What is required for an appraiser when using or relying upon a characteristic that may be protected by discrimination laws?

When appraisers use or rely upon characteristics that may be protected by discrimination laws, such as race, gender, religion, or familial status, it is crucial that the use of such characteristics is expressly permitted by applicable laws or regulations. This ensures that the appraiser is compliant with federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in housing and appraisal practices.

Relying on characteristics that could violate anti-discrimination laws can lead to legal repercussions and ethical violations for the appraiser. Therefore, appraisers must be diligent in confirming that any reliance on such characteristics aligns with legal standards and is appropriate in the context of their appraisal work. This mindful approach promotes fair housing practices and maintains the integrity of the appraisal profession.

The other options don't align with necessary guidelines or principles. For instance, it’s not sufficient for a characteristic to merely be beneficial for marketing purposes, nor can it simply be a personal preference of the appraiser. Furthermore, while documentation is important in the appraisal process, the primary concern in this instance is ensuring legal compliance regarding the characteristics used in the appraisal.