An appraiser receives photographs of a comparable taken by someone else. How should they be treated?
Correct Answer
D) As data whose source and date should be identified
Treat a borrowed photograph as evidence whose provenance, timing, and limitations must be evaluated. Identify its source and date when known and relevant, and disclose material uncertainty when timing cannot be established. Do not imply the appraiser took the image or personally observed the comparable when that did not occur. USPAP requires sufficient, nonmisleading reporting and accurate scope description, rather than an identical citation format for every datum.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option D is correct because photographs taken by someone else are data whose source and date should be identified. The appraiser evaluates their provenance, timing and limitations and discloses material uncertainty when timing cannot be established. This keeps the report accurate and not misleading about what the appraiser actually observed.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: As proof the appraiser inspected that comparable
Option A is wrong because it treats the photos as proof the appraiser inspected the comparable. Someone else's photos do not show that the appraiser personally observed the property, and implying so would be misleading.
Option B: As a substitute for describing the property in text
Option B is wrong because it uses the photos as a substitute for describing the property in text. Photos support a report, but the appraiser still needs to describe and analyze relevant characteristics as the reporting requirements call for.
Option C: As inadmissible, since the appraiser did not take them
Option C is wrong because it treats the photos as inadmissible since the appraiser did not take them. Third-party photos can be used as evidence once their source, timing and limitations are evaluated.
Who took it, when
For any borrowed photo, ask who took it and when. Knowing the source and date tells you how much it can show.
How to use: Use this when a question involves photographs or images the appraiser did not take.
Exam Tip
Third-party photos are usable evidence; choose the answer that evaluates and identifies them rather than rejecting them or treating them as proof of inspection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Implying the appraiser inspected a comparable based on others' photos
- -Rejecting third-party photos as unusable
- -Omitting the source and date of borrowed images when relevant
Concept Deep Dive
Analysis
This question tests how to treat photographs supplied by others. A borrowed photo is evidence whose provenance, timing and limitations must be evaluated, with its source and date identified when known and relevant. The appraiser must not imply having taken the photo or having personally observed the comparable.
Background Knowledge
Appraisers often rely on MLS photos, collector photos or images from other parties for comparables. USPAP requires reports to be sufficient and not misleading, including an accurate description of the scope of work and what the appraiser observed.
Real-World Application
An appraiser uses MLS photos of a comparable that sold eight months ago. The report identifies the photos as from MLS at the time of listing and notes that the appraiser viewed the comparable only from the street.
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