Understanding "Find an Appraiser"

The Find an Appraiser search function on the ISA website is a great tool for both the general public and the members of ISA. Recently on Forum, there were some questions regarding how to use the search format. With the help of Todd Sigety, the questions were answered, but we thought it would be useful for all to have a refresher of how to use the search function.

At the top of the Find an Appraiser directory, there is a list of the membership designations and a description for what each designation signifies. This helps the general public and members alike to see and understand the designation of each member listed within the directory.

Under the list of designations is the search queue. When using the Find an Appraiser search queue, it is best to remember that entering less information is better. Only enter information into one of the search criteria boxes and then click the search button. We usually recommend that either the state abbreviation or the first two digits of the zip code followed by an asterisk is entered in its appropriate box. Then click the search button, as shown below:

By selecting one of those choices, a list of appraisers in the selected state or zip code area will come up.

If searching by name, only enter the first or last name of the desired person, but not both. The reason for this is because member names are entered in the system as "last name, first name". So, if you enter David Bonde, the search queue will not find anything because the name is listed as Bonde, David. This is why we recommend that only last name is used when searching by name.

When searching for a specific specialty, it is important that the searcher understand that if the word they are using in the queue doesn’t match in the appropriate field for the appraisers listing, no results will be produced. It is necessary to be flexible with the terms that you are entering in this field and understand that it may take a few tries to find an appraiser that deals with your specialty item.

As stated before, when using Find an Appraiser, less information entered is better. The format works best by using only one field.

ISA hopes to have helped with any questions there may have been about the Find an Appraiser search queue. If there are additional questions, please contact us!

Sara Porter
Membership and Operations Coordinator
sporter@thesentergroup.com