Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about our antique, art, appraisal and estate services. Please contact us if you need additional information.
Antiques And Art FAQs
What kinds of antiques do you buy and sell?
We purchase many different kinds of antiques, from decorative to collectible items. Often, it’s a case where we know it when we see it; condition and market demand are important factors. And if you have something to sell that we don’t buy, we are happy to refer you to someone who does. However, we do not purchase any items we appraise.
What kind of art do you purchase?
We purchase paintings, prints, drawings, folk art and more, from antique to contemporary. We can also help sell your art through our brokerage service.
Do you buy single items? Collections?
We buy single items, groups and collections, depending on the item(s). Let us know what you have and we'll be happy to take a look.
Do you purchase estates?
Occasionally we purchase estates, but usually clients hire us for estate downsizing or dispersal. Dealing with an estate can be physically, mentally and emotionally difficult, as well as time-consuming. We offer different levels of service to relieve you of these burdens, ranging from estimating relative value to managing the entire estate dispersal process for you.
Can you sell an antique or work of art for me?
Yes. We offer a brokerage service for higher value items and collections. Our goal is to find the right buyer to meet your need, whether it is to sell quickly or to produce the best return possible.
Can you appraise and purchase estate items I've inherited?
We can either appraise the items or purchase them, but not both because it represents a conflict of interest. However, we can help you sell or find buyers for items we appraise.
What other services do you offer?
In addition to buying and selling. we offer a locating service, estate downsizing and distribution services, collection consultation, inventory and identification, and brokering for buying and selling higher value items. We also offer appraisal and valuation services. However, we do not purchase items we have appraised,
If you have additional questions please email or call us at 912-616-5350.
Appraisal Services FAQs
What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is an unbiased opinion of value based on informed judgement supported by facts, relevant factors and analysis. An appraisal report is a legal document that includes the definition of the type of market valuation provided, a description of the property, the appraised value and support information; it should also adhere to established professional standards. The value of your personal property is dependent on many factors inherent to the item as well as external factors.
How do I know if I need an appraisal?
Your insurance company, attorney, accountant or financial advisor may recommend an appraisal based on insurance needs, estate matters, donations, financial considerations or other factors. Or you may want to know the value of an item prior to buying or selling. When we speak to you for the first time we determine if a formal appraisal is necessary or if your needs can be met with another service we offer.
What is the appraisal process?
After an initial discussion and review of your needs we will submit a proposal and estimate of fees for your approval and acceptance. The proposal will include details regarding the type of valuation, what will be appraised, what information will be included and fees. When approved, we begin the appraisal with a thorough inspection and review of the items to be appraised; items are documented and photographed. We then research and analyze the data to determine value and prepare a detailed report. Our appraisal reports are compliant with the Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice and those of the International Society of Appraisers, of which we are a member in good standing.
How much does an appraisal cost?
Our fee is based on an hourly rate or a flat rate, plus expenses. It is never based on the appraised value or price of items. Our fee depends on your specific needs and the services we provide, After an initial discussion and review of your needs we will submit a proposal and estimate of fees for your approval.
How do I choose the best appraiser?
We suggest working with a professional appraiser who is a member of one of the three major appraisal industry groups and is up-to-date on the Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), These appraisers have been trained in appraisal theory, principles, methodology, ethics, research analysis and reporting, and are bound to abide by specific ethics and practices. They will be able to provide the appropriate marketplace value and write appraisal reports that are acceptable to insurance companies, courts and the IRS. An untrained appraiser may not be aware of the different types of valuations or how to determine them, and may not be able to provide acceptable reports. Additionally, an appraiser should have knowledge of the items they are appraising and be willing and able to consult with other appraisers when necessary. Be wary of anyone who offers to purchase items they appraise; this represents a conflict of interest and is contrary to USPAP. And finally, the cost of the appraisal should not be dependent on an item's appraised value or the expected or real selling price.
How should I prepare for an appraisal?
