Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an appraisal?

An appraisal is defined simply as an opinion of value or cost. It is the act or process of determining value, estimating cost, or calculating the present worth of forecasted earnings. Appraisals are opinions based on an informed judgment which are supported by facts. Appraisal conclusions are arrived at through systematic and thorough analysis and processing of all relevant factors.

2. Should a personal property appraiser have any specific qualifications?

When hiring a personal property appraiser, it is important to find someone that is USPAP compliant. USPAP stands for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice. USPAP is the generally recognized ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States. It is also important that your appraiser is a member of an appraisal organization. In the United States there are three major organizations, the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), the Appraisers Association of America (AAA), and the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). In order to join any of these organizations, appraisers need to have a certain amount of appraisal related education as well as a certain amount of experience doing appraisals, and most importantly, they all must stay current on their USPAP compliancy.

3. What is considered personal property?

Personal property is any tangible or portable object(s), which are considered by the general public as being ‘personal,’ e.g. furnishings, artwork, antiques, gems & jewelry, collectibles, machinery and equipment; all property that is not classified as real estate.

4. What is your procedure for conducting an appraisal?

The first step to obtaining an appraisal would be to determine the size and scope of the project. This can be done through the client sending preliminary photos or for larger projects or I can do a complimentary walk-through of the property. Once size and scope has been determined I put together a contract that outlines the costs for the appraisal, the amount time I anticipate needing to be on-site, and the turnaround time for the report. If the contract is agreed upon by all parties, we determine a mutually convenient time for me to come out and do the on-site inspection of the items being appraised. While on-site I take photographs, notes, measurements, etc. so that when I return to my office, I have all the information I need on the pieces to proceed with my research. I then compile all my research into an appraisal document for my client to review and approve. Once I have received approval, an invoice is sent and upon receipt of payment a signed final copy of the report will be delivered electronically via PDF.

5. Do you need to view the pieces being appraised in person, or can you work from high- quality photographs?

I always prefer to see the items being appraised in person, but I can do an appraisal via photographs when necessary. In order to do an appraisal via photographs, in addition to overall photographs of the works, I would also need the client to provide me with several specific detail images as well as dimensions of the works. If the report is for insurance purposes, I highly recommend that my clients check with their insurance company to be sure that they accept appraisals done via photographs. Not all companies will accept a report done this way.

6. Do you provide a written and certified report upon completion of the appraisal? Is this report recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and insurance companies?

As stated previously, I do provide an electronic document for my clients outlining the items that have been appraised. Each item is given a photograph, a description, and a value. I am a USPAP compliant appraiser who is a member of the International Society of Appraisers and accredited with the Appraisers Association of America, so therefore my documents are acceptable by the IRS and insurance companies.

7. How long does the appraisal process typically take, from initiation to the delivery of the final report?

The length of the appraisal process is dependent on the number of items being appraised but is typically several weeks. In my practice, the date of delivery is always measured from the last date of inspection, so if I need to spend multiple days on-site to examine all the property to be appraised, the estimated time until report delivery starts after that final appointment.

8. Beyond the appraisal, do you offer any additional services, such as consultation for the sale or recommendations on potential markets?

I personally do not offer advisory services, but my former colleague does offer advisory as part of her practice, so would be more than happy to put any client interested in potentially selling or auctioning a collection in touch with her.

9. Will you know the value of my personal property right away, like the do on the Antiques Roadshow?

The Antiques Roadshow has helped give the importance of appraising personal property nationwide attention. However, it is important to note that professional appraisers adhere to strict ethical codes and report writing guidelines. I may know the value of your property immediately given my past experiences and familiarity with the market, but this opinion must be substantiated by research and analysis.

The appraisers and specialists featured on the Antiques Roadshow research the property either prior to the show and/or after filming. Any corrections to the identification, value determinations, or cost estimates of an item are made before the episode is aired. Although the public will only see a sound bite, the appraisers and specialists conduct market research behind the scenes to determine the value of the property.

10. Can you appraise anything?

An appraiser cannot be an expert in every type of personal property. A good professional appraiser knows his or her limits and knows when it is time to consult with a specific expert. For example, I have very limited experience in jewelry, coins, and Asian Arts, but my longevity in the appraisals field has allowed me to build a wide network of experts and other appraisers who can assist me when necessary.

11. If I don’t need a formal report, can you just give me a ‘verbal’ appraisal?

I believe that the best way to serve my clients is through formal appraisal reports, which are developed and written according to strict ethical codes and professional standards. If you do not need a ‘formal’ appraisal report, it may be in your best interest to reach out to a reputable auction house who is more likely to provide free estimates for those who are interested in selling their property.