It is permissible for an appraiser to be engaged in an assignment by an agent, who is acting on behalf of the client.

• A. Not allowed
• B. It depends
• C. True
• D. Authorized only with client written consent

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that engagement can come through a person authorized by the client to hire the appraiser. In practice, an agent acting on behalf of the client may engage the appraiser, as long as the agent has proper authority from the client and the appraiser confirms that authority and documents the arrangement. This setup is common in real estate and other assignments, and it does not by itself violate USPAP.

What matters is that the appraiser understands who the client is, who has the authority to engage, and the scope and purpose of the assignment, and that the appraiser remains independent, objective, and compliant with USPAP throughout the process. If the agent lacks authority or acts beyond the client’s instructions, problems can arise, but having a properly authorized agent engage the appraiser is permissible.