An appraiser is a professional that is certified and licensed by each State to properly assess the value of a property and provide their clients with an appraisal report for the property.

According to the Appraisal Institute, an association of professional real estate appraisers, a qualified appraiser should be licensed or certified—as required in all 50 states—and be familiar with the local area. Per federal regulations, the appraiser must be impartial and have no direct or indirect interest in the transaction.