Appraiser ethics is one of the most important parts of what we do. We think of our job as a profession. Requirements to become a Certified General Appraiser have become more difficult than ever before. That’s why it goes without question in this day and age that real estate appraisal can unquestionably be called a profession rather than a trade. As with any profession we are bound by an ethical code.
We have quite a few responsibilities as appraisers but above everything we answer to our clients. More often than not, in cases where there is lender financing, the appraiser’s client is the lender ordering the appraisal. Appraisers have rules and regulations they must follow, including confidentiality for their clients, so if you want to review an appraisal report you normally have to get it through your lender if one is involved. Other responsibilities may also include following a set of regulations known as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), reaching and keeping an adequate level of competency and education, and of course, the appraiser must behave in a professional manner. Maintaining high ethics and client confidentiality is just normal course of business for us at J Alexander Grant Appraisal Group.
