Last updated on July 6th, 2023 at 10:05 pm
When selling a family heirloom or any item of particular meaning, it is important that you find the right antique appraiser who follows the appraisers’ code of ethics to help you with the process.
Here are some ways to make sure your appraiser is trustworthy and ethical:
How Do I Know if an Appraiser Is Trustworthy?
The best assurances that an appraiser is trustworthy are well-recognized credentials and adherence to a code of ethics, such as the International Society of Appraisers (ISA)’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Before hiring an appraiser, check to see if they are a member of the ISA, the American Society of Appraisers, or a similar organization. To maintain membership in these organizations, an appraiser must maintain up-to-date qualifications and pass an ethics exam.
An In-Depth Look at the International Society of Appraisers Code of Ethics
The ISA’s Code of Ethics aims to provide integrity and expertise to all those who engage with an appraiser. These rules must be followed by an appraiser who is part of the ISA or disciplinary actions will follow.
Below are some of the important rules that members of the ISA must adhere to in order to ensure their practices are ethical and professional.
Personal Objectivity
ISA members will never lead any appraisal assignments with bias. They must never advocate for either their own interests or anyone else’s interests. They should not accept an assignment if there are any predetermined biases or judgments present.
Competency and Continuing Education
Members of the ISA must have sufficient levels of education. They must continually pursue higher education, classes, and overall knowledge of the specific product area they specialize in.
Honesty
Appraisers in the ISA must never make any false or misleading statements about their credentials or education, the market in which they are dealing and appraising in, or about any information on the property at hand that is being appraised.
Conflicts of Interest
ISA members should always lead with impartial opinions and attitudes. They must continually avoid scenarios where any conflicts of interest may be present and should remain objective throughout all appraisal assignments.
Confidentiality
All parts of the appraisal process, including appraisals, client relationships, and the results of the assignment, must always be respected and kept in complete confidentiality.
Diligence
All ISA appraisers must act with careful examination and analysis and make themselves available often to their clients.
Confidence
ISA members are required to put an end to all appraisal assignments where their client loses trust or confidence in them.
Equal Opportunity
Denying services to any person based on their religion, race, sex, gender expression or identity, age, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation is prohibited. All ISA members must practice equal opportunity and fairness.
Looking for an ISA-Accredited Appraiser in Seattle?
Do you need an appraiser in the Seattle area? Fruitcocktail Collectables are here to help. With over 20 years of experience helping clients in the Pacific Northwest with their estate sales, appraisals, and consignment needs, our trained professionals can streamline the process for buyers and sellers alike.
Give us a call at (206) 669-0540, contact us online, or invite us to your location and we can provide you with a free consultation!