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			Why can't I have a copy of the appraisal? I paid for it! Appraisers are bound by a 'client relationship.' Even though the borrower is typically billed for the cost of an appraisal, a confidential relationship exists between the appraiser and the Client - the person or persons who will actually be using the appraisal for decision-making purposes. Often proprietary or sensitive internal business information is essential to proper valuation analysis. The confidentiality rule ensures that the client retains control over information they must give us so that we can complete an assignment. *Why can't you just give me a 'ballpark' value? I won't hold you to it...* The moment we mention a numeric value, a range of value, or even a benchmark ('its gotta be worth more than Comp X...'), under USPAP and state law, we have performed an appraisal, and are subject to all the same liability and record-keeping requirements. We can't discuss values unless we have a workfile open on the subject property and are able to support what we say, and then we are able to communicate the value only to the client of record. We also cannot 'just fax the concluded values page.' Report formats are defined by USPAP and state law. Each item in a report is intended to be considered in context of the entire report, which must be delivered whole. To communicate a partial report is 'misleading' under the law. This is true for ALL appraisers. *What is USPAP?* The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, compiled at the federal level by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation, a congressionally-chartered body. USPAP is enforced by State regulatory agencies. http://www.appraisalfoundation.org *How do I become an appraiser?* Contact the Appraiser Licensure or Oversight Authority of your state to find out specific requirements. In Oregon this is http://www.cbs.state.or.us/aclb/ . Generally, you must fulfill educational requirements, then find a job as an appraiser assistant and document your on-the-job experience and additional education, about a two-year process for residential appraisers, three for general appraisers. The Oregon ACLB website has useful info, including education and experience time maps. Also, call some appraisers -(if you don't like calling strangers on the phone, this job probably isn't for you).