What is an example of a characteristic that an appraiser must not use as a pretext in appraisals?

In the context of appraisals, the characteristic that must not be used as a pretext is crime statistics. This is largely due to the potential for bias and discrimination that can arise when appraisers consider crime statistics in their evaluations. Using this data can lead to a skewed perspective of a neighborhood's value, as it may influence the appraiser's judgment based on perceptions rather than objective property characteristics.

The USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) emphasizes the importance of maintaining objectivity and ensuring that appraisals are free from bias to uphold the integrity of the valuation process. Relying on crime statistics could inadvertently lead to discriminatory practices, especially if the appraiser allows these statistics to overly influence their assessment of the property value, potentially violating fair housing laws and ethical standards in appraisal practice.

In contrast, characteristics such as street accessibility, property age, and neighborhood schools are relevant to determining a property's value and do not carry the same potential for bias. These factors can provide the appraiser with essential information about the property's marketability and demand without provoking concerns related to discrimination or ethical violations.