Is it permissible for an appraiser to claim a personal inspection was made if it was not part of the new assignment's scope?

The assertion that it is not permissible for an appraiser to claim a personal inspection was made when it was not part of the new assignment's scope aligns with the principles outlined in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). USPAP emphasizes the need for integrity and transparency in appraisal practices. By claiming to have performed a personal inspection when it did not occur, the appraiser would be misrepresenting the extent of their work and potentially misleading the client about the reliability of the appraisal.

The ethical standards established under USPAP mandate that appraisers provide truthful and accurate representations of their work. This includes the requirement that all statements made in an appraisal report must be consistent with the appraiser’s knowledge and the scope of work defined for that specific assignment. Therefore, any claim of prior inspection must be supported by actual inspection activity performed within the context of the current assignment’s requirements.

Proper adherence to the defined scope of work not only protects the integrity of the appraiser but also safeguards the interests of clients and stakeholders who rely on accurate and reliable appraisal reports. Claims made contrary to the scope can lead to serious repercussions, including harm to the appraiser’s reputation and potential legal consequences.