What must an appraiser maintain while fulfilling their duties?

An appraiser must maintain independence and competence to fulfill their professional duties effectively. Independence is crucial because it ensures that the appraiser's judgment is not influenced by external pressures, including personal relationships or the interests of clients, which helps to ensure the integrity of the appraisal process. This independence supports objective evaluations and helps uphold industry standards.

Competence, on the other hand, refers to the appraiser's expertise and skill in conducting appraisals. Maintaining competence involves staying updated on market trends, legal standards, and appraisal methodologies. This combination of independence and competence is foundational to ensuring that appraisals are accurate, credible, and reliable, which ultimately contributes to the trust placed in the profession by clients and the public.

The other options do not address the fundamental ethical and professional requirements that guide an appraiser’s work. A partnership with insurers may be beneficial in some contexts, but it does not relate to the core responsibilities of maintaining objectivity and skill. Similarly, while public opinion and client relationships are important aspects of a business, they should not compromise an appraiser's independence or competence.