Is the disclosure of significant real property appraisal assistance required under USPAP?

Under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), the disclosure of significant real property appraisal assistance is not universally mandated. It is essential to understand that while USPAP places significant importance on clarity and transparency in appraisal reports, the requirement for disclosing assistance depends on the specifics of the assignment and whether the assistance provided materially influences the appraiser's opinions and conclusions.

Neglecting to disclose significant assistance may lead to issues concerning transparency and could compromise the credibility of the appraisal. However, USPAP does not stipulate that all instances of assistance must always be disclosed. Instead, appraisers have the discretion to determine when such disclosure is necessary based on the complexity of the assignment and the level of assistance.

In practical application, if assistance does not significantly impact the final appraisal conclusions, an appraiser may choose not to disclose it. This flexible approach allows appraisers to maintain balance in their reporting without overwhelming clients with unnecessary details. Thus, the correct response recognizes the discretionary nature of this disclosure under USPAP.