SERVICES

Trusts and Estates

An appraisal for trust and estate planning is essential for the Internal Revenue Service filing requirements, probate reporting and equitable distribution among heirs. This will assist the fiduciaries, executors and advisors in the equitable transfer of property either by sale or by distribution

Charitable Donation

A donation appraisal is required by the Internal Revenue Service when a gift of one or more like items is valued at $5,000 and above, in addition to a completed IRS Form 8283. 
 

Insurance

To protect your valuable items from loss by fire, theft or damage, many insurance policies require fine art, antiques, silver and collectibles to be scheduled separately for complete coverage.

Damage and Loss

A damage appraisal is commonly required by insurance carriers when there is a total or partial loss to property.  A damaged item must be assessed to establish the value in its present condition in order to determine whether restoration or conservation is the appropriate next step or whether a loss should be declared.

Equitable Distribution

In the event of a divorce, an appraisal is necessary in order to ensure equitable division of property or to ascertain equal shares of a joint asset.

When To Consider

Whether for retirement, inheritance, down-sizing, relocation, divorce or death, the situation often arises for the need or desire to liquidate household items through either sale or donation. We offer counsel in making decisions related to estate disposition; what to keep, what to donate, what to sell, what is valuable and what is not.

Options For Resale

We also assist with the sale of a single item or entire estate. To avoid any conflict of interest and to abide by the Code of Ethics of the American Appraisers Association, we do not purchase any items we appraise. We are, however, able to act as a broker, identifying appropriate buyers (auction house, private collector, public institution, etc.), soliciting competitive bids, and negotiating terms. Our fee is commission-based on a sliding scale starting at 1%, which assures you that our incentive and sole purpose is to garner the highest values for your items.

As defined by the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is “the act or process of developing an opinion of value.” At its best, it is part art and part science. And depending on the type of appraisal, the value can be different.