Advertising that reads 'fast, lender-friendly values — we hit your number' violates USPAP because it:
Correct Answer
C) Promises assignment results before analysis, destroying impartiality
Promising to hit a client’s number advertises a predetermined outcome rather than an independent, evidence-based opinion. It conflicts with impartiality and the ban on false, misleading, or exaggerated solicitation. Fast turnaround and serving lenders are not inherently prohibited, but all service claims must be accurate and the work must remain credible.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because promising to hit your number advertises a predetermined outcome, which conflicts with impartiality. USPAP states an appraiser must not agree to perform an assignment that includes the reporting of predetermined opinions and conclusions. Such advertising is also misleading solicitation.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Uses informal language in marketing
Option A, using informal language in marketing, is not itself a USPAP violation; the problem is the promise of a predetermined result, not the tone.
Option B: Mentions lenders, who cannot be solicited
Option B, mentioning lenders who cannot be solicited, is wrong because appraisers may market their services to lenders; serving lenders is not prohibited.
Option D: Offers fast turnaround speed, which the standards strongly discourage
Option D, saying fast turnaround is strongly discouraged by the standards, is wrong because USPAP does not discourage speed; service claims must simply be accurate and the work must remain credible.
Hit the number, miss ethics
An appraiser who promises to hit the number has already missed the Ethics Rule, because the result is decided before the analysis.
How to use: Use hit-the-number to spot advertising or engagement language that implies a predetermined value.
Exam Tip
Separate the true violation, a promised outcome, from harmless features such as informal tone or quick service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Thinking appraisers cannot market to lenders
- -Believing fast service is itself a USPAP problem
- -Missing that a promised value is a predetermined result
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests the Ethics Rule ban on predetermined results and misleading advertising. Promising to hit a client's number signals that the outcome is decided before any analysis. Informal language, mentioning lenders or offering fast service are not violations by themselves.
Background Knowledge
The Conduct section of the Ethics Rule requires appraisers to act with impartiality, objectivity and independence, and it prohibits agreeing to perform an assignment that includes reporting predetermined opinions and conclusions. The Management section separately bars advertising for or soliciting assignments in a manner that is false, misleading or exaggerated.
Real-World Application
A new appraisal firm drafts a flyer saying it will make sure every deal closes at contract price. The owner rewrites it to advertise accurate turnaround times and local market knowledge instead, removing any promise about value.
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