Most appraisals start with a phone call, e-mail, or text message. During these initial exchanges, the first thing we need to know is why you need an appraisal. Is it to obtain insurance coverage? For charitable donation? Are you just curious about the market?

Other questions we will ask will include what type and how many pieces do you need to be appraised. Is it only 1 or 2 pieces, or an entire estate? Where are the pieces located? Is there a deadline by which you need the report?

Once we have all the information needed to fully understand the scope of work, we will provide an engagement agreement that will outline the intended use of the appraisal, the methodology to be used, the estimated timeline, deliverables, and associated costs.

We will also request any additional information we would like to see such as provenance or sales receipts.

Depending on the intended use of the appraisal and the scope of the project, the inspection of the property may be completed in person or virtually.

During the inspection process, we will inventory and document each piece to be appraised, noting condition, dimensions, materials, and inscriptions.

Once the inventory and documentation stage of the appraisal is complete, we begin our market research. Some pieces are ubiquitous and we are able to identify comparables quickly. While other pieces may require additional steps such as authentication, and consulting specialists. We will be in constant communication with you about the timeline of your report and notify you of any additional time required during the research process.

Once we have completed our thorough research, we will prepare your USPAP-compliant report formatted for its intended use. Reports for federal tax functions will include all required elements to be accepted by the IRS. Reports for insurance purposes will be prepared to the highest industry standards expected by most insurance carriers. Reports for personal use will be prepared with your specific priorities in mind, for example, some clients would like an extensive history of the piece included, or perhaps an artist biography, or an in-depth market analysis.

Each report is customized to its specific use and will be kept in our internal records for five years (or an additional two years following litigation).

Unless otherwise specified, reports will be sent via e-mail as a pdf. Once you have had the opportunity to review the report, please feel welcome to reach out with any questions you might have. Our goal is to make sure you understand the report and that you feel confident in the valuations.