What is one reason an appraiser might withdraw from an assignment?

An appraiser might withdraw from an assignment due to a conflict of interest that cannot be resolved. Maintaining objectivity and impartiality is critical in the appraisal profession to ensure that the appraisal is credible and unbiased. If an appraiser realizes that their ability to remain impartial is compromised by a conflict of interest—such as having a personal relationship with a party involved in the transaction—or if their judgment could be questioned as a result, withdrawing from the assignment is the ethical course of action. This ensures that the integrity of the appraisal process is upheld and protects both the appraiser and the parties involved in the appraisal from potential disputes or legal issues arising from perceived bias.

While other factors such as timing of the request, workload, or client responsiveness could affect an appraiser's decision-making regarding an assignment, they do not align as closely with the core ethical standards that govern appraiser conduct. Conflicts of interest directly undermine the foundation of trust in the appraisal process, which is why they necessitate withdrawal to preserve professional integrity.