What is the purpose of a signed certification in an appraisal report?

The purpose of a signed certification in an appraisal report is to acknowledge the appraiser's ethical obligations. This certification is a crucial part of the report as it confirms that the appraiser has adhered to the professional standards and ethical guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies. By signing the certification, the appraiser assures that they have performed the appraisal with integrity, objectivity, and impartiality, adhering to applicable laws and regulations.

Additionally, a signed certification typically indicates that the appraiser has disclosed any potential conflicts of interest, has acted in good faith, and has provided a fair and unbiased opinion of value. This serves to build trust and credibility in the appraisal process, reassuring the client and other stakeholders of the appraiser's commitment to ethical practices.

Other options, while they may play a role in an appraisal report, do not capture the primary function of the certification. For instance, summarizing the appraisal process is more about describing the methodology used, a legal disclaimer addresses liability concerns, and authenticating the client’s identity relates to verifying who the client is rather than the appraiser's conduct and responsibilities. Hence, the focus on ethical obligations in the certification clearly highlights its main purpose in the report.