Does geographic competency still apply when an appraiser completes a desktop assignment remotely?
Correct Answer
C) Yes, market knowledge is required regardless
Why this is correct: Geographic competency—knowledge of the local market—is a requirement of the USPAP Competency Rule. This knowledge is necessary to properly select and adjust comparables, understand neighborhood dynamics, and recognize value influences. The requirement applies regardless of whether the inspection is physical or remote (desktop). Why the other choices are wrong: "No, because no site visit is made at all" and "No, provided the data supplier is local" are wrong because market knowledge is a separate requirement from physical inspection or data sourcing. "Yes, but only for commercial property types" is wrong; geographic competency applies to all property types. Exam tip: Geographic competency is about market knowledge, not physical presence. It's always required.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Why this is correct: Geographic competency—knowledge of the local market—is a requirement of the USPAP Competency Rule. This knowledge is necessary to properly select and adjust comparables, understand neighborhood dynamics, and recognize value influences. The requirement applies regardless of whether the inspection is physical or remote (desktop). Why the other choices are wrong: "No, because no site visit is made at all" and "No, provided the data supplier is local" are wrong because market knowledge is a separate requirement from physical inspection or data sourcing. "Yes, but only for commercial property types" is wrong; geographic competency applies to all property types. Exam tip: Geographic competency is about market knowledge, not physical presence. It's always required.
More emerging-appraisal-methods Questions
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Which assignment type still requires the appraiser to develop an opinion of value?
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