Accreditation
The American Society of Appraisers is an international organization of appraisal professionals. Members represent all disciplines, including Machinery and Technical Specialties (MTS). The MTS discipline includes members who perform market or liquidation value appraisals for various purposes such as sale, acquisition, ad valorem tax, eminent domain, collateralization, insurance or residual forecasting. Kirk C. Waibel is a fully accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers. He holds an MTS Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) designation.
Why is it important to hire an ASA accredited appraiser?
Accredited valuation professionals who obtain the Accredited Senior Appraiser (“ASA”) designation provided by the American Society of Appraisers, are held to a higher standard. ASA-designated appraisers are bound by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (“USPAP”) and by the Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Appraisers. When you hire an ASA-accredited appraiser, you are assured the best valuation expertise on the market, because ASA-accredited appraisers bring knowledge of the market and profession, experience, and solid reputation to the job.
Knowledge and Experience
Each accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers has earned a professional designation in one or more specialized areas of appraisal. To receive the accreditation, the appraiser must pass intensive written examinations, submit representative appraisal reports for peer review and be screened for his or her ethical behavior. Every accredited appraiser must start his or her ASA membership 
as a Candidate member. In order to be accepted for Candidate membership, the prospective Candidate must be interviewed and approved by his or her local chapter. Subsequently, each Candidate must pass ASA's Ethics Examination and an examination on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) within a specified period of time (The Uniform Standards are published each year by The Appraisal Foundation, authorized by Congress as the source of appraisal standards and appraiser qualifications). The Candidate's technical appraisal proficiency and understanding of the fundamentals of appraisal ethics, principles and concepts are evaluated by intensive written and oral examinations. Copies of the Candidate's appraisal reports are peer reviewed and must conform to stringent professional criteria. When the Candidate has met all these requirements and has gained the necessary experience, he or she may apply for advancement to Accredited Member or Accredited Senior Appraiser status. To qualify for the Accredited Member designation (AM), an individual must have at least two years of full-time equivalent appraisal experience and a college degree or its equivalent. To qualify for the Accredited Senior Appraiser designation (ASA), an individual must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time equivalent appraisal experience and a college degree or its equivalent. To achieve the Fellow designation (FASA), an Accredited Senior Appraiser must be recognized by ASA's International Board of Governors for outstanding services to the appraisal profession and/or the society. ASA has a mandatory reaccreditation 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.
A Solid Reputation
Each individual seeking accreditation from the American Society of Appraisers must furnish professional and personal references and be subject to local credit and background investigations. In addition, local chapters conduct personal interviews and evaluate the practices of all applicants. 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 National Office 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.
The Valuation Expertise You Need
In short, ASA-accredited appraisers are experts. The meticulous ASA accreditation process ensures that ASA-accredited appraisers are accurate, impartial, and credible. They are educated and experienced in their fields and are respected members of their communities. They can deliver independent valuations that assure your property is properly and fairly appraised.