Q1: What are the Qualified Appraisers, ISA, USPAP, The ISA Appraisal Report Writing Standard (ARWS), and Personal properties?
A Qualified Appraiser is a professional with the education, training, and experience necessary to produce appraisals that are credible, defensible, and compliant with industry standards. In the field of personal property appraisal, membership in the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is the most widely recognized qualification for providing professional appraisal services.
The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is a leading North American professional association for personal property appraisers. ISA members are bound by a code of ethics and must meet rigorous training requirements, including adherence to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) serves as the recognized ethical and performance benchmark for appraisers in the United States. It ensures transparency, consistency, and accountability in the appraisal process. While it originated in the United States, many Canadian and international appraisers voluntarily comply with USPAP when preparing reports for U.S.-based clients or for consistency in cross-border transactions.
The ISA Appraisal Report Writing Standard (ARWS) complements USPAP by providing ISA members with a detailed framework for constructing appraisal reports.
Personal property refers to all tangible, movable property that is not classified as real estate. This includes items such as fine art, jewelry, antiques, decorative objects, historical artifacts, and household contents.
Q2: Who need an appraisal report?
- Private Collectors/Owners – For insurance, estate planning, divorce, or resale.
- Insurance Companies – To establish replacement value and process claims.
- Estate Executors/Heirs – For probate, tax filing, and equitable distribution.
- Lawyers – For litigation, divorce, bankruptcy, or damage claims.
- Banks/Financial Advisors – When valuing assets for loans or wealth management.
- Museums/Institutions – For acquisitions, insurance, or deaccessioning.
- Donors/Nonprofits – To support tax deductions for charitable contributions.
- Government Agencies – For audits, taxation, and regulatory compliance.
Q3: When do you need an appraisal report?
- Insurance Coverage – To establish the replacement value for insuring personal property.
- Damage or Loss Claims – To support claims after theft, fire, or natural disasters.
- Estate Planning or Probate – For tax filings, fair distribution, or legal compliance.
- Equitable Distribution – In divorce, partnership dissolution, or inheritance settlements.
- Charitable Donation – To substantiate fair market value for tax-deductible gifts.
- Buying or Selling – To determine a fair price or support negotiations.
- Litigation Support – For expert witness testimony or valuation disputes.
- Bankruptcy or Financial Disclosure – To assess asset value accurately.
- Loan Collateral – When using personal property as security for financing.
- Collection Management – For cataloging, risk management, or strategic planning.
Q4: What does an appraisal report look like?
You will receive a USPAP compliant appraisal report which includes the following information:
- A detailed and accurate description of the property subject to evaluation along with measurements and photographs of each object
- A statement or the reason for the appraisal report
- A description and explanation of the appraisal method used
- A statement of the appraiser’s disinterest
- A notation of condition of the objects appraised
- Appraiser’s commentary addressing research methods used, valuation factors considered, and placement of the artwork within the artist’s market
- A summary of provenance
- A certification of appraisal which includes the appraiser’s qualifications and the statement of the code of ethics under which the appraiser practices
- A signature of the appraiser and inclusion of dissenting opinions, if any
Q5: What is your appraisal process?
Step 1: Initial Consultation
I begin with a brief consultation—by phone, email, or video call—to understand your needs and determine the scope and purpose of the appraisal. Whether it’s for insurance coverage, estate planning, donation, or resale, clarifying the intended use helps shape how I conduct the valuation. I’ll also answer any questions you may have and provide an overview of the next steps.
Step 2: Scheduling and On-Site Visit
Once we agree to proceed, I schedule a visit to your location (or arrange secure viewing if items are off-site). During this visit, I inspect and photograph each item, record identifying features, and make notes on condition, materials, signatures, and provenance. This ensures I have accurate and complete information for valuation.
Step 3: Market Research and Analysis
After the inspection, I conduct detailed research to find appropriate comparables—looking at recent sales data, market trends, and other relevant reference sources. This stage may also include consulting databases, catalogues, and auction records to support a credible and defensible value conclusion.
