Which statement about primary data is true?

• A. Usually less reliable than secondary data
• B. Collected directly by the appraiser
• C. Always numerical
• D. Not used in valuations

Answer: (B)

Primary data are information gathered firsthand for a specific appraisal assignment, collected directly by the appraiser from sources such as property inspections, measurements, and interviews or documents provided by owners or tenants. Because the appraiser controls how it’s collected and tailors it to the assignment, this data is typically most relevant and timely for supporting value opinions. It isn’t limited to numbers—descriptions, conditions, and qualitative observations are also part of primary data. Secondary data, by contrast, come from published sources and may not fit the specific property or market as closely. Therefore, the statement that primary data are collected directly by the appraiser is the true one.