Appraisal Studies

An abbreviated list of the 7 steps in becoming an ASA Personal Property Appraiser are as follows:

1. Join ASA
2. Take the Classes and Connnect with Mentors
3. Study the Current ASA Guide to Professional Accreditation
4. Start to Document Your Experience
5. Begin to Prepare for Your Specialty Exam.
6. Take the Specialty Exam
7. Submit Your Log and Two Appraisal Reports to the Board of Examiners

See the full list

These courses will give you valuation principles that will add to your knowledge of how property is valued in the appraisal world. These courses will provide you with an understanding of markets and research methods for your own collection.

Yes. You should begin with residential and general contents appraising (regular kitchenware, dishes, household furniture, televisions, etc.). As you learn more about properties and what needs to be appraised, you may expand your appraisal practice, going through the accreditation process in other areas that you find of interest (i.e., Oriental rugs, fine art, textiles, militaria, etc.). Many appraisers have multiple specialties.

You will learn about valuation theory and acceptable ethical and procedural practices in the appraisal profession. You will learn there are many different layers of markets and which ones need to be considered in your assignments.

You will gain an understanding about the principles of valuation and appraisal theories that are used today in the appraisal profession through the courses included in this program.

In addition, your classroom work will provide you with direction as you expand your knowledge into the markets that you will research to complete your appraisal assignments. Your academic background has provided you with a strong foundation for your understanding of the property itself, and that will prove invaluable to you as you continue to develop your own connoisseurship.

Yes, although more and more insurance companies are asking for “accredited appraisers.” To do appraisals for the IRS, appraisers must meet the current IRS guidance, which defines “qualified appraisers” as having education and experience. The regulations say that one way for an appraiser to show that they are qualified is through designation with one of the major professional appraisal organizations (VPOs).

For information on becoming a designated appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers, please see ASA’s Quick Guide to Accreditation.

Likely not; however, you can move quickly to prepare. The courses provide you with a strong foundation in valuation theory and appraisal practice methods—as well the legal and regulatory requirements for what needs to be included in an appraisal report.

An appraiser needs to be knowledgeable in three areas: subject property (connoisseurship)—what you are appraising; the markets in which the property sells (and which ones are applicable for what assignment); and the principles of valuation (types of value, approaches that are accepted by the profession, professional standards and ethics, what needs to be in an appraisal report, etc.)