What is one ethical obligation of an appraiser?

An appraiser’s ethical obligation to conduct appraisals with integrity and fairness is fundamental to maintaining professional standards within the industry. This principle ensures that appraisers provide unbiased opinions of value based on objective analysis rather than external influences, personal gain, or pressure from clients or other parties. Upholding integrity and fairness fosters trust in the appraisal process among stakeholders, including clients, consumers, and the broader market.

While maximizing property value for sellers might seem beneficial in a commercial context, it contradicts the appraiser's role to provide an accurate and impartial assessment. Prioritizing client requests over industry standards can lead to ethical violations and undermine the credibility of the appraisal profession. Confidentiality about property conditions is important; however, the core ethical obligation is rooted in the accuracy and impartiality of the valuation process. Therefore, conducting appraisals with integrity and fairness embodies the essence of ethical practice in real estate appraisal.