Step 4: Report Preparation
I then prepare a written appraisal report in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the ISA Appraisal Report Writing Standard (ARWS). The report includes full documentation, photographs, market analysis, and a final value conclusion. It is clear, compliant, and suitable for legal, financial, or institutional use.
Step 5: Delivery and Follow-Up
The final report is delivered in PDF format, and a printed version can be provided upon request. After delivery, I remain available to answer any follow-up questions or to provide clarification, especially if the report is being submitted to a third party such as an insurer, attorney, or tax advisor.
Q6: Appraisal fees
- By the Hour
This method accounts for the varying time requirements depending on the complexity of the item being appraised. My hourly rate typically ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the intended uses and the complexity of the project. - By the Piece
For clients seeking appraisals for multiple items of a similar nature, I may charge by the piece. A single item appraisal typically starts around $250 to $350, with additional items priced at $25 to $100 per piece. The exact rate depends on the complexity of each item. - By the Project
If you have a larger collection or an extensive project, I can provide an estimate based on the scope of work involved. The final cost may vary depending on factors like additional items or unexpected complexities that arise during the appraisal process.
Important note: To uphold the highest ethical standards, I do not and cannot charge based on the appraised value of your items. This practice is strictly prohibited under the ISA Code of Ethics and USPAP guidelines, ensuring that every valuation I provide remains impartial, objective, and free from financial bias.
Q7: Art brokerage fees (for items not immediately available)
Category 1: Sell-Side Representation (Consignment or Private Sale)
If you are seeking to sell artwork, I act as your representative to source qualified buyers through private channels, auction houses, or institutional collectors.
- Standard Commission:
▸ 15% of the final sale price
(Applies to artworks valued between $10,000 and $100,000) - Tiered Rate (for higher-value works):
▸ 12% for artworks $100,000–$250,000
▸ 10% for artworks above $250,000 - Minimum Fee:
▸ $1,000 per project (whichever is greater) - Services Included:
▸ Market positioning, pricing strategy, presentation materials
▸ Buyer screening, negotiation, and contract handling
▸ Coordination with shipping, legal, and tax advisors if needed
Category 2: Buy-Side Representation (Private Acquisition Search)
For clients seeking to acquire specific works of art or build a collection, I offer discreet sourcing, authentication coordination, and transaction support.
- Standard Acquisition Fee:
▸ 10% of final purchase price
(Applies to artworks up to $100,000) - Tiered Rate (for larger acquisitions):
▸ 8% for $100,000–$250,000
▸ 6% for artworks above $250,000 - Optional Retainer (for complex search projects):
▸ $500–$1,500, deductible from final commission - Services Included:
▸ Market research, object sourcing, authentication guidance
▸ Price negotiation, due diligence, and buyer representation
▸ Logistics and post-sale support as needed
General Terms
- All brokerage services are contingent on successful transaction, unless otherwise stated.
- In dual-agency cases (representing both buyer and seller), fees are adjusted transparently and subject to full disclosure and written consent by both parties.
- Appraisal and advisory services may be billed separately if required outside the scope of a confirmed transaction.
Q8: Art for Sale (for items immediately available)
As a dedicated art collector, consultant, and qualified appraiser, I offer a curated selection of artworks for private sale through two trusted sources, designed to meet the needs of discerning collectors:
- Part 1. Consigned Artworks from Private Clients
I represent works on behalf of private collectors, estates, and artists who have entrusted me with their sale. Each piece is thoroughly vetted for authenticity, provenance, and condition, and is thoughtfully positioned within the current market. My role is to help you acquire works of lasting value, with full transparency throughout the process. - Part 2. Personally Held Inventory
In addition to client consignments, I offer a carefully selected inventory from my own collection. These pieces have been acquired through informed sourcing and are held to high standards of artistic and historical significance. As the direct seller, I provide both flexibility and responsiveness in pricing and negotiations. - Each artwork is accompanied by detailed documentation and, when appropriate, professional valuation and condition reporting. Whether you are enhancing your existing collection or exploring long-term collecting goals, I offer tailored guidance to support your acquisitions with confidence and clarity.