Consumer Resources

Whether assessing real property, personal property, or a business, a professional appraiser will provide an unbiased and thoughtful analysis of value. Understanding the value of your assets is essential to making informed decisions and protecting your financial well-being.

As the Congressionally authorized source of appraisal standards and qualifications in the United States, The Appraisal Foundation (Foundation) places great importance on public trust in the valuation process.  The Foundation works to ensure public trust by establishing high quality standards of practice and qualifications on those entering the profession.  The standards, qualifications, and guidance developed by the Foundation encompass all property types including real property, personal property, and business and intangible assets.  

Consumers can feel confident that an appraisal completed by an appraiser who adheres to these standards and qualifications will produce a reliable estimate of the value of the property being appraised.

Helpful Resources for Home Buyers

For those engaged in the home buying process, the links below will help you navigate the process.
  
Why Engage a Professional Appraiser
A brochure developed by The Appraisal Foundation that outlines the elements of a professional appraiser (for all property types). 

Common Myths about Appraisals in the Home Buying Process
To review common myths and facts about the appraisal process among lenders, borrowers, real estate brokers, and homebuilders. 

Common Myths about Appraisals in the Home Buying Process – Borrowers Version
To review common myths and facts about the appraisal process designed specifically for borrowers. 

Borrower’s Quick Guide to Valuation Products 
For an easy-to-understand overview of the different types of valuation products used by lenders, click here.

A Guide to Understanding a Residential Appraisal
A comprehensive brochure developed by The Appraisal Foundation to educate consumers on valuation as it relates to the residential mortgage lending process.  

Fair Lending and the Appraiser
An overview of fair lending considerations in the appraisal process.  

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Truth in Lending Appraisal Rule
Information from the CFPB on the new appraisal rules intended to protect homebuyers.

From the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:  Your Home Loan Toolkit
A toolkit produced by the CFPB to provide guidance to consumers on the real estate settlement process and how to find the best mortgage.

Helpful Resources for Consumers and Clients on Personal Property Appraisals

For those who need an appraisal of fine art, antiques, collectibles, gems & jewelry or other types of personal property.

Why Engage a Professional Appraiser
A brochure developed by The Appraisal Foundation that outlines the elements of a professional appraiser (for all property types).  

Valuation of Fine and Decorative Arts
A brochure that provides information on the appraisal process as it relates to fine and decorative arts, including antiques.

Valuation of Gems and Jewelry
A brochure that provides information on the appraisal process as it relates to gems and jewelry. 

Helpful Resources for Consumers on Mass Appraisals

International Association of Assessing Officers, 
Courtesy of the International Association of Assessing Officers and the Appraisal Sponsor of the Foundation, here are some resources for those with questions on mass appraisals or property assessments. 

Understanding Your Assessment 
Provides information that explains the assessment process. 

For the Property Owner Who Wants to Know
Provides a general overview of property tax systems and how they work.

Regulatory Links

Enforcement and Complaints
The Appraisal Foundation is not an enforcement agency and does not have the authority to receive or process complaints against appraisers. You can learn more about the regulatory system governing the appraisal profession on our Enforcement and Complaints page. 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Established by the US Congress, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) helps protect consumers by carrying out federal consumer financial laws.  The CFPB works to ensure that consumers obtain all the necessary information to make informed financial decisions.

Appraisal Complaint National Hotline
The Appraisal Complaint National Hotline (Hotline) is a referral system for complaints on alleged violations of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and/or appraisal independence requirements. 

State Real Estate Appraiser Regulatory Boards
Each US State or Territory has a state appraiser regulatory agency, which is responsible for licensing and certifying real property appraisers and supervising their appraisal-related activities, as required by Federal law. A complete list of state agencies and their contact information.