All careers

Appraisers of Personal and Business Property

Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land.

What you’d do

  • Write descriptions of the property being appraised.
  • Determine the appropriate type of valuation to make, such as fair market, replacement, or liquidation, based on the needs of the property owner.
  • Document physical characteristics of property such as measurements, quality, and design.
  • Calculate the value of property based on comparisons to recent sales, estimated cost to reproduce, and anticipated property income streams.
  • Locate and record data on sales of comparable property using specialized software, internet searches, or personal records.
  • Write and submit appraisal reports for property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment.
  • Inspect personal or business property.
  • Create and maintain a database of completed appraisals.

Skills that matter

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Appraiser
  • Art Appraiser
  • Jewelry Appraiser
  • Personal Property Appraiser
  • Accredited Appraiser
  • Aircraft Appraiser

Related careers

See all careers

  • Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate

    Appraise real estate, exclusively, and estimate its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Real Estate Brokers

    Operate real estate office, or work for commercial real estate firm, overseeing real estate transactions.

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Real Estate Sales Agents

    Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

    Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable…

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree