A real estate appraisal is a service performed, by an appraiser, that develops an opinion of value based upon the highest and best use of real property. The highest and best use is that use which produces the highest possible value for the property. This use must be profitable and probable. Also of importance is the definition of the type of value being developed and this must be included in the appraisal, ie fair market value, condemnation value, quick sale value, etc. For improved residential property, this value is most often reported on a standardized form, the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report.
In the UK, real estate appraisal is known as property valuation and a real estate appraiser is a land valuer or property valuer (usually a chartered surveyor who specialises in property valuation). Property valuation in the UK is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a professional body encompassing all of the building and property-related professions. The RICS professional guidelines for valuers are published in the Red Book.
In the USA appraisal standards are the province of the Appraisal Foundation which is chartered by Congress and periodocally publishes the Uniform Standard of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). While there are other "Uniform Standards", for land acquisition as an example, USPAP is becoming the central reference in the field. Part of its power is licensing, which was established in the early 1990's in the wake of the Savings and Loan "crisis". Licensure is a state function, and enforcement action is normally couched in terms of USPAP. There are appraisal organizations, private not-for-profits, some of which date back to the Great Depression of the 1930's, and The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers founded in 1929. Others were founded as need and opportunity arose in specialized fields. The Appraisal Institute and the American Society of Appraisers are among those formed in the 1930's. The International Right of Way Association and the National Association of Realtors valuation group are among the latter post World War II groups. These organizations all existed to establish and enforce standards. As government pre-empts that function through licensing, their influence wanes.
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American Society of Appraisers - Northern California and Nevada Chapters - Interdisciplinary appraisal organization for real and personal property appraisers, as well as business valuators. Includes benefits of membership, member directory, forum, and events calendar.
Meta Description: [ California personal property, real estate, gem and jewelry, business valuation and machinery and specialties appraisers. ]
Appraisers National Association (ANA) - Nonprofit professional group dedicated to personal property appraisals; includes details on membership, educational opportunities, events, and links.
Meta Description: [ Appraisal association of personal property appraisers (not real estate). Referrals for appraising antiques, collectibles, art, pottery, glass, furniture & household items. ]
Valuation Specialists - Appraisal and consulting firm provides details on business, machinery and equipment, and real property appraisals in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Meta Description: [ VALUATION SPECIALISTS Certified Appraisers have appraised a large variety of companies spanning the full spectrum of industries, on a national and international level. This experience has earned them the qualification to meet or exceed the requirements of our industries most significant instituti... ]
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