ASA designation (source: American Society of
Appraisers)The American Society of Appraisers is an
organization of appraisal professionals and others interested in
the appraisal profession. International in structure, it is
self-supporting and independent. The oldest and only major
appraisal organization representing all of the disciplines of
appraisal specialists, the society originated in 1936 and
incorporated in 1952. ASA's headquarters is in the metropolitan
Washington, DC area.
The ASA designation, conferred by the American Society of
Appraisers, indicate an appraiser has a minimum of 5 years of
full-time equivalent appraisal experience and a college degree or
its equivalent. ASA has a mandatory reaccredidation process whereby
designated members must regularly submit evidence of professional
growth through participation in professional activities and
continuing education. This ensures that ASA appraisers keep their
knowledge up-to-date.
One of ASA's primary objectives is to ensure ethical
practices and procedures on the part of its members. The society is
diligent in its efforts to strengthen and uphold the Principles of
Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics (the code of conduct to which
all members must subscribe) in order to protect the
client.
ASA has developed a mechanism for the enforcement of the
Code of Ethics whereby clients may file written complaints directly
with the International Headquarters of the American Society of
Appraisers if they feel that an appraisal rendered by an ASA member
violates sound professional practice. ASA has permanent internal
procedures for processing all documented grievances, assuring due
process. Sanctions against members, if found to be in violation of
the Code of Ethics, range from censure to expulsion with loss of
professional designation.
Hiring an ASA-designated appraiser means you've put your
trust in an ethical, experienced, knowledgeable professional with
the country's oldest professional organization for appraisers
standing behind him or her. You can have complete confidence
that the work product of an ASA-designated appraiser will be
prompt, professional and high-quality.