What should an appraiser do if instructed not to conduct a personal inspection for a new assignment?

In the context of appraising, an appraiser has the responsibility to ensure that they are producing a credible and accurate appraisal report. If instructed not to conduct a personal inspection for a new assignment, using the previous inspection as a basis for the current appraisal can be a viable approach, provided that the previous data is still relevant and applicable to the current conditions of the property.

This option recognizes that there might be instances where prior inspections are sufficiently current and relevant to the new assignment. The appraiser can leverage this existing knowledge, possibly complemented by other data sources, to provide a coherent analysis. For example, if the property’s condition has not materially changed and market conditions remain stable, the appraiser might articulate those points clearly in their report, thus maintaining transparency with the client regarding the reliance on previous findings.

The choice of using past inspection data can enhance the appraisal’s credibility if adequately justified and stated, reflecting an understanding of the market and the property involved. The appraiser must, however, ensure that they document their reasoning clearly in compliance with USPAP guidelines, emphasizing that any reliance on previous findings does not substitute for the due diligence normally required for an appraisal.

In contrast, other choices present scenarios that may not align with best practices in appraisal ethics or