Code of Ethics

CODE OF ETHICS
(Revised March 23, 2022)
 
As members of the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Appraisers (MBREA), we recognize our obligation to maintain the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards in our appraisal practice.
 
We shall not base our analysis and / or opinions of market value on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, employment status, or military status, of either the present or prospective owners or occupants of the subject property, or the owners or occupants of properties in the subject market area.
 
We acknowledge that our ethical duties and responsibilities extend to our clients, to our relationship with fellow appraisers, to our professional organizations, our profession at large, and to the public at large.
 
We recognize that being granted membership in this organization requires us to uphold the MBREA’s Code of Ethics, the MBREA’s Code of Conduct, as well as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as promulgated by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation.
 
Members are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct.               
 
  1. Any bias, regardless of source or intent, is unacceptable.
     
  2. MBREA members, staff, and volunteers further agree to acknowledge, confront, and address bias that may impact our professional work.
 
  1. Members shall comply with the requirements of the then current edition of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice which have been promulgated by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation.
 
  1. Members shall conduct their appraisal practice in a manner that reflects favorably upon the real estate appraisal profession and the MBREA. All Members shall refrain from conduct, including but not limited to, participating in criminal, fraudulent, and other illegal activities, or public discourse that is detrimental to the MBREA, the real estate appraisal profession, and or the public.
 
  1. Members shall assist the MBREA in carrying out its responsibilities to the users of appraisal services and to the public.  They shall cooperate with the MBREA, its officers, and committees in all matters with respect to discipline against other Members whose conduct is detrimental or prejudicial to their professional status, that of other appraisers, and/or to the reputation of the MBREA.
 
  1. Members shall develop properly supported, unbiased, objective value conclusions and shall comply with all aspects of the MBREA Code of Ethics and Conduct and the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice.
 
  1. Members shall maintain the confidential nature of the appraiser/client relationship.  They shall not disclose the analyses, opinions, or conclusions of an appraisal to anyone other than:  the client and those persons specifically authorized by the client to receive such information; third parties as legally required to do so by statute, ordinance, or order of the court; and in connection with duly authorized committees of the MBREA.
 
  1. MBREA designations and memberships may not be referenced in a manner that is inaccurate or misleading.
 
  1. MBREA Associate and Designated members may include reference to their membership in their appraisal reports, in oral or written resumes, correspondence, and within public advertisements.