WHAT IS AN APPRAISER?

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The 'personal property' field is unregulated; no licensing guidelines are in place. An appraiser is a person who combines experience, ethics and intuition to determine the value of personal property items.

When ascertaining an item's value, the appraiser needs to listen to the client, as well as to their own instincts. Experience, knowledge and the ability to confidently make judgements are the tools of the appraiser.

WHAT IS A GRADUATE CERTIFIED APPRAISER?

Experience is important... but it does not replace education and knowledge of the legalities of personal property valuation. The "Certified Appraiser" is educated and credentialed in valuation science, in addition to using their experience, ethics and intuition. The Certified Appraiser is qualified to join professional organizations, and become certified in The Appraisal Foundation's set of Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The USPAP sets the standards for professional appraisal services (real estate, personal property, business) in North America. This certification must be renewed every five years.

Attorneys, accountants, trustees, and real estate agents choose "Certified Appraisers". An appraisal document bearing the signature of a "Certified Appraiser" is a legal document that carries credibility in a judicial court of law. This is especially important when settling legal matters involving insurance, estate or domestic issues.