Authority Appraisals – Residential Appraisal Assignment Terms & Conditions
These Assignment Terms & Conditions govern the professional appraisal services provided by Authority Appraisals (“Authority Appraisals,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By placing an order through our website, you (“Client”) agree to these terms.
1. Professional Standards
Authority Appraisals will perform the appraisal in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), applicable federal and state laws, and the professional judgment of the assigned appraiser.
The appraiser will determine the appropriate scope of work necessary to produce credible assignment results based on the intended use, intended users, and characteristics of the property.
2. Intended Use and Intended Users
The appraisal is prepared solely for the intended use and intended users identified during the ordering process.
Unless specifically identified within the appraisal report, no other individual or organization is an intended user or may rely upon the report without our prior written consent.
Requests to add intended users after the appraisal has been completed may require a new assignment or additional fee.
3. Independence and Impartiality
Authority Appraisals is an independent valuation firm.
Our compensation is never contingent upon:
The appraised value.
Reaching a predetermined value.
Loan approval or denial.
Completion of a real estate transaction.
Tax appeal results.
Litigation outcomes.
Any predetermined conclusion or opinion.
The appraiser’s responsibility is to develop and communicate an independent, unbiased opinion supported by market evidence.
4. Scope of Services
Unless specifically stated otherwise, the appraisal includes only the services described in the selected product.
The appraisal does not include:
Home inspections
Structural engineering evaluations
Environmental assessments
Mold inspections
Pest inspections
Building code compliance inspections
Surveying services
Title examinations
Legal advice
The appraiser observes the property’s apparent condition only as necessary to develop an opinion of value.
5. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
Provide accurate ownership and contact information.
Provide reasonable access to the property.
Disclose any known information that may materially affect the property’s value.
Provide requested documentation when reasonably available.
Notify Authority Appraisals of any changes to the assignment before completion.
6. Property Access and Safety
The Client is responsible for ensuring the property is reasonably accessible and safe to inspect.
Authority Appraisals reserves the right to postpone or terminate an inspection if unsafe conditions exist or access cannot reasonably be obtained.
7. Payment
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due according to the selected service before the appraisal report is released.
Fees compensate Authority Appraisals for professional time, expertise, research, analysis, inspection, and report preparation. Payment is not dependent upon the value conclusion or whether the appraisal meets the Client’s expectations.
8. Cancellation Policy
If an assignment is canceled after work has begun, Authority Appraisals may retain all or a portion of the appraisal fee based upon the professional services already performed, including scheduling, research, inspection, analysis, and report preparation.
9. Turnaround Times
Estimated completion times are provided as a courtesy and are not guaranteed.
Completion may be affected by:
Property complexity
Access delays
Weather
Availability of market data
Requests for additional information
Unforeseen circumstances outside our control
10. Report Delivery
Reports are generally delivered electronically in PDF format.
Electronic delivery and electronic signatures satisfy delivery requirements unless otherwise agreed.
11. Revisions
Authority Appraisals will correct factual or clerical errors brought to our attention.
Requests to change an opinion of value solely because the Client disagrees with the conclusion will not be honored.
If additional information materially affects the appraisal, Authority Appraisals may determine that revisions or a new assignment are appropriate. Additional fees may apply.
12. Confidentiality
Authority Appraisals maintains the confidentiality of appraisal assignments as required by USPAP and applicable law.
Information may be disclosed only to authorized parties, intended users, or as otherwise required by law.
13. Reliance Upon Information
The appraisal may rely upon information obtained from public records, Multiple Listing Services (MLS), property owners, real estate professionals, governmental agencies, or other sources believed to be reliable.
Authority Appraisals does not guarantee the accuracy of information supplied by third parties.
14. Photographs
The Client authorizes the appraiser to photograph the interior and exterior of the property as reasonably necessary to complete the appraisal assignment.
These photographs become part of the appraisal workfile and report.
15. Mortgage Lending Disclaimer
Independent appraisals ordered through this website are intended for the purpose selected during checkout.
If the appraisal is required by a mortgage lender for financing purposes, federal lending regulations generally require the lender—not the borrower—to engage the appraiser. It is the Client’s responsibility to confirm whether an independently ordered appraisal will satisfy the intended purpose.
16. Testimony and Expert Witness Services
The appraisal fee does not include:
Court testimony
Depositions
Arbitration
Mediation
Expert witness services
Trial preparation
Additional consulting after delivery
These services require a separate written agreement and are billed at Authority Appraisals’ current published rates.
17. Limitation of Use
The appraisal report is intended only for its stated purpose.
The report may not be altered, reproduced, distributed, or relied upon by parties other than the intended users without the prior written consent of Authority Appraisals, except where disclosure is required by law.
18. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Authority Appraisals’ liability arising from this assignment shall not exceed the amount of the appraisal fee paid by the Client.
Nothing in this provision limits liability where prohibited by law.
19. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of Missouri without regard to its conflict of law principles.
20. Entire Agreement
These Terms & Conditions, together with the services selected during checkout, constitute the entire agreement between the Client and Authority Appraisals regarding the appraisal assignment and supersede prior discussions relating to the engagement.
By submitting your order, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Assignment Terms & Conditions.