Massachusetts § 174 - Real estate appraiser titles; certification or licensing; opinions
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 174 — Real estate appraiser titles; certification or licensing; opinions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 174. Real estate appraiser titles; certification or licensing; opinions
Section 174. A. No person, other than a state-certified general real estate appraiser, state-certified residential real estate appraiser or state-licensed real estate appraiser, shall assume or use that respective title or any title, designation, or abbreviation likely to create the impression of certification or licensing as a real estate appraiser by the commonwealth. A person who is not state-certified or state-licensed shall not describe or refer to any appraisal or other evaluation of real estate located in the commonwealth by the term ''certified''; provided, however, that this shall not preclude a person who is not certified as a state-certified general real estate appraiser, state-certified residential real estate appraiser or state-licensed real estate appraiser from appraising real estate in connection with non-federally related transactions for compensation.
B. The provisions of sections one hundred and seventy-three to one hundred and ninety-nine, inclusive, shall not apply to a real estate broker or salesperson or to a certified public accountant or business broker who, in the ordinary course of business, gives an opinion of the price of real estate for the purpose of a prospective listing, purchase, sale, or business valuation, provided, however, that such opinion of the price shall not be referred to as an appraisal.
C. The certification and licensing provisions of this chapter shall not apply to transactions exempted from the requirements of Title XI.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 174
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 174 cover?
Section 174 ("Real estate appraiser titles; certification or licensing; opinions") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 174?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 174" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 174 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.