What Does an Appraiser Do?
An appraiser is a trained professional responsible for determining the market value of tangible and intangible assets. They assess a variety of property types, including real estate, personal property, machinery, art, and insurance claims, by inspecting items, reviewing relevant data, and analyzing comparable assets. Their valuations support decisions involving purchases, sales, insurance, taxes, loans, and legal disputes.
Appraisers play a crucial role in reducing financial risk for lenders, investors, insurers, and legal professionals. By delivering impartial and credible opinions of value, appraisers help ensure transactions are fair and compliant with regulatory standards. Depending on their area of focus, they may work independently, for government agencies, or in corporate or consulting environments.
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Appraiser Core Responsibilities
- Conduct on-site or remote inspections of properties or items to gather relevant information
- Analyze market data, comparable assets, and documentation to form accurate valuations
- Prepare detailed reports outlining appraisal methodologies, conclusions, and certifications
- Maintain compliance with industry standards, regulations, and ethical guidelines
- Communicate valuation findings clearly to clients, lenders, insurers, or attorneys
- Stay current on industry trends, zoning laws, and market conditions that impact value
- Utilize specialized software and databases for data analysis and reporting
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficient in valuation techniques, cost approaches, and market analyses
- Ability to use tools such as MLS, CoStar, Argus, Marshall & Swift, or appraisal-specific platforms
- Skilled in preparing USPAP-compliant reports
- Strong mathematical and analytical abilities
- Knowledge of local and federal regulations related to appraisal standards
Soft skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong ethical judgment and integrity
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Time management and self-direction
- Critical thinking and objectivity
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, economics, or a related field (some positions may require only a high school diploma with experience)
Certifications
- State license or certification (Licensed Appraiser, Certified Residential Appraiser, or Certified General Appraiser)
- Compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
Preferred Qualifications
- MAI (Member, Appraisal Institute) or ASA (Accredited Senior Appraiser) designation
- Experience with specialized property types (e.g., commercial real estate, machinery, fine art)
- Proficiency in GIS and CAD tools for land or structure-based appraisals
- Bilingual communication skills for multicultural property assessments
- Advanced coursework in finance, economics, or engineering
National Average Salary
Appraiser salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Appraiser is:
$64,357
Sample Job Description Templates for Appraisers
Licensed Appraiser
Position Overview
A licensed appraiser provides professional property valuation services under the supervision of a certified appraiser. They conduct property inspections, analyze market data, and prepare appraisals in compliance with regulatory standards. This role is ideal for professionals progressing toward advanced certification and expanding their knowledge in residential or commercial real estate.
Licensed Appraiser Responsibilities
- Assist in performing property inspections for residential and small-scale commercial buildings
- Collect and analyze market data to support appraisal reports
- Prepare preliminary valuation reports for supervisor review
- Ensure compliance with USPAP and state appraisal regulations
- Maintain accurate documentation and logs of appraisal activity
- Communicate findings and support data with clients or internal teams
Licensed Appraiser Requirements
Hard skills
- Working knowledge of valuation methods and appraisal software
- Ability to conduct field inspections and basic market analysis
- Familiarity with MLS, public records, and comparable sales analysis
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and grow in a structured appraisal environment
- Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
Educational requirements
- High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or higher preferred
Certifications
- Active State License as a Licensed Appraiser
- Completion of required coursework and USPAP training
Licensed Appraiser Preferred Qualifications
- Enrollment in Certified Residential or General Appraiser track
- Experience with local zoning and property tax data
Certified Residential Appraiser
Position Overview
A certified residential appraiser specializes in valuing single-family homes, condominiums, and small residential properties. They operate independently or in firms, providing appraisals for mortgage lending, property sales, insurance assessments, or legal disputes.
Certified Residential Appraiser Responsibilities
- Conduct detailed inspections of residential properties
- Analyze neighborhood trends and comparable home sales
- Develop valuation reports following USPAP guidelines
- Communicate appraisals to clients, lenders, or legal representatives
- Stay current on zoning laws and housing market conditions
Certified Residential Appraiser Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of residential appraisal techniques
- Skilled in using MLS, appraisal forms software, and public records
- Report writing and USPAP compliance
Soft skills
- Objectivity and sound judgment in valuation
- Clear communication with non-technical stakeholders
- Strong analytical thinking
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent real estate experience
Certifications
- Certified Residential Appraiser license
- Ongoing USPAP certification
Certified Residential Appraiser Preferred Qualifications
- FHA or VA appraisal experience
- Experience appraising unique residential properties or new construction
Certified General Appraiser
Position Overview
Certified general appraisers are authorized to appraise all types of real property, including commercial, industrial, agricultural, and high-value residential assets. Their evaluations support real estate transactions, financing, litigation, and development planning.
