Always ask: What qualifies you to appraise my property and valuables?

Did you know that there is no state or federal law requiring certification or accreditation of personal property appraisers? Those who hold themselves out as professional appraisers should be accredited or certified members of one of the three most respected appraiser groups in the United States:

International Society of Appraisers (ISA)

America Society of Appraisers (ASA)

American Association of Appraisers (AAA)

These organizations make sure that the appraiser has undertaken a rigorous course of study in appraisal theory, report writing, research and other methodology, and has learned to generate and write reports to widely accepted standards of quality called the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

A certified or accredited appraiser believes strongly in continuing education and (as with members of all other professionals) should be enrolled in courses for continuing credit each year. The fact that an individual has been performing appraisals for a number of years does not quality him or her as an appraiser.

For further clarification of this important point, please call or email us for our free brochure:

Be Certain of its Value – A Consumer’s Guide to
Hiring a Competent Personal Property Appraiser

This handy guide will help you understand the difference between the professional appraiser and someone who merely uses the title.