Who We Are

“The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is a not-for-profit, member-driven association, formed to support our member needs and serve the public by producing highly qualified and ethical appraisers who are recognized authorities in professional personal property appraising. Our members include many of the country's most respected independent appraisers, consultants, estate liquidators, auctioneers, gallery owners, and dealers.”

The quote above was taken from ISA website. We are dedicated professionals who have chosen to be trained and tested by a volunteer-based association which has matured into one of the most respected appraisal societies in the country. Many, many individuals have contributed countless hours to make this happen.

“Volunteer” is the key word. We volunteer for many reasons including wanting to help others. But let’s be honest, we also volunteer because we generally want something in return. ISA’s continued success depends on this need for wanting something in return. We exist to fill your desire for education, branding, credibility, professionalism, and numerous other reasons. It is a symbiotic relationship.

Our motivations to volunteer include a need to be involved, share a skill, network with our peers, recognition, and the satisfaction of helping ISA and its members by continually improving the organization. We want you to pose questions, give feedback and get involved.

ISA is composed of the Board of Directors, 14 committees, and 12 chapters. We also have the ISA Foundation for Appraisal Education. It is a not-for-profit volunteer organization formed to promote the advancement of education related to personal property appraising by providing scholarships to our members. This means there are numerous opportunities for you to contribute to your association. Everyone has a talent to share. Don’t feel you need to be asked to participate or that you are too new to ISA.

Also, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for being involved even in the smallest way. I want to thank you for being a walker and not a talker. I want to thank you for giving time, which in our business, is often a precious commodity. I want to thank you for your continued membership and promoting our common goals within your business.

As a member for over 25 years I have been through many cycles in ISA. I must say I have never been more proud to be part of this association than I am today. ISA could not have the status it has acquired in the appraisal industry without you and your commitment to make ISA the appraisal organization of choice.

By: Karen Rabe, ISA CAPP