Let James M. Hanson Associates, Inc. assist you with your Residential or Commercial Appraisal in NJ and PA. 

Whether you decide to sell your home or commercial property on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price. Separate from a real estate agent, a certified appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house or commercial property sells for.  Our appraisal fees are based on our efforts to complete the home or commercial appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. 

Seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and what a suitable sales price is - so you don't come up short or have your property on the market an unnecessarily long time.  We are the experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market.  

James M. Hanson Associates, Inc. prides ourselves on our Professional Accredited Designations and or Affiliations. 

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.

IFA designation (source: National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers - https://www.naifa.com/member/require/index.html)

IFA – Member is a designation conferred to a residential appraisal specialist who is a Member of the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA). 

NAIFA was founded in 1961 as a nonprofit professional association of real estate appraisers.  Today, NAIFA has chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.  The Association’s objectives are to raise the standards of the appraisal profession, gain recognition for its members as qualified professionals, and to promote fellowship among appraisers.  There are seven [7] levels of membership with four [4] professional designations plus two [2] designation programs for designated members of other associations that sponsor The Appraisal Foundation.

IFA designates must be a member (Candidate, Associate, or Affiliate) of NAIFA and must meet the following requirements for IFA – Member status:

Education: 

  • Receive a passing grade on the IFA member examination (examination can be waived if you submit proof of having residential state certification. 
  • Complete a minimum of 120 classroom hours in subjects related to real-estate appraisal including Course 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, and 5.0, the NAIFA Ethics course, or other equivalent thereof
  • Completed at least four [4] years of college or its equivalent

Experience:

Receive credit for 2,500 hours of appraisal experience in no less than two [2] years.

Demonstration Report:

Submit an original and one copy of a Self-Contained Appraisal Report that communicates a Complete Appraisal of a one [1] to four [4] unit residential property.  Also submit an Experience Rating Form (ERF), which must be approved by the National Admissions Committee. 

Because of its rigorous education and experience requirements and commitment to adhere to strict industry standards and a professional code of ethics, you can be confident an appraiser with an IFA - Member designation will provide you with the very highest quality residential appraisal service.

IFAS Designation (source: National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers - https://www.naifa.com/member/require/index.html)

IFAS Senior Member is a designation awarded to the income-producing property specialist who is a Member of the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA). 

NAIFA was founded in 1961 as a non profit professional association of real estate appraisers.  Today, NAIFA has chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.  The Associations objectives are to raise the standards of the appraisal profession, gain recognition for its members as qualified professionals, and to promote fellowship among appraisers.  There are seven [7] levels of membership with four [4] professional designations plus two [2] designation programs for designated members of other associations that sponsor The Appraisal Foundation.

IFAS designates must first meet the requirements for the IFA-Member designation and must meet the other following requirements for IFAS Senior Member status:

Education: 

  • Complete a minimum of 165 classroom hours in subjects related to real-estate appraisal including Course 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 or their equivalent, but at no time shall be below minimum number of hours required by the Appraiser Qualifications Board for the Certified General Classification and shall include coverage of USPAP
  • Completed at least four [4] years of college or its equivalent

Experience:

Receive credit for 3,000 hours of appraisal experience in no less than two [2] years.  At least half of the 3,000 hours must include appraisals other than one [1] to four [4] family residential properties.

Demonstration Report:

Submit an original and one copy of an acceptable narrative demonstration appraisal report on an income producing property, which must conform with prescribed guidelines of NAIFA.  Also must submit an Experience Rating Form (ERF), which must be approved by the Chapter Admissions Committee. 

Because of its rigorous education and experience requirements and commitment to adhere to strict industry standards and a professional code of ethics, you can be confident an appraiser with an IFAS Senior Member designation will provide you with the very highest quality residential appraisal service.