What must an appraiser do before using a protected characteristic in their appraisal?

An appraiser must ensure that the use of a protected characteristic is permissible under law and necessary for results because the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) dictate that appraisers adhere to applicable laws and guidelines. Protected characteristics, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability, are legally protected under various fairness laws, including the Fair Housing Act.

Using these characteristics in an appraisal can lead to issues of discrimination and fair housing violations if not appropriately justified. Therefore, it is crucial for the appraiser to verify that any reference to these characteristics complies with legal standards and adds value or relevance to the appraisal's conclusion. This ensures that the appraisal remains ethical, credible, and legally compliant.

The other options focus on processes unrelated to ensuring legal compliance around protected characteristics, such as checking with financial institutions, obtaining consent, or conducting demographic surveys, which do not directly address the legal considerations relevant to the appraisal process.