During an appraisal, the appraiser discovers the borrower is a public figure. A reporter calls asking to confirm 'anything interesting.' The appraiser may say:

Correct Answer

A) Only that no comment can be made, absent client authorization or legal process

This question tests the appraiser's duty of confidentiality under USPAP's Ethics Rule, which protects all confidential assignment information and results, regardless of the client's public status. Why this is correct: The correct choice, 'Only that no comment can be made, absent client authorization or legal process,' is mandated by the confidentiality obligation. An appraiser must not disclose confidential information or assignment results without the client's permission or a legal requirement (e.g., a subpoena). The client's fame does not waive this duty. Why the other choices are wrong: Disclosing 'General impressions of the house, since opinions are not data' is wrong because confidential information includes opinions and analyses formed during the assignment. Sharing 'Anything already visible from the street' is wrong because the duty extends beyond physical observations to include all assignment-specific information. Revealing 'The final value figure only, since it will appear in the public records anyway' is wrong because the appraiser's duty exists independently of future public recording; the appraiser is not the source for that disclosure. Exam tip: Remember that confidentiality in appraisal is absolute unless the client authorizes disclosure or the law compels it. The public status of a property or client is irrelevant.