Preparing for your initial appointment and appraisal will save time and expense. Be clear on why you need an appraisal and how you plan to use it. Make a list of the items to be appraised, Gather sets, groups, or collections together and make sure the items are easily accessible and can be viewed in good light. Gather any information you have including previous appraisals, receipts, articles and documents. Ask your appraiser questions about the appraisal process.
Are personal property appraisers licensed?
Personal property appraisers are not licensed. Unfortunately, this means anyone can claim to be an appraiser. However, a professional appraisal for insurance coverage, courts, the IRS and others should be performed by a professional appraiser who is trained in appraisal theory, principles, methodology, ethics, research analysis and reporting, and who has knowledge of the type of items being appraised. They should also adhere to the Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). USPAP-compliant appraisal reports meet specific, comprehensive standards that insure independent, consistent and objective appraisals.
What types of items do you appraise?
As a trained appraiser, I determine the value of many different types of property, from residential contents to cherished heirlooms. My focus is antiques and vintage collectibles including furniture, decorative items, photography, Americana, folk art, advertising, toys, historical and unusual items, as well as paintings, prints and other fine art from all periods.
If I don't need a formal appraisal what other kinds of valuation services do you offer?
In addition to formal appraisals that include a written report, we offer other options that may be sufficient for your needs including verbal appraisals and a walk-through service that provides a relative estimate of value. It is important to match the right service to your need. For instance, a written appraisal report may be necessary for proper insurance coverage of certain items but not for an item you only intend to sell.
What other services do you offer?
In addition to appraisal and valuation services. we offer estate downsizing and dispersal, collection consultation and management, inventory and identification, and brokering for buying and selling.
What kind of estate downsizing and dispersal services do you offer?
Dealing with downsizing and estate distribution can be physically, mentally and emotionally difficult, as well as time-consuming. We offer different levels of service to make this task easier and less stressful for you, ranging from providing advice and estimating relative value to managing the entire process. We also offer a brokerage service for higher value items.
Can you help me with an estate I’m handling?
Yes. Even if you don't need an appraisal we can help you with different levels of service to meet your needs. Dealing with personal property in an estate is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, as well as time-consuming. Our services relieve you of burdens, and range from estimating relative value to managing the entire estate dispersal process for you.
Can you sell an antique or work of art you appraised for me?
Yes. While we do not purchase items we appraise, we offer a brokerage service for higher value items and collections. Our goal is to find the right buyer to meet your need, whether it is to sell quickly or to realize the best return possible. If an item is not feasible for brokerage we are happy to offer selling suggestions.
Do you belong to an appraiser group?
Yes, I am a member in good standing of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), one of the three primary professional organizations recognized by The Appraisal Foundation. As an ISA member, I have been trained in appraisal theory, principles, methodology, research analysis and report writing. I adhere to strict standards of conduct, ethics, competency, methodology and reporting. I am IRS-qualified and I maintain current compliance with USPAP, the Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice.
My membership in ISA and my status with USPAP enables me to stay current with appraisal-relevant legislation, market trends, research sources, industry information and educational resources.
Do you purchase items you appraise?
We do not purchase items we appraise; it would be a conflict of interest. However, we can help you sell an appraised item through our brokerage service.
Can I use an appraisal I commissioned for insurance if I want to donate the item to charity?
No. The type of market value for an item appraised for insurance is different than that of an item appraised for donation. Additionally, appraisals for donated items are subject to specific time constraints. However, some of the information in an insurance appraisal could be used for an updated appraisal for a donated item, thus saving time and expense.
What is USPAP and why is it important?
USPAP stands for the Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice. Created and updated by The Appraisal Foundation, the nation's foremost authority on the valuation profession, USPAP sets specific standards for ethics, process. values and content that guide appraisers for performing professional appraisals and appraisal reports. The objective is to insure that appraisals are independent, consistent and objective. Professional appraisers maintain USPAP compliance with a trained review every two years.
If you have additional questions please email or call us at 912-616-5350.