USPAP 2024 Update: Clarifying Personal Inspections and ‘Reinspections’ for Appraisers
The 2024 update to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) has created some buzz in the appraisal community, especially with its changes to the definition of "personal inspection." While the update emphasizes assignment-specific ‘personal inspections’, there’s more nuance to this requirement than meets the eye. If you’re wondering how this applies to scenarios like reappraising the same property shortly after a previous assignment, let’s break it down.
What’s Changed About Personal Inspections?
Since January 1, 2024, USPAP’s new definition of ‘personal inspection’ requires appraisers to disclose whether they conducted an in-person visit to the property as part of the specific scope of work for that current assignment. This wording has led to some confusion among appraisers.
Do you always need to reinspect a property, even if you just appraised it a few days ago? The short answer: not necessarily. Let’s explore why.
A Real-World Example: Do You Really Need to Reinspect?
Take this example shared by Lisa DeMaris on the Appraiser Talk podcast. Here’s the scenario: Jane, an appraiser, inspects a property on January 2, 2025, for a lender. She finishes the appraisal and submits her report by January 9. Then, just two days later, a new lender reaches out and asks Jane to complete an appraisal on the same property using the same effective date as the original assignment.
Now the question: Does USPAPs new ‘personal inspection’ disclosure require Jane to automatically reinspect the property?
Here’s how USPAP applies in this situation:
Scope of Work is Key:
Jane needs to decide if her prior inspection data is still sufficient to deliver credible results for the new assignment. If she determines that revisiting the property won’t add anything meaningful to the appraisal, she’s not required to reinspect.
Disclosure Matters:
USPAP requires appraisers to disclose whether they personally inspected the property for the current assignment. Jane’s certification statement might say something like: “I recently inspected the subject property in person on January 2, 2025, which is the effective date of this appraisal. However, I did not conduct an in-person inspection as part of the scope of work for this assignment.”
Reusing Data is Allowed by USPAP:
Jane can use her prior inspection data and photos provided the information isn’t confidential to the previous client. When disclosing information about the comparables, Jane can note that the comparable inspection data was derived from her prior personal inspections conducted on January 2, 2025. This additional disclosure provides transparency and consistency throughout the appraisal report.
Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
Many appraisers think the new rules mean they’ll have to reinspect properties for every single assignment, but that’s not the case. The reality is:
You can reuse prior inspection data if it’s still relevant and meets the requirements for the new assignment.
The decision to reinspect is a professional judgment call based on the scope of work and whether the existing data is credible.
Why This Update Matters
This change emphasizes the importance of tailoring the scope of work to fit the assignment. By understanding when a new inspection is necessary, appraisers can:
Stay compliant with USPAP while working efficiently.
Produce credible, reliable appraisals that meet client needs.
Learn More
For more details, you can check out:
And if you want to hear Lisa DeMaris explain this example herself, listen to Episode 149 of the Appraiser Talk podcast.
By tackling these nuances, you’ll be better prepared to handle the 2024 USPAP updates with confidence and clarity. For more appraisal insights, visit Gulf Stream Residential Appraisal’s blog.