Home Value | Home Appraisers | Licensed Appraisers | Home Valuation | Property Appraiser

Real Estate Appraisal

The professional practice of real estate appraisal can cover any type of real estate property from land valuation to home appraisal and may work for a variety of types of clients, including buyers and sellers.

The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers is the largest association of real estate appraisal professionals in the United States. Established in 1966, its purpose is to create and clear and ethical parameters for its members. Those who do not conform to the standards can have their membership revoked.

Among the requirements of professional membership are:

An understanding of the recognized methods and techniques that are necessary to produce a credible and professional appraisal, compliance with the Uniform Standards Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), must not accept appraisal assignments which involve a conflict of interest and must respect the confidentiality of clients and other appraisal professionals, and they must accept only those assignments for which they have the license and capability to perform in a competent and professional manner.

The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers uses several professional classifications which include: CREA - Certified Real Estate Appraiser, CCRA - Certified Commercial Real Estate Appraiser, RPM - Registered Professional Member, CVC - Certified Valuation Consultant and CLAT - Certified Licensed Appraisal Trainee.

The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers is another large association of real estate appraisal professionals. Similar to NAREA, they have appraiser classifications/designations of CREA - Certified Real Estate Appraiser, CCRA - Certified Commercial Real Estate Appraiser, RPM - Registered Professional Member, CVC - Certified Valuation Consultant and CLAT - Certified Licensed Appraisal Trainee. Their membership of appraisers are to uphold professional conduct in all appraisal business they are involved in. They also provide courses and specialty seminars to provide the highest level of excellence in valuation methodology for both the novice and seasoned practitioner.

While membership is no guarantee of honesty and professionalism, this is one good sign that a home appraisal professional has met educational and professional requirements.