Who is responsible for identifying and defining appraisal problems?

The appraiser is primarily responsible for identifying and defining appraisal problems. This crucial aspect of the appraisal process requires the appraiser to assess the specific needs of the client and the context of the appraisal. By doing so, the appraiser can tailor their approach to address the unique characteristics and requirements of the property in question or the intended use of the appraisal report.

This involves conducting an initial analysis and gathering relevant information to scope the assignment effectively. The appraiser's expertise and judgment are essential in delineating the problem accurately to ensure that the appraisal is relevant and meets the client’s expectations.

While the client provides the context and purpose for the appraisal, it is ultimately the appraiser's role to translate that into a defined set of appraisal problems to guide the research and analysis process. The other options, such as regulatory bodies or appraisal boards, typically provide guidelines and standards but do not engage directly in the specific identification and definition of appraisal issues for particular assignments.