearly and thoroughly in their reports, ensuring that clients understand the context and the intended use of the appraisal. However, once the information is out in the public domain, and particularly when it has been shared by the client, the appraiser cannot dictate or govern the subsequent use.

This principle underscores the importance of a well-documented, written report rather than relying on oral transmission for critical appraisal information since oral reports can lead to misinterpretations without the appraiser's ability to oversee or control how the data is utilized. Thus, while appraisers have an obligation to provide accurate and ethical services, their responsibility does not extend to controlling the client's actions after the appraisal has been delivered.