With the weather warming up and spring season in full gear, many homeowners are looking to spruce things up around the house with a little remodeling by using a home equity loan. Others are looking to cash in on the economic stimulus package by purchasing their very first home. Before making those home improvements or purchasing a house, a lender will need to obtain an appraisal before approving a loan.

According to the South Carolina Professional Appraisers Coalition, individuals seeking the help of an appraiser should be aware of the following guidelines.

• An appraiser can accept an appraisal request with an approximate or minimum value that is needed by the client as long as the value is not a condition of the assignment.

• An appraiser can accept an appraisal request that includes a third party's (including the owner) opinion on the value of the property.

• An appraiser can receive incentives to complete the appraisal in a timely matter as long as all gifts are properly disclosed in the appraisal report.

• An appraiser can complete an appraisal pro bono as long as the appraiser follows Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) guidelines.

• An appraiser cannot guarantee a value.

• An appraiser cannot guarantee the same value or loan amount as a nearby property but can provide sales data of property in the vicinity.

• An appraiser cannot stop an appraisal if the value is not going to reach a client's "target value."

• An appraiser cannot guarantee a value at the high or low end of a provided range before an appraisal.

• An appraiser cannot offer a discount on an appraisal if the appraisal results in a sale or closed loan.

• An appraiser cannot misrepresent or omit buildings, structures, or other property in an appraisal.

For more information visit www.llr.state. sc.us/ pol.asp or contact the Public Information Division at 803- 734- 4190, toll free in SC at 1- 800- 922- 1594, or online at www.scconsumer. gov.