An appraiser concludes that a subject property has functional inadequacies. This conclusion is:

• A. An assignment result and must be treated as confidential
• B. Public information
• C. A marketing issue
• D. A non-confidential observation

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that conclusions an appraiser reaches in an assignment are assignment results that must be kept confidential. When the appraiser determines the subject property has functional inadequacies, that finding is part of the work product developed for the assignment. Under USPAP, assignment results and other confidential information obtained during the assignment are to be kept confidential and shared only with the client and any intended users identified in the engagement, or as required by law or with proper consent. Because of this, the conclusion about functional inadequacies is best classified as an assignment result that must remain confidential. It isn’t public information, a marketing issue, or a non-confidential observation.