Black's Law Dictionary defines an appraisal as "a valuation or an estimation of value of property by disinterested persons of suitable qualifications" and "the process of ascertaining a value of an asset or liability that involves expert opinion rather than explicit market transactions." Using this as our operating definition, we can see that appraising is not an avocation. Rather, it is a recognized profession, and meets all the accepted requirements as such. Familiarity with the pertinent market, according to our definition, is not sufficient. Credible appraisals come from appraisers, who appraise in accordance with recognized standards, and who have the appropriate expertise. Capable appraisers, who are either accredited or certified, provide reports that are consistent, understandable, logical and within the expectations of the industry and the judiciary. Appraisal reports are all about requisite uniformity, ethical observance, adherence to accepted principles, and communication.

Without the requisite training, education and experience, the practical consequences of this definition means that in the same way that nurses are not qualified to practice medicine in the same way that a physician is so qualified, a used car salesman is not qualified to appraise cars, an antique dealer is not qualified to appraise antiques, and a sporting goods store owner is not qualified to appraise firearms.

Writing a credible appraisal requires an appraiser to identify the appraisal problem, understand the process necessary to solve the problem, properly execute the pertinent research and analysis and prepare a report, which meets industry standards. Reports, which do not demonstrate that the appraiser fully comprehends these essentials and in which the proof of this understanding is not abundantly apparent and properly evidenced, are not credible in the eyes of the judiciary and will not pass peer review.

In 1989, The Congress of the United States, in order to codify and standardize the appraisal and the appraisal process, established The Appraisal Foundation as the source of appraisal standards and appraiser qualifications. The Appraisal Foundation first published and copyrighted, in 1987, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which is the generally accepted and recognized standard of appraisal practice in the United States. Appraisals, which meet industry standards, are not simple, formless, unfounded "proclamations" of value. To the contrary, appraisals, which conform to USPAP, have many elements, which are compulsory and obligatory. USPAP is a means to measure an appraiser's competency and an appraisal report's compliance with recognized professional methodology, procedures and standards.

The Appraisal Standard Board, ASB, of The Appraisal Foundation annually develops, publishes, interprets, and amends the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice on behalf of appraisers and users of appraisal services. In 2005, the ASB will publish its 14th edition of USPAP. Competent appraisal practice requires an explication of what is being appraised, why it is being appraised, and how it is being appraised. USPAP provides specific, legally accepted definitions, rules and methodology under which appraisal reports are to be prepared.

There are 22 separate elements that EVERY Credible Appraisal Report MUST contain.