An individual is not permitted to provide valuation services involving advocacy while acting as an appraiser, according to USPAP principles. What does this imply?

The principle that an appraiser must remain impartial is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and reliability of the valuation process. USPAP, which stands for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, emphasizes that appraisers must provide unbiased opinions of value based solely on credible market data and sound methodologies, rather than personal beliefs or influences from parties interested in the outcome.

When an appraiser acts as an advocate, there is a risk that their judgment may become clouded by personal interests or the interests of the client, which could compromise the objectivity necessary for a fair and accurate appraisal. Therefore, the prohibition against providing valuation services involving advocacy reinforces the expectation that appraisers will uphold their role as independent evaluators, ensuring their work is respected and trusted in various contexts, such as legal proceedings, financing, and property transactions. This impartiality is crucial for the credibility of the appraisal profession as a whole.