What Is Appraising? | Are There Specialized Fields of Appraising? | What Should I Look for in a Written Appraisal Report?

How Can I Ensure That I Get a High-Quality Appraisal?

Whenever you hire an appraiser, always check his or her experience, education and references. The AM or ASA initials after ASA members’ names mean they have documented experience and accomplishments on a qualifications statement or résumé. Almost half of ASA’s members have been practicing appraisers for 16 or more years.

• Accredited Member (AM)—At least two years of full-time appraisal experience
• Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA)—At least five years of full-time appraisal experience

Why Choose an ASA-Accredited Appraiser?

ASA’s accreditation process is rigorous—accredited members invest an enormous amount of time, energy and expense to earn and maintain their status. As a result, ASA attracts members from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 44 foreign countries, including Canada, Mexico, China and the Philippines.

• Accreditation requires passing intensive examinations covering general valuation theory, technical expertise and principles of appraising.
• Each ASA member is required to take and pass a course in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice set by the Appraisal Foundation, which is recognized by the U.S. government as the source for appraisal standards and qualifications.
• Each ASA-accredited appraiser is required to have a four-year college degree or its equivalent. To ensure that this level of skills and knowledge is maintained, ASA valuation experts are required to reaccredit every five years.
• ASA collects and reviews both business and personal references before accepting individuals as members.

ASA-Accredited Appraisers: The Experts You Can Trust

ASA ensures ethical practices and procedures on the part of its members in order to protect consumers. All ASA members must adhere to ASA’s code of ethical conduct, which is vigorously enforced.

• Clients may file written complaints directly with the society if they feel that an ASA member has violated sound professional practice.
• ASA has permanent internal procedures for processing all documented grievances, ensuring due process. If a member is found to be in violation of the code of ethics, sanctions against him or her may range from censure to expulsion with loss of professional designation.