A workfile must be made available when:
Correct Answer
D) Required by due process of law or a state enforcement body
Make the workfile available when required by a state appraiser regulatory agency or due process of law. Other permitted access and retrieval arrangements also exist; a subsequent buyer’s curiosity or a listing alone creates no USPAP entitlement to protected records.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option D is correct because USPAP states that a workfile must be made available by the appraiser when required by a state appraiser regulatory agency or due process of law. These are the situations that compel access. Requests from buyers or other appraisers, or a property listing, do not create that obligation.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: A subsequent buyer asks to see it
Option A is wrong because a subsequent buyer asking to see the workfile has no USPAP entitlement to it; the buyer is not a regulator or a legal process, and confidentiality obligations still apply.
Option B: Any other appraiser requests it for professional reasons
Option B is wrong because another appraiser's request for professional reasons does not compel the appraiser to make the workfile available under the cited rule.
Option C: The subject property is listed for sale
Option C is wrong because the subject property being listed for sale is a market event and creates no requirement to make the workfile available.
Regulator or court opens it
Think of the workfile as a locked file that a state regulator or legal process can require you to open. A curious buyer or a property listing does not create that right. Use this when deciding who can require access to an appraiser's workfile.
How to use: Use this when deciding who can require access to an appraiser's workfile.
Exam Tip
Look for the option naming a state appraiser regulatory agency or due process of law when the question asks when a workfile must be made available.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Thinking any interested party can demand the workfile
- -Treating a professional courtesy request as a mandatory access request
- -Confusing a property listing with a legal requirement to disclose records
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests the Record Keeping Rule's workfile access requirement. USPAP names specific parties that can compel the appraiser to make the workfile available. Separate those mandated access situations from mere requests or market events.
Background Knowledge
The workfile holds the documentation supporting the appraiser's conclusions and must be retained and kept accessible. USPAP requires the appraiser to make it available to a state appraiser regulatory agency or when due process of law requires. Confidential information in the workfile remains protected from unauthorized parties.
Real-World Application
A state appraisal board opens an investigation and asks for an appraiser's workfile on a recent assignment. The appraiser must make it available, while a later buyer of the same house who asks for the file has no such right.
More USPAP Questions
Under USPAP, what are assignment results?
The certification required by Standards Rule 2-3 must be signed by:
Under 2024 USPAP, which statement correctly combines the requirements for an oral real property appraisal report and its workfile?
An appraiser accepts an assignment involving a property type the appraiser has valued once before, years ago. Competency requires:
A Certified General appraiser is asked to value a specialized industrial property for the first time. The appraiser knows a competency gap exists before agreeing to the assignment. What is required if the appraiser proceeds?
Under 2024 USPAP Standard 1, which listed assignment element must be identified in developing a real property appraisal?
An appraiser provided an appraisal of the same property for another client 18 months ago. No confidentiality obligation prevents disclosing the fact of that service. Before agreeing to a new assignment, the appraiser must:
According to USPAP, what is the primary purpose of the Ethics Rule?
An appraiser is asked to determine 'fair market value' for an assignment. According to USPAP, the appraiser should:
Which list gives the sections of the 2024 USPAP Ethics Rule?
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