What is the primary ethical obligation of an appraiser?

The primary ethical obligation of an appraiser is to provide an unbiased, objective appraisal regardless of personal interests. This responsibility is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the appraisal profession. The appraiser must remain impartial and base their valuations on factual data, market trends, and established appraisal methods.

This objectivity ensures that the appraisal reflects the true market value of the property, free from external influences such as the desires of sellers or clients. By prioritizing unbiased assessments, appraisers help to foster trust and credibility in the real estate market, allowing buyers, sellers, and lenders to make informed decisions based on accurate valuations.

In contrast, maximizing appraisal value for sellers would create a conflict of interest, as it would not reflect the property’s true value. Following client preferences precisely, while it might appear service-oriented, can also lead to value distortions if those preferences are not aligned with market realities. Ensuring a rapid sale of the property often overlooks the most critical aspect of proper valuation, which is accuracy, thereby further compromising the appraiser's integrity and the trustworthiness of the real estate profession.