Appraisal Institute to UN: worldwide valuation standards needed.

Addressing the need for transparency and account ability in the worldwide valuation profession, the Appraisal Institute has called for uniform valuation standards to advance professionalism. At a June 4 gathering of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe meeting in Rome, Appraisal Institute President Jim Amorin, MAI, SRA, said: "Advancement of professionalism provides greater assurance that the complexity of the interconnected world economy will be better understood and served with knowledgeable and accountable valuation experts."

"Whether it is appraising a palace in Rome, a home in Tokyo or a log cabin in Illinois, the fundamental principles of valuation should be recognized and universally applied."

The UNECE forum, "Facing the Financial Crisis," was organized in coordination with its Real Estate Market Advisory Group with the support of Tecnoborsa, the organization for the Development and Regulation of the Real Estate Economy of the Italian Chambers of Commerce. The goal of bringing together international appraisal leaders and government representatives was to contribute to the development of the "Real Estate Market Advisory Checklist," which is a series of principles and guidelines designed to assist a sound restructuring of the real estate sector.

"The Appraisal Institute applauds the excellent work in the Checklist drafted by the Real Estate Market Advisory Group and we agree that real estate appraisal practice, methodologies and standards are critical components to a healthy global real estate market. The development of universally applicable valuation standards as well as increased professionalism should continue to be the focus of the international valuation community moving forward," Amorin said.

To learn more about the UNECE forum or to view a copy of the developing Real Estate Markets Advisory Checklist, visit www.tecnoborsa.com/EN/page.aspx?tid=210.