Services

Estate

When determining the value of a decedent's estate, the appraiser adheres to a complex web of Internal Revenue Service estate tax regulations to obtain and then thoroughly document the fair market value of the personal property items involved, and calculates them retroactive to the exact date of the decedent's death. The Fair Market Value is "the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller with neither party under compulsion to buy or sell, and both parties having reasonable knowledge of all relevant facts." In more simple terms, that fair market value is generally equivalent to what one dealer would pay to another for the item or items in question, or what the selling price would generally be at auction.

Divorce: Distribution of Marital Assets

The extent of a marital estate can include business and residential contents, antiques, art, jewelry, boats, automobiles - the scope is virtually limitless. While laws differ among the states, a marital estate is often viewed as an equal partnership where each party has a right to half the value of the properties, and an unbiased appraisal is essential to facilitate an equal and equitable distribution. Our valuations are completely objective, favoring neither party to the divorce. Unfortunately, many appraisers are reluctant to accept marital estate assignments due to the likelihood of courtroom testimony being required at a later date. Our appraiser, however, is a professional courtroom veteran and compensated trial appearances are routinely executed.

Insurance Claims

Most household insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for fine arts, expensive antiques and other personal property collections from protection unless they are supported - at the time the policy is issued - by a qualified independent appraisal. For such "fine arts rider" policies, we perform a Retail Replacement Cost Appraisal, determining the precise retail values of the items to be covered and provide thorough documentation - with photographs - to support a prompt resolution of any subsequent claim.

Charitable Donations

The Internal Revenue Service requires that if a charitable donation in excess of $5,000.00 in value is to be claimed upon a tax return, such donation must be supported by an independent professional appraisal. Our documentation is superior and our professional qualifications meet all relevant IRS requirements.

Resale, Finance, Collateral, Mortgage

Banks, Brokers and Lenders loan money to purchase inventory, equipment, homes and other items. An appraisal may be required to value the asset or the collateral which is held by the bank for the loan purposes. Furthermore, when one sells an asset, it is important to obtain an appraisal to determine the current, retroactive or future value of that asset.

Other Services

IRS, Year End Inventory Analysis, Charity/Gift, Customs, Buy-Sell Agreements, Exit Strategy, Fleet/Leasing, Annual Financial Review and others.