APPRAISAL PROCESS

An appraisal represents an opinion of value developed through research and analysis of relevant information, in the context of appropriate market conditions, for the intended use of the assignment results.

Insurance

It is important to have items of personal property appraised to ensure proper coverage during a move, when upgrading an existing policy, or establishing a new one. To protect valuable pianos from loss by fire, theft, or damage, many insurance policies require musical instruments to be scheduled separately for complete coverage. It is highly recommended that an insurance appraisal be updated every five (5) years to allow for fluctuations in the relevant marketplaces. 

Insurance appraisals

• establish the replacement value of the subject property for proper coverage,

• document the subject property in the event of a future claim due to damage or loss of value event.

Charitable Donations

A donation appraisal is required by the Internal Revenue Service when a gift of one or more like items is valued above $5,000, in addition to a completed IRS Form 8283. A qualified donation appraisal requires exact information, including details of comparable and completed sales in appropriate markets, photographs, and market analyses.

Trusts and Estates

The Internal Revenue Service requires personal property appraisals for estate tax, gift tax and charitable donation purposes. An appraisal of personal property assets - including fine and decorative art, antiques, and household contents - assists the fiduciaries, executors, and advisors in the equitable transfer of property either by sale or by distribution.

Equitable Distribution

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