What is the role of advisory opinions in relation to USPAP?

Advisory opinions are intended to provide guidance and reference material concerning the application and interpretation of USPAP. They do not impose binding legal requirements on appraisers, meaning that while they can offer valuable insight into best practices and help clarify specific aspects of USPAP, adherence to these opinions is not compulsory. Advisory opinions assist appraisers in understanding how to apply the standards appropriately in various scenarios, thus improving overall compliance with USPAP without serving as replacements for the standards themselves. By functioning as supportive resources, they enhance an appraiser's understanding and application of USPAP principles rather than enforce mandatory compliance.