Who do the ethical obligations of USPAP apply to?

The ethical obligations of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) specifically apply to individual appraisers. USPAP was created to promote a high level of professionalism and ethical behavior in the appraisal industry. While it serves as a foundation for ethical guidelines, its requirements are primarily directed toward those who perform appraisals. Individual appraisers are responsible for adhering to these standards in their practice to ensure quality, integrity, and professionalism in their appraisals.

This distinction is essential because, although other real estate professionals, such as agents and brokers, certainly have ethical obligations in their practices, these obligations are governed by different regulatory frameworks and standards separate from USPAP. Federal appraisers, while they are appraisers too, fall under the specific requirements that apply to appraising and are not exclusive to the characteristics of USPAP. Thus, understanding that USPAP's ethical mandates are focused on individual appraisers clarifies their scope and intent within the field of appraisal.