Appraisals utilized by federally regulated lenders must conform to which standards?

The correct answer is the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP). These standards are specifically established and maintained by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation and are recognized as the authoritative guidelines for appraisals in the United States.

Federal regulators require that appraisals performed for federally regulated lenders adhere to these standards to ensure consistency, accuracy, and credibility in the valuation process. Compliance with USPAP ensures that appraisers operate ethically and with integrity while providing reliable assessments of property values. This is crucial for lenders and clients who rely on accurate appraisals for decision-making regarding mortgages, sales, and investments.

The other options do not reflect the specific framework and criteria mandated for appraisals in a federal lending context. While there are various appraisal standards and guidelines, only USPAP represents the required benchmarks for appraisers dealing with federally regulated lenders.