In the context of appraisal, what does "data verification" primarily involve?

Data verification in appraisal primarily involves confirming the accuracy of the collected information about a property. This process ensures that the data used in the appraisal is reliable, accurate, and relevant to the value estimation. It is crucial for appraisers to verify details such as property size, location, recent sales, and comparable properties to ensure that their analysis reflects the true market conditions and property characteristics.

This task is fundamental because inaccurate data can lead to erroneous appraisals, which impact stakeholders like buyers, sellers, and lenders. Through methods such as cross-referencing with public records or consulting multiple sources, appraisers ensure the integrity of the data being used, which forms the basis of their conclusions about value.