Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

Which item needed in an appraisal assignment is an appraiser LEAST likely to find by searching on the internet?

1. Property tax records

2. Sales agreement for the subject property

3. Market analysis report

4. Neighborhood assessment

The correct answer is: Sales agreement for the subject property

In an appraisal assignment, the sales agreement for the subject property is an internal document that typically contains specific contractual details between the buyer and seller. This document generally is not publicly available and is not something that can be easily accessed through a general internet search. It's often considered confidential information and only available to the parties directly involved in the transaction, their agents, or with proper permission. On the other hand, property tax records are commonly maintained by local government offices and are often accessible online. Market analysis reports can sometimes be found or created using various real estate websites and databases. Neighborhood assessments may also be available through community reports, local government websites, or real estate platforms that analyze neighborhoods and highlight economic factors. Therefore, the sales agreement stands out as the item least likely to be found via an online search, emphasizing the need for appraisers to obtain this important document directly from the involved parties or through professional networks.