Posted 12-12-07

Page 308: Replace the section entitled "Delivering the Appraisal Report" with the following text.

Delivering the Appraisal Report

Once completed, the appraisal report must be delivered to the client. Options include:

• Mailing the report along with an invoice for the balance due (or showing the account has been paid in full.)
  
• Emailing a copy of the appraisal report to the client (typically in Adobe Acrobat .pdf file format.) The signed original appraisal report can then sent to the client along with the invoice, if necessary, using traditional mail if such are the arrangements made between client and appraiser.
  
  Does email delivery maintain confidentiality? Note that The Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) of The Appraisal Foundation is of the opinion that even though, technically, email is not secure, sending reports via email does not violate the confidentiality requirements of USPAP.
  
  Any manner of deliver of appraisal reports has inherent to it some degree of risk that appraiser-client confidentiality might be breeched. Regardless of whether sent by email or official postal carrier, there is always some possibility that the original document might be compromised. As long as the risks are understood and the delivery method is agreed upon by both client and appraiser, confidentiality is maintained and USPAP is not violated.
  
• Notifying the client that the appraisal has been completed, of the amount still due, and that the report will be mailed to the client upon receipt of the outstanding balance. Use a more flexible payment plan for established accounts. It is not a normal business practice to demand payment up front from moving companies, attorneys, insurance companies, or other professionals.
  
• The client can pick up the appraisal in person from your office if there is some urgency, or if the client otherwise wishes to do so. This method is infrequently used.