Privacy, Confidentiality & Protection of Client Information

Protecting the Information Entrusted to DiCicco & Associates

At DiCicco & Associates, we understand that residential appraisal assignments may involve sensitive personal, financial, and property information. Protecting the confidentiality and security of information entrusted to us is an important part of our professional responsibilities.

We collect and use information as necessary to perform appraisal and related professional services, communicate with clients and authorized parties, complete assignments, maintain appropriate records, and meet applicable professional and legal requirements.

Types of Information We May Collect

During the course of an appraisal assignment, we may receive or collect information relating to the property, client, transaction, and assignment.

Depending on the nature and intended use of the appraisal, this information may include:

Property ownership and contact information
Property addresses and legal or public-record information
Property characteristics, photographs, measurements, and inspection information
Information provided by homeowners, borrowers, lenders, attorneys, real estate professionals, or other authorized parties
Purchase contracts and other transaction-related documents
Information obtained from public records, MLS systems, and other authorized data sources
Financial or other personal information when relevant to the appraisal assignment

Some information may constitute nonpublic personal information or other confidential information under applicable laws, regulations, professional standards, or the circumstances of the assignment.

We collect and use information only as appropriate for the appraisal assignment and related professional responsibilities.

How Information May Be Used

Information obtained during an appraisal assignment may be used to:

Perform property research and analysis
Inspect and document the subject property
Research comparable sales and market conditions
Prepare and deliver appraisal reports
Communicate with authorized parties regarding the assignment
Respond to legitimate questions or requests concerning the appraisal
Maintain required or appropriate appraisal records
Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and professional requirements

Parties With Whom Information May Be Shared

DiCicco & Associates does not disclose confidential or nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties except when disclosure is appropriate or necessary to perform the assignment, authorized by the client or an appropriate party, permitted or required by applicable law, or otherwise consistent with applicable professional and regulatory requirements.

For example, information may be shared with authorized parties involved in the appraisal assignment when necessary to complete the engagement. Certain technology providers, service providers, or consultants may also have limited access to information when their services are necessary to support the appraisal process.

When third parties are used in connection with professional services, appropriate measures are taken to protect confidential information and limit access to information necessary for the services being provided.

Information may also be disclosed when required by law, regulation, subpoena, court order, or other lawful process.

Confidentiality & Information Security

DiCicco & Associates takes reasonable measures to protect information maintained in connection with appraisal assignments from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

Our safeguards may include physical, electronic, and procedural measures designed to protect appraisal records and other information maintained as part of our professional activities.

Because appraisal assignments are increasingly conducted through electronic systems, protecting digital information is an important part of our overall appraisal workflow.

Professional Confidentiality

Confidentiality requirements can vary depending on the type of appraisal assignment, intended use, client, applicable law, and professional standards.

For mortgage-related assignments, for example, the lender or other authorized party may be the client even though the appraiser physically inspects a homeowner's property. Questions regarding who may receive or use a particular appraisal report should be directed to the identified client or authorized party.

We take appropriate steps to maintain the confidentiality of information obtained through our professional engagements and to limit disclosure to authorized or otherwise appropriate parties.

Questions About Your Information

If you have questions about how information is collected, used, maintained, or disclosed in connection with an appraisal assignment, please contact DiCicco & Associates.

We are committed to providing professional residential appraisal services while treating client and property information with appropriate care, confidentiality, and respect.