A client sends comments disputing the appraiser's adjustment for condition. What is the appropriate response?
Correct Answer
D) Weigh the comments and revise only if warranted
Evaluate relevant new factual information on its merits and revise the adjustment if the evidence warrants it. Independence does not require refusing legitimate corrections or explanations, and client dissatisfaction alone does not justify a change. Verify relevant receipts, permits or comparable data as appropriate and analyze their market effect rather than assuming cost equals contributory value. Retain support for the consideration and any communicated revision in the workfile.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option D is correct because the appraiser should evaluate relevant information on its merits and change the adjustment only if the evidence warrants it. Federal rules list asking an appraiser to consider additional, appropriate property information as an action that does not violate independence requirements.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Amend the adjustment to satisfy the client
Option A is wrong because amending the adjustment to satisfy the client lets client preference drive the result. Client dissatisfaction alone is not evidence that justifies a change.
Option B: Refuse to consider any client communication
Option B is wrong because refusing to consider any client communication is not required for independence. A client may legitimately ask the appraiser to consider additional, appropriate information.
Option C: Withdraw the report and terminate the assignment
Option C is wrong because a disputed adjustment does not call for withdrawing the report and terminating the assignment. The appropriate step is to review the information and respond on its merits.
Listen, verify, then decide
Hear the client out, check the facts, and let evidence decide whether anything changes.
How to use: Use this for any question about client reconsideration requests or disputed adjustments.
Exam Tip
The best answer is usually the balanced one: consider the information and change only if supported, rather than reflexive agreement or outright refusal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Changing a value just because the client is unhappy
- -Refusing to read client-supplied information
- -Assuming the cost of improvements equals their contributory value
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests appraiser independence when a client disputes an adjustment. The appraiser should weigh any relevant information on its merits and revise only if the evidence warrants, neither caving to pressure nor refusing to listen.
Background Knowledge
Reconsideration requests are a normal part of appraisal practice. Independence means conclusions follow evidence, so new verified facts such as permits, receipts or comparable data may support a revision, while pressure without new evidence does not.
Real-World Application
A homeowner, through the lender, sends receipts for a new roof and kitchen after the appraiser rated condition as average. The appraiser verifies the work, analyzes its market effect, and revises the condition adjustment only to the extent the market supports.
More USPAP Questions
In a cost approach for an improved property, an appraiser estimates site value by sales comparison, allocation and extraction, then settles on one site-value figure before final reconciliation. How is this step best described?
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An otherwise applicable valuation approach cannot be developed reliably from the available data. The remaining scope can produce credible assignment results. What should the appraiser do?
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Which review best helps explain divergent cost, sales-comparison and income indications?
Two value indications are $340,000 and $392,000. What is the difference as a percentage of the lower indication, rounded to one decimal place?
An unauthorized third party requests a lender-client’s report. No due-process or other permitted disclosure exception applies. How should the appraiser respond?
An appraiser proposes to assume there are no hidden defects. Which fact would characterize that assumption as extraordinary under the USPAP 2024 definition, rather than justify dismissing it as routine boilerplate?
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