The 5th Amendment to the United States Constitution includes the following:
“…nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”
When the government is acquiring your property, either through condemnation or a voluntary transaction, you will receive an offer believed by the acquiring agency to be just compensation. This amount is determined by an appraisal completed by the acquiring agency. If you are unsure about whether the appraisal is done correctly and follows the applicable laws and policies in your situation, you may wonder how to know.
That is where Blue Ridge Valuation Services LLC can help. With over 30 years of experience in appraisal and appraisal review for government acquisitions our review services can provide peace of mind so that as an affected property owner, you can be confident that the appraisal used as the basis for establishing just compensation is credible and meets applicable standards.
Understanding Appraisal Requirements for Government Acquisitions
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Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
USPAP is the national standard that appraisers follow to make sure their work is ethical, well-supported, and clearly explained. It outlines how appraisals must be developed, how reports must be written, and what an appraiser must do to provide credible results. These standards help ensure that the valuations used in real estate, lending, and public programs are reliable and fair to everyone involved.
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Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition (UASFLA) or Yellow Book
Known as the “Yellow Book,” UASFLA is the federal rulebook that defines how appraisers must develop and report valuations used in federal land acquisition. It outlines required methodologies, documentation standards, and ethical expectations to ensure that every appraisal is defensible and consistent nationwide. The goal of UASFLA is to support fair negotiations, promote sound public spending, and maintain public confidence in government real estate decisions.
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Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Uniform Act or URA)
The appraisal requirements in the Uniform Act regulations provide a standardized process for valuing property when it is being acquired for a public project. These rules ensure that property owners receive fair and well-supported offers based on an unbiased appraisal. They also require clear communication, owner involvement, and professional standards so the acquisition process is transparent and respectful.