Is a sales associate permitted to prepare an appraisal for the lender if they represent a buyer or seller?

A sales associate is not permitted to prepare an appraisal for a lender while representing a buyer or seller due to the regulations and ethical standards in the real estate industry. Appraisals must be conducted by a licensed appraiser who is independent of the transaction to ensure an unbiased and accurate property valuation. This independence is crucial to maintain objectivity and protect all parties involved in the transaction.

If a sales associate were allowed to prepare appraisals, it would create a conflict of interest since their income often depends on the outcome of the sale or purchase. This could lead to potential manipulation of property values and undermine the integrity of the appraisal process. Therefore, licensing requirements and ethical guidelines prohibit sales associates from performing appraisals in these circumstances.