Certified General Appraiser Responsibilities
- Perform site inspections for commercial and complex properties
- Analyze income capitalization, replacement cost, and market data
- Produce full narrative and form appraisal reports
- Coordinate with attorneys, banks, and developers
- Ensure all work complies with USPAP and state/federal standards
Certified General Appraiser Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in advanced valuation methods for diverse property types
- Familiarity with tools like Argus and CoStar
- Proficiency in zoning, land use, and environmental considerations
Soft skills
- High-level problem solving and quantitative analysis
- Strong presentation and negotiation skills
- Independence and decision-making confidence
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, or related field
Certifications
- Certified General Appraiser license
- Current USPAP certification
Certified General Appraiser Preferred Qualifications
- MAI designation or candidacy
- Experience with litigation support or eminent domain cases
Senior Appraiser
Position Overview
A senior appraiser provides expert-level property valuations, typically overseeing large or high-value projects. They may supervise junior appraisers and ensure appraisal quality, compliance, and consistency across multiple engagements.
Senior Appraiser Responsibilities
- Lead high-value or complex appraisal assignments
- Review and sign off on junior appraisers’ reports
- Advise clients on asset strategy or dispute resolution
- Provide expert testimony when required
- Mentor staff and support ongoing training and credentialing
Senior Appraiser Requirements
Hard skills
- Proven experience with appraising diverse or specialized assets
- Proficiency with valuation software and advanced appraisal techniques
- Ability to write comprehensive appraisal reports
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring capabilities
- Precision and consistency in analytical work
- Trusted decision-making and professional judgment
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced coursework preferred
Certifications
- Certified Residential or General Appraiser license
- MAI or ASA designation strongly preferred
Senior Appraiser Preferred Qualifications
- Management or supervisory experience
- Niche experience in litigation, tax appeals, or investment properties
Auto Appraiser
Position Overview
Auto appraisers assess vehicle damage after accidents or estimate value for insurance, resale, or legal purposes. They often work for insurance companies or independent appraisal firms and may conduct field inspections or desk reviews.
Auto Appraiser Responsibilities
- Inspect damaged vehicles on-site or via photo/video documentation
- Determine repair costs using estimating software
- Calculate total loss value or diminished value when applicable
- Submit reports to insurance carriers or clients
- Communicate findings with repair shops, customers, and legal teams
Auto Appraiser Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with CCC One, Mitchell, or Audatex software
- Knowledge of vehicle construction and repair standards
- Ability to analyze damage and assess salvage or depreciation
Soft skills
- Empathy and communication in customer-facing scenarios
- Strong organizational skills and time efficiency
- Unbiased judgment in high-stakes evaluations
Educational requirements
- High school diploma required; post-secondary vocational training preferred
Certifications
- I-CAR certification or equivalent may be required
- State licensure where applicable
Auto Appraiser Preferred Qualifications
- ASE certification
- Experience with specialty or classic vehicles
Business Valuation Appraiser
Position Overview
Business valuation appraisers determine the economic value of entire companies or ownership interests. They are often called on for mergers, acquisitions, divorce settlements, tax planning, or financial reporting.
Business Valuation Appraiser Responsibilities
- Analyze financial statements and revenue projections
- Research market comparables and economic trends
- Apply income, market, and asset-based valuation approaches
- Produce detailed valuation reports for stakeholders
- Defend valuation conclusions in legal or audit settings
Business Valuation Appraiser Requirements
Hard skills
- Financial modeling and ratio analysis
- Proficiency with Excel, valuation databases, and accounting systems
- Understanding of GAAP, tax law, and business structures
Soft skills
- Confidentiality and professional ethics
- Strong report writing and numeric communication
- Client relationship skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics
Certifications
- CPA, CVA, ASA, or ABV credential strongly preferred
Business Valuation Appraiser Preferred Qualifications
- M&A or investment banking experience
- Experience in a Big Four or boutique valuation firm
Personal Property Appraiser
Position Overview
A personal property appraiser evaluates items such as antiques, fine art, collectibles, equipment, or furniture for resale, insurance, or estate planning purposes. They often work independently or for museums, insurers, or auction houses.
Personal Property Appraiser Responsibilities
- Inspect and document personal property items
- Research provenance, condition, and comparable sales
- Create detailed appraisal reports with photographic evidence
- Liaise with owners, legal counsel, or insurers
- Stay up-to-date on specialty market trends
Personal Property Appraiser Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge in a specialty area (e.g., art, jewelry, antiques)
- Research and cataloging skills
- Ability to appraise unique and varied items
Soft skills
- Curiosity and commitment to ongoing learning
- Precision in documentation and description
- Discretion and professionalism with clients
Educational requirements
- Degree in art history, history, or specialty field preferred
Certifications
- ASA or ISA accreditation recommended
Personal Property Appraiser Preferred Qualifications
- Museum or gallery appraisal experience
- Auction house or insurance claim experience