In order to determine the proper scope of work, what must an appraiser do?

To determine the proper scope of work, an appraiser must identify the problem to be solved. Clearly understanding the problem is crucial because it guides the appraiser in selecting the appropriate methodologies, data sources, and analyses that will lead to a credible conclusion. The scope of work essentially reflects what the appraiser needs to do to address the specific client needs and the intended use of the appraisal report.

By identifying the problem, an appraiser lays a foundation for everything that follows, including market analysis, data selection, and valuation techniques. This step ensures that the work performed is relevant and aligns with the expectations of the client while also adhering to the uniform standards required in the profession.

The other choices, while important in their own right, do not serve as the primary basis for determining scope. Analyzing market conditions can be part of the analysis that follows, and accepting a client’s conditions or valuing the property precisely are outcomes or actions that stem from first understanding the core problem that needs to be addressed.