An appraiser who is asked to appraise a property must always ensure what before proceeding?

An appraiser must always ensure that they fulfill ethical obligations before proceeding with an appraisal. This foundational principle is crucial as it underpins the integrity and reliability of the appraisal process. Ethical obligations encompass adherence to industry standards, ensuring objectivity, and acting in the best interests of all parties involved. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and providing truthful representations of the property's value.

Fulfilling ethical obligations protects not just the appraiser’s professional reputation but also supports trust in the appraisal process itself, ensuring that the valuation reflects an unbiased and fair assessment of the property's worth. This ethical framework allows appraisers to perform their duties accurately and responsibly, which is essential for maintaining professional standards within the appraisal industry.

While research, communication, and confirming property boundaries are also important aspects of the appraisal process, they come after ensuring ethical conduct. An appraiser cannot effectively engage in these actions without first committing to the principles of ethics that guide their professional responsibilities.