Which statement best describes a desktop appraisal?

Which statement best describes a desktop appraisal?

• A. A desktop appraisal is an appraisal based on data from the internet and other sources without inspecting the property, and it does not include log review.
• B. A desktop appraisal involves a full physical inspection plus maintenance logs.
• C. A desktop appraisal is based on market surveys of similar properties only.
• D. A desktop appraisal is performed by the owner without external data.

Answer: (A)

A desktop appraisal is a remote appraisal method that relies on data gathered from the internet and other sources rather than an on-site property visit. Because there is no physical inspection, the appraiser does not review the property’s maintenance logs as part of the process. Instead, they compile information from public records, MLS data, recent sales of comparable properties, tax assessments, and other remote data sources to form a value estimate. This approach is faster and less costly than a full appraisal, since it doesn’t involve traveling to the property or inspecting its condition firsthand. The other options describe scenarios that involve a physical inspection or rely on data sources in a way that isn’t consistent with the desktop method.

A desktop appraisal is a remote appraisal method that relies on data gathered from the internet and other sources rather than an on-site property visit. Because there is no physical inspection, the appraiser does not review the property’s maintenance logs as part of the process. Instead, they compile information from public records, MLS data, recent sales of comparable properties, tax assessments, and other remote data sources to form a value estimate.

This approach is faster and less costly than a full appraisal, since it doesn’t involve traveling to the property or inspecting its condition firsthand. The other options describe scenarios that involve a physical inspection or rely on data sources in a way that isn’t consistent with the desktop method.