The Appraisal Foundation
The Appraisal Foundation is the nation’s foremost authority on the valuation profession. The organization sets the Congressionally authorized standards and qualifications for real estate appraisers as well as qualifications for personal property appraisers and provides voluntary guidance on recognized valuation methods and techniques for all valuation professionals. This work advances the profession by ensuring that appraisals are independent, consistent, and objective.
Professional Standards and USPAP Compliance
Appraisal Reports often serve as a basis for legal actions such as insurance settlement, divorce, probate or in-kind charitable donations. As such, appraisers must employ the highest standards of professional practice and comply with IRS regulations.
We adhere to the ethics rules and standards of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and The Appraisal Foundation’s, Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) promulgated by the US Congress.
American Society of Appraisers
ASA-Designated appraisers provide exceptional valuation expertise as they earn their designations only after completing a rigorous course structure and peer-evaluation process requiring years of study, experience, dedication, and commitment. ASA-accredited appraisers follow professional standards set forth by the Appraisal Foundation as well as ASAʼs own Code of Ethics and Principles of Appraisal Practice to provide a credible, objective opinion of value. Link to ASA's Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
Personal Property Appraisal Discipline
Personal Property is tangible, movable and may be utilitarian, collectible, or decorative. It can be anything from paintings, antiques, coins, photography, vintage posters, Oriental carpets, and more. A personal property appraiser identifies and provides a value for these types of objects. Link to more about Fine and Decorative Art Appraisals. In addition to rigorous education and experience requirements, ASA credentialed Personal Property Appraisers are tested in areas of specialization. Link to Appraisal Foundation's brochure about professional qualification criteria.
Appraisal Review and Management (ARM)
Pamela Bensoussan is accredited with the Appraisal Review and Management designation in Personal Property conferred by the American Society of Appraisers. She is trained in the discipline’s methodology to review the work product of other Appraisers. This training assures that users of appraisals (such as attorneys or professionals in the banking, insurance and investment industries) will benefit from an unbiased review of the credibility and USPAP compliance of reports relied upon for important matters. The ARM designation also covers best practices in managing teams of appraisers in complex assignments.
