The second step of the appraisal process that a qualified appraiser will use is to ______.

The second step of the appraisal process focuses on gathering and analyzing data, which is typically done after the appraiser has clearly defined the problem to be solved in the appraisal. The correct sequence begins with the identification of the appraisal’s purpose, after which the appraiser will gather the necessary information and data pertinent to the property being appraised.

In the context of the appraisal process, determining the highest and best use is generally a consideration that comes later, as it requires data that needs to be collected first. Similarly, while identifying data needed is an important precursor to data gathering, it is not performed as a standalone step in the conventional appraisal process. The focus is always on ensuring that the appraiser has all relevant information, including property characteristics, market conditions, and any pertinent legal or financial factors, before proceeding to analyze the data and arrive at a value conclusion. Thus, accurately gathering and analyzing data is fundamental to ensuring the appraiser can make informed decisions in subsequent steps of the appraisal.