What is an appraiser?

An appraiser is a professional with the expertise and credentials needed to evaluate property. While there is no license for personal property appraisers (as with real estate), appraisers should have taken the Uniform Standards in Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course within the past 24 months. USPAP is the guidelines set for for appraisers by The Appraisal Foundation.

What kind of appraisal do I need?

Insurance Coverage:
This type of appraisal documents the retail replacement value of each artwork in the collection as a precaution in the event a work of art is damaged, lost, or stolen. When seeking insurance coverage, insurance companies generally require this type of documentation before insurance coverage can be obtained.

Estate Planning:
These appraisals clarify questions of property value, distribution or de-accessioning of property, and assists financial planners, attorneys and related professionals in establishing a client’s net worth as a basis for estate planning. Our estate appraisals include on-site examinations, color photographs which meet IRS requirements, full cataloguing, and valuation using fair market values, all of which are carefully researched and based on documented comparable sales. Each appraisal document is meticulously produced to meet not only our standards of excellence, but those of the ISA.

Equitable Distribution:
When planning for the distribution of assets to children, or when a marriage or business partnership is dissolved, our appraisals are an important tool to make equitable distribution possible. These appraisals can also be prepared in advance to avoid conflict and confusion, should distribution become necessary.

Damage/Loss:
These types of appraisals identify the value of the damaged or lost property to facilitate claim settlements and disputes. Photo documentation and examination, well informed and unbiased appraisals, as well as an extensive network of professional restoration and conservation specialists make our damage and loss reports highly sought after by top insurance companies, claims resolution specialists, prestigious law firms, private collectors, and public adjusters. Utilizing our network of conservation experts, recommendations are then made as to the proper method of restoration or conservations, the probable outcome of such treatment, and the realities of devaluation.

Charitable Donations:
The Internal Revenue Service requires that non-cash contributions of available art and other tangible personal property worth more than $5,000 be accompanied by an itemized fair market value appraisal performed by a qualified professional appraiser.