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
A value conclusion developed in an assignment is an assignment result. Publicly posting it as a work sample requires appropriate client authorization or another applicable permitted-disclosure basis; closing the transaction or omitting a client name alone does not supply that basis. Not every public property fact is automatically confidential, but it must not be used to expose protected information or assignment results. Consider applicable privacy laws and the scope of any authorization as well.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because the value conclusion is an assignment result, and disclosing it publicly without client authorization or another permitted basis breaches confidentiality. The appraiser must protect the confidential nature of the appraiser-client relationship. Client authorization is not required only when confidential elements and assignment results are removed through redaction or aggregation, which did not happen here.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Acceptable once the transaction has closed
Option A says posting is acceptable once the transaction has closed. Closing does not end the confidentiality of assignment results, so the timing of the sale does not supply authorization.
Option B: Acceptable marketing since the client is not named
Option B says it is acceptable marketing because the client is not named. Omitting the client's name does not remove the assignment result, the value conclusion, which still requires authorization to disclose.
Option D: Required disclosure under the Ethics Rule
Option D says the posting is a required disclosure under the Ethics Rule. Nothing in the Ethics Rule requires public posting of a report; the rule requires protecting confidentiality.
Results belong to the client
The value conclusion belongs to the client relationship. Without the client's permission, or full redaction of results and confidential details, it stays off social media.
How to use: Use this when an appraiser wants to share report content for marketing or samples.
Exam Tip
Removing the client's name is not the same as removing assignment results; check whether the value conclusion itself is still being disclosed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Thinking confidentiality ends when the sale closes
- -Believing removing the client's name makes disclosure acceptable
- -Assuming all property facts in a report are confidential
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests the confidentiality section of the Ethics Rule. A value conclusion is an assignment result, and the appraiser must protect the confidential nature of the appraiser-client relationship. Posting it publicly as a work sample needs client authorization or another permitted basis; a closed transaction or an unnamed client does not supply one.
Background Knowledge
USPAP treats assignment results as confidential to the client, with limited permitted disclosures, such as to the client, parties the client authorizes, those required by law, and state enforcement or peer review bodies. Information can be shared without authorization once confidential elements and assignment results are removed through redaction or aggregation. Privacy laws may impose additional duties.
Real-World Application
An appraiser wants to show prospective clients sample work. The appraiser either gets written authorization from the original client or prepares a sample with the value conclusion and confidential details fully redacted before posting it.
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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