If an appraiser provides an oral report of a real property assignment, what must they include in their workfile?

In the context of providing an oral report of a real property assignment, the requirement to include a signed and dated certification in the workfile is essential because it serves as a formal acknowledgment of the appraiser's conclusions and compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). This certification is critical as it contains affirmations about the appraiser's qualifications, the appraisal process followed, and that the report is credible and reflective of their professional opinion.

Including this certification ensures that there is an official record demonstrating the appraiser's adherence to ethical and professional standards, which can be vital for public trust and validation of the appraisal process. It addresses accountability and transparency in appraisal reporting, showing that the appraiser has conducted their work with integrity.

While other elements like a summary of findings or a market analysis report might provide valuable context or detail to the workfile, they do not fulfill the specific requirement of the signed and dated certification. This distinction emphasizes the importance of formal acknowledgment and compliance over supplementary documentation in this scenario.