An appraisal report is defined as any communication, either written or oral, to the client of the results of an appraisal assignment. Most appraisal reports are written, but there are also requirements for oral reports which cover court testimony or other oral communications of an appraisal such as at "heirloom discovery days."

Standards Rule 8-2 of USPAP mandates that one of three appraisal report formats be used for all appraisals. The options include:

• Restricted-use format
• Summary format
• Self-contained format

The choice of which appraisal report option to use will vary with the intended use of the appraisal and with the scope of work as defined by the client. This decision of which appraisal format to use is based upon dialogue between the client and the appraiser which occurs prior to the assignment being accepted.  

The essential differences between these three report options is:

• in the report content, and 
• the level of detail of information provided within the report, and
• who is permitted to make use of the appraisal — only the client or also third parties?

The type of appraisal report format used must be stated within the report.