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.