Signing Your Appraisal Report

Thursday, July 3, 2025 in Education, For Appraisers

A common but important question is: Where should an appraiser sign their report? While it may seem like a small detail, signing the report correctly is essential for compliance with both USPAP and ISA Appraisal Report Writing Standards.

What USPAP Requires
According to the USPAP 2024 Edition: 

• Standards Rule 8-2(a)(xiv) applies to Appraisal Reports
• Standards Rule 8-2(b)(xvi) applies to Restricted Appraisal Reports

Both state the report must:
“Include a signed certification in accordance with Standards Rule 8-3.”

Additionally, Standards Rule 8-3 specifies:

“An appraiser who signs any part of the appraisal report, including a letter of transmittal, must also sign this certification.”

What ISA Requires
ISA’s Appraisal Report Writing Standards further require:

• The certification statement must be signed for USPAP compliancy
• The appraisal report itself must also bear the appraiser’s signature
• Any non-dissenting collaborating appraisers who provided significant assistance must also sign

Where Should You Sign?
There are two correct options for placing your signature:

Option 1
Include the certification statement on a separate, standalone page in the Cover document with your signature. Then, continue the Cover document and sign again at the end.

Option 2 (Preferred by most appraisers)
Include the certification statement at the very end of the Cover document and sign directly beneath it. This way, one signature satisfies both USPAP and ISA requirements.

Important Reminder

• Do not include any additional text after the certification and before your signature.
• All appraisers who sign any part of the report must also sign the certification.

Most appraisers prefer Option 2, as it eliminates the need for multiple signatures while remaining fully compliant.