An appraisal is a legal document declaring value of property for a particular purpose.  We prepare appraisals for the following purposes:

 

To Settle Estates - an appraisal performed at Fair Market Value, useful in satisfying IRS or legal requirements.  It is also beneficial in assisting in disbursement of property, and/or for distribution among heirs.

 

For Insurance - an appraisal performed for Retail Replacement Value, so adequate coverage may be arranged.  This can be done on a single item, a collection or an entire househould.

 

For Donation - an appraisal performed at Fair Market Value to determine the value of charitable contributions.

 

For Equitable Distribution - an appraisal performed to determine value of combined assets prior to division, most commonly for divorce settlement. 

 

All appraisals are done objectively.  Our first step in preparing an appraisal is understanding the client's requirements.  This is followed by essential research and careful valuation of the items.  The end product is a written document incorporating these elements stating the property's value for the stated purpose.  

 

Our appraisals conform to USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice), the accepted practice for all IRS appraisals (for donation and estate settlements) and the standards established by the American Appraisers Association of America.

 

Fees are based on an hourly rate, never a percentage of value.

 

In cases where a portion of an appraisal requires a specialist in areas outside of our expertise, we will call upon the appropriate specialist.