USPAP Compliance and Industry Standards

Our Commitment to Compliance

Swish Appraisal is committed to supporting appraisers in maintaining compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), federal regulations, and state-specific requirements. While our software provides tools to streamline the appraisal process, the professional responsibility for compliance remains with the appraiser.

USPAP Compliance Support

Standards Rules Compliance

Our software is designed to help you comply with USPAP Standards Rules 1 and 2 for real property appraisal:

Ethical Obligations

Our platform supports adherence to USPAP Ethics Rule requirements:

• Conduct: Professional conduct guidance and resources
• Management: Tools for proper supervision and delegation
• Confidentiality: Secure data storage and controlled access (see our Security Practices)
• Record Keeping: Automatic workfile retention and organization

Competency

While our software provides automation and AI assistance, you retain full responsibility for ensuring you have the necessary competency to perform each appraisal assignment. Our tools are designed to assist, not replace, your professional judgment and expertise.

Workfile Compliance

Workfile Contents

Our platform automatically maintains comprehensive workfiles that include:

• Name of the client and identity of any intended users
• True copy of the appraisal report
• Summaries of all oral reports and testimony
• All data, information, and documentation necessary to support analyses, opinions, and conclusions
• Data sources and verification methods
• Calculations and analysis documentation
• Research and analysis related to the assignment
• Written comments and correspondence

Workfile Retention

In accordance with USPAP Record Keeping Rule, we retain your workfiles for a minimum of five years after preparation or two years after final disposition of any judicial proceeding in which testimony was given, whichever period expires last. You can export your workfiles at any time for your own records.

Federal Regulations Compliance

Dodd-Frank Act

Our platform supports compliance with appraisal independence requirements:

• Clear documentation of appraiser independence
• No influence or coercion on appraisal development
• Prohibition on conditioning appraisals on predetermined values
• Customary and reasonable fee documentation

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)

Our software includes features to help ensure fair lending compliance, including documentation of objective analysis and prohibition of discriminatory factors in the appraisal process.

Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines

We support compliance with federal banking agency guidelines:

• Transaction and borrower information documentation
• Property and market analysis requirements
• Reconciliation and final value estimate support
• Certification and disclosure templates

State Regulatory Compliance

Real estate appraisers are licensed or certified by state regulatory agencies. Our software supports compliance with state-specific requirements:

• State-specific report forms and addenda
• Jurisdiction-specific disclosure requirements
• License number and credential display
• Continuing education tracking (available in premium plans)
• Supervisory appraiser documentation for trainees

You are responsible for ensuring compliance with your state's specific laws and regulations. We recommend consulting with your state appraisal board regarding any questions about compliance requirements.

GSE and Client-Specific Requirements

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Our software supports compliance with GSE requirements:

• UCDP (Uniform Collateral Data Portal) compliant reports
• UAD (Uniform Appraisal Dataset) field formatting
• Required addenda and certifications
• Market conditions analysis
• Appraiser independence certifications

FHA and VA Requirements

Specialized tools for government-insured loans:

• FHA-specific forms and requirements
• VA appraisal requirements and NOV documentation
• Property condition assessment tools
• Required certifications and disclosures

AMC and Lender Requirements

Flexible customization to meet specific client requirements while maintaining USPAP compliance. Our platform allows you to configure reports to meet individual AMC and lender specifications.

AI and Automation Compliance

Professional Responsibility

Our AI-powered features are designed to assist you, not replace your professional judgment. You retain full responsibility for:

• Reviewing and verifying all AI-generated content
• Ensuring the appropriateness of comparable selections
• Validating all adjustments and conclusions
• Maintaining independence in your analysis
• Exercising professional skepticism
• Making final determinations on all appraisal conclusions

Transparency and Disclosure

When using AI-assisted features, you should disclose the use of such tools in your scope of work as appropriate. Our software includes optional disclosure language you can incorporate into your reports.

Data Accuracy

While our automated data entry pulls from reliable sources (MLS, public records), you are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all data used in your appraisal. Our software provides tools to review and correct automated data entries.

Quality Control and Review

Built-in Quality Checks

Our AI review feature identifies potential issues:

• Missing or incomplete data fields
• Inconsistencies in the report
• Mathematical errors
• Common compliance issues
• Potential USPAP violations
• Suggested improvements for clarity

These suggestions are guidance only. You remain responsible for the final report and all conclusions.

Supervisory Appraiser Tools

For supervisory appraisers working with trainees, we provide review and approval workflows to facilitate proper oversight in accordance with USPAP and state requirements.

Continuing Education and Resources

We support ongoing professional development:

• Updates on USPAP changes and clarifications
• Industry news and regulatory updates
• Best practices documentation and guides
• Webinars and training materials (premium plans)
• Community forums for peer discussion
• Links to approved continuing education providers

Audit Trail and Documentation

Our platform maintains comprehensive audit trails:

• Complete history of report revisions
• Data source documentation
• Timestamp of all actions
• User activity logs
• Version control for all reports
• Export capability for regulatory reviews

Limitation of Liability

While we strive to support your compliance efforts, Swish Appraisal does not provide legal or compliance advice. We do not assume any liability for appraisals created using our software. You remain solely responsible for:

• Compliance with USPAP and all applicable regulations
• Accuracy of all data and conclusions
• Professional competency for each assignment
• Maintenance of your license or certification
• Liability for your professional work product

Updates and Changes

We regularly update our software to reflect changes in USPAP, federal regulations, and GSE requirements. When significant regulatory changes occur, we notify users and provide guidance on necessary adjustments to your appraisal practices.

Disclaimer

Additional Resources

• The Appraisal Foundation: Source for USPAP updates and guidance
• ASC (Appraisal Subcommittee): Federal oversight of state appraiser regulatory programs
• State Appraisal Boards: State-specific licensing and compliance requirements
• Appraisal Institute: Professional education and resources
• GSE Guidelines: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac selling guides

Contact Us

If you have questions about compliance features or need assistance: