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Scope of Work for an appraiser is an overriding consideration.  In USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) it is nicely described.  Once the “problem to be solved” is identified, the appraiser is to:

  • Determine work necessary to solve the problem;
  • Correctly complete research;
  • Correctly complete analysis;
  • Produce a credible

These words seem obvious and clear.  They deserve a close look.  Sometimes what seems obvious, may not be.  The question is:  Does today’s scope of work, work for intelligence appraisal?  Let’s look at the first active word above:  “determine.”

We find this word in the first paragraph of Standard 1, as well as the first paragraph of the Scope of Work Rule itself.  “Determine” is quite definitive.  It does not say “estimate,” “hypothesize,” “propose,” or “postulate.”  It sure feels fixed and absolute.

On the other hand, I sure loved the word “determine” when I first trained as an appraiser.  I needed clear instructions:  This is a house, see the house, see other houses, compare, done.

I followed the professional “Steps of the Appraisal Process.”

I compared.  I formed an opinion.  I wrote it down.

My trustworthiness was everything.  If I was to be an appraiser, my reputation had to come first.  I was determined to determine well.

All this presumes some things.  Some assumptions.

It assumes that I can figure out the complete solution right up front.  Give the client what they need.  Impart my intellect and excellent knowledge of the market, and determine the work needed.  Personal experience, and personal guidance from my trainer, and some education, and a couple of “confirming” phone calls did the job.  The goal was to have the client believe me.  Be credible.

Times have changed.  I can do better and faster.  Valuation Intelligence - The Conference 2026 A joint Conference of the Community of Asset Analysts & the American Valuation Society. May 13, 14, 15, 2026 in Irving, TX

Today I get the data in a few seconds.  I follow the “data-centric” approach.  I have a computer!

What does this mean?  It means I can get the client’s needs from them, perhaps even help them on the question to be asked.  It means I can immediately look at the data on my computer screen.  I can use my familiarity and knowledge of “the market” to figure out a solution path.  A “hypothesis.”

I  can move the data around in tables, see simple summary numbers — “statistics,” and graphs, and interactive maps.  Connect the market to my brain and my eyes.  Combine computer power (intelligent or not) with my human intelligence.  Smart.  Effective. Fast.

Quickly, I can reckon a path of solution.  A complete, outlined, determined, path.

That path is called the Data Science path.  For appraisal, we call it EBV (Evidence Based Valuation)©.

We will continue this series on Scope of Work for Intelligence Appraisal.  Stay tuned.

We consider what is “correct” research in today’s technology.  We consider what is “correct” analysis.

And we will consider how the appraiser of today must become an asset analyst.  A market analyst, not a comp comparer!  [Join us in the Community of Asset Analysts, CAA.]