Who do the ethical obligations of USPAP specifically apply to?

The ethical obligations outlined in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) specifically apply to individual appraisers. USPAP establishes standards for professional appraisal practice and outlines the ethical behavior expected from appraisers who perform appraisals on real property. These standards ensure that appraisers conduct their work with integrity, objectivity, and independence, which are critical for maintaining public trust in the appraisal process.

Individual appraisers must adhere to USPAP guidelines, as these standards help ensure their work is credible and meets the necessary requirements for various purposes, such as mortgage lending, property taxation, and investment analysis. The scope of USPAP does not extend to real estate agents, property managers, or assessors in the same manner, even though these professionals may be involved in real estate transactions or property management. Their roles and responsibilities differ significantly from those of professional appraisers, meaning the ethical obligations within USPAP are tailored specifically to appraisers to uphold the quality and reliability of their work.