Why Hire an ASA Appraiser?

When you hire Aviation Management Consulting, Inc, an ASA-accredited appraisal team, you are assured the best valuation expertise on the market, because ASA-accredited appraisers bring knowledge of the market and profession, experience, and solid reputation to the job.

Knowledge and Experience

Each accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers has earned a professional designation in one or more specialized areas of appraisal. To receive the accreditation, the appraiser must pass intensive written examinations, submit representative appraisal reports for peer review and be screened for his or her ethical behavior. Every accredited appraiser must start his or her ASA membership as a Candidate member. In order to be accepted for Candidate membership, the prospective Candidate must be interviewed and approved by his or her local chapter. Subsequently, each Candidate must pass ASA’s Ethics Examination and an examination on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) within a specified period of time. (The Uniform Standards are published each year by The Appraisal Foundation, authorized by Congress as the source of appraisal standards and appraiser qualifications.) The Candidate’s technical appraisal proficiency and understanding of the fundamentals of appraisal ethics, principles and concepts are evaluated by intensive written and oral examinations. Copies of the Candidate’s appraisal reports are reviewed and must meet professional criteria. When the Candidate has met all these requirements and has gained the necessary experience, he or she may apply for advancement to Accredited Member or Accredited Senior Appraiser status. To qualify for the Accredited Member designation (AM), an individual must have at least two years of full-time equivalent appraisal experience and a college degree or its equivalent. To qualify for the Accredited Senior Appraiser designation (ASA), an individual must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time equivalent appraisal experience and a college degree or its equivalent. To achieve the Fellow designation (FASA), an Accredited Senior Appraiser must be recognized by ASA’s International Board of Governors for outstanding services to the appraisal profession and/or the society. ASA has a mandatory reaccreditation process whereby designated members must regularly submit evidence of professional growth through participation in professional activities and continuing education. This ensures that ASA appraisers keep their knowledge up-to-date.

A Solid Reputation

Each individual seeking accreditation from the American Society of Appraisers must furnish professional and personal references and be subject to local credit and background investigations. In addition, local chapters conduct personal interviews and evaluate the practices of all applicants.

One of ASA’s primary objectives is to ensure ethical practices and procedures on the part of its members. The society is diligent in its efforts to strengthen and uphold the Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics (the code of conduct to which all members must subscribe) in order to protect the client. ASA has developed a mechanism for the enforcement of the Code of Ethics whereby clients may file written complaints directly with the International Headquarters of the American Society of Appraisers if they feel that an appraisal rendered by an ASA member violates sound professional practice. ASA has permanent internal procedures for processing all documented grievances, assuring due process. Sanctions against members, if found to be in violation of the Code of Ethics, range from censure to expulsion with loss of professional designation.

The Valuation Expertise You Need

In short, ASA-accredited appraisers are experts. The meticulous ASA accreditation process ensures that ASA-accredited appraisers are accurate, impartial, and credible. They are educated and experienced in their fields and are respected members of their communities. They can deliver independent valuations that assure your property is appraised at its fair market value.

Don’t Hesitate To Ask for Credentials

The appraiser you select should possess relevant experience, education, skill, and integrity. The professional will be pleased to answer any questions in reference to his or her qualifications.

In reviewing an appraiser’s credentials, remember that an accreditation in appraising issued by a major teaching/testing/accrediting appraisal society is a strong indicator of ability. It is important to note that a major appraisal organization such as the American Society of Appraisers requires strict adherence to its Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics and to USPAP.

ASA’s Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics are closely monitored; all members of ASA are required to conduct their appraisal practice in conformance with the highest ethical and professional criteria defined therein.

Additionally, to ensure that competent, relevant, current valuation counsel is available to the public, ASA requires Accredited Senior Appraisers to reaccredit. This mandatory program emphasizes professional participation in a continuing education process. The program interfaces with the society’s Principles of Valuation Sciences Degree Programs and ASA’s examination procedures.

What Questions Should I Ask When Interviewing an Appraiser?

What is your general appraisal and educational background?

What specific experience do you have with the kind of property I wish to have appraised?

Are you a member of a professional appraisal society? Does that society teach, test, and accredit?

Do you hold a special designation issued by an appraisal society?

Is that designation based on successfully completing written examinations?

How long ago did you take the examinations?

What continuing education have you undertaken to keep up-to-date in the field?

Has the appraisal society you belong to adopted a mandatory reaccreditation program to ensure that your education and knowledge are current?

What do you charge for your services, and how do you base your fee?

Are you required by your appraisal society to adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)?

About ASA

The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is an international valuation association that teaches tests, accredits, and refers professional appraisers. ASA is the oldest and only major organization in the United States representing all disciplines of appraisal specialists, originating in 1936 and incorporating in 1952. ASA’s headquarters is located in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area. To locate an accredited ASA appraiser, go online to www.apprasers.org (and click on Find an Appraisal Expert) or call (800) 272-8258.