Which action is prohibited when working with an appraiser?

The action that is prohibited when working with an appraiser is asking an appraiser to change a value to ensure a loan approval. This behavior undermines the integrity of the appraisal process, which is intended to provide an impartial and objective assessment of a property's value. Appraisers are expected to remain independent and should base their valuations solely on market data and property conditions, rather than external pressures or incentives from lenders or other parties involved in a transaction.

This prohibition exists to maintain trust in the real estate and lending processes, ensuring that appraisals accurately reflect true market conditions rather than manipulated values to meet specific financial outcomes. Encouraging or soliciting changes to an appraisal value not only jeopardizes professional ethics but may also lead to regulatory repercussions for those involved.

On the other hand, requesting a higher appraisal value, while it might be perceived as unethical, is not outright prohibited. It can be seen as part of the negotiation process, as long as it does not cross the line into coercion. Reporting appraisals in a timely manner and providing additional market data are both acceptable and often expected practices, as they contribute to the overall transparency and efficiency of the appraisal process.