An appraiser posts a completed report's photographs and value conclusion on social media as a work sample. This is:
Correct Answer
C) A confidentiality breach absent client authorization
Why this is correct: The USPAP Ethics Rule on confidentiality prohibits disclosing confidential assignment information—including the identity of the client and the assignment results—without the client's permission. Posting photos and the value conclusion publicly, even without naming the client, reveals confidential information about the property and the appraisal. Why the other choices are wrong: "Acceptable once the transaction has closed" is wrong because confidentiality is not time-limited. "Acceptable marketing since the client is not named" is wrong because the property's identity (via photos) and the appraisal conclusion are still confidential. "Required disclosure under the Ethics Rule" is wrong; the Ethics Rule requires confidentiality, not public disclosure. Exam tip: Confidentiality is perpetual and covers all assignment details unless you have client authorization.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Why this is correct: The USPAP Ethics Rule on confidentiality prohibits disclosing confidential assignment information—including the identity of the client and the assignment results—without the client's permission. Posting photos and the value conclusion publicly, even without naming the client, reveals confidential information about the property and the appraisal. Why the other choices are wrong: "Acceptable once the transaction has closed" is wrong because confidentiality is not time-limited. "Acceptable marketing since the client is not named" is wrong because the property's identity (via photos) and the appraisal conclusion are still confidential. "Required disclosure under the Ethics Rule" is wrong; the Ethics Rule requires confidentiality, not public disclosure. Exam tip: Confidentiality is perpetual and covers all assignment details unless you have client authorization.
More USPAP Questions
Which type of appraisal report may contain the appraiser's analyses, opinions, and conclusions but is intended for use by the client only?
How long must an appraiser retain the workfile for an appraisal assignment under USPAP?
If an appraiser uses a hypothetical condition that the subject property is 10% larger than it actually is, this must be:
Under Standard 1, when developing a real property appraisal, an appraiser must:
An appraiser accepts an assignment to appraise a specialized industrial property but has never appraised this property type before. To comply with the Competency Rule, the appraiser:
According to the Scope of Work Rule, the scope of work must be appropriate to the:
According to Standard 1, when developing an opinion of market value, an appraiser must analyze:
A lender emails: 'We need at least $450,000 to make this loan work — can you take the assignment?' Accepting on that basis is:
An appraiser is developing an opinion of market value for a 20-unit apartment building. The appraiser finds three comparable sales with the following information: Sale 1: 18 units, sold for $1,800,000; Sale 2: 22 units, sold for $2,200,000; Sale 3: 24 units, sold for $2,280,000. What is the average price per unit for these comparables?
In developing a scope of work, an appraiser must consider all of the following factors EXCEPT:
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