The Appraisal Foundation issues Valuation Advisories on recognized appraisal methods and techniques. For appraisers, compliance with these Valuation Advisories is:

The correct answer emphasizes that compliance with the Valuation Advisories issued by The Appraisal Foundation is voluntary for appraisers. These advisories serve as guidance for best practices and current methodologies in the field of appraisal. While they are recognized and respected within the industry, adherence to them is not a legal requirement. Instead, appraisers can choose whether or not to incorporate the recommendations from these advisories into their work, depending on their professional judgment, client needs, and specific circumstances of the appraisal assignment.

This flexibility allows appraisers to apply these advisories as they see fit, fostering a broad range of practices and techniques in the appraisal landscape. As such, being voluntary means that there is no state or federal enforcement mechanism requiring compliance, making it distinct from laws or regulations that carry mandates or penalties for non-compliance. This voluntary nature encourages appraisers to stay updated with industry standards while allowing them autonomy in their appraisal methodologies.