The Appraisal Process & Rates

The Onsite Examination:
Our appraisers meticulously examine all the property to be included in the Appraisal Report while evaluating characteristics, noting condition, obtaining measurements and taking photographs. The time spent in this phase is considered "On Site Time." For large appraisals a tape recorder is used which speeds the on site process. When a tape recorder is used there is office transcription of the tapes. Transcription time is also considered "On Site Time".

The Photographs:
Digital color photographs are taken to document the existence of your items and aid in the research for comparable recent sales. Photographs taken are included with the report and are mounted and bound into the report for the nominal charge of the Appraiser's cost.

The Research:
Value conclusions for appraisals are based upon comparable recent sales and market analysis for each item. Research time is the time taken to identify marks and labels, verify dates, locate recent sales of items comparable to yours, investigate appropriate markets, and consult with experts, if necessary. This approach produces an accurate report that fully and properly documents your property.

Our Appraisals are written to U. S. Government standards for Appraisal Reports as outlined in the Appraisal Foundation's, "Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice". There can be up to four hours spent in office, for research and report preparation for every hour spent on site, depending upon the number of items in the appraisal. Unusual items, fine antiques and art can require additional research time. Unusual appraisals for specific purposes can require additional research time. The Appraiser will not assign a value on a given item until the appropriate research has been conducted on that item.

The time spent in this phase is considered "Research Time." The Appraiser agrees to notify the Client of any article of personal property which, in the Appraiser's opinion, requires consultation with a specialist for authentication or evaluation. The Appraiser will also notify the Client when an item may require extraordinary research time to authenticate and/or evaluate, in which case, separate negotiations for these services will be negotiated between the Appraiser and the Client.

The Report:
The Appraisal Report consists of a printed report of the completed appraisal with accompanying photographs and complete documentation of each item. Included in the report is a cover letter detailing the process taken and definitions of values used; a value summary sheet; an itemized list of the property appraised; and the appraiser's qualifications. Extra color copies are available upon request at the appraiser's cost for duplication at $1.00 per page.

Delivery of the Report:
You will receive a statement by mail that your report is ready. All fees must be paid in advance of the release of documents. Upon receipt of your remittance you will receive your appraisal by either Federal Express or U. S. Postage Certified, as you request. Payment exceptions must be made in advance with the appraiser.

Current Rates:

Appraisal Hours per Appraiser....................................$175.00 per hour
Research Hours per Appraiser....................................$175.00 per hour
Report Writing and Preparation..................................$175.00 per hour
Verbal Consultations.................................................$175.00 per hour
Travel Hours per Appraiser........................................$100.00 per hour after 30 Minutes Each Way Free

Appraisal Hours: The time necessary for the Appraiser(s) to examine, evaluate and value all items to be included in the Report.

Research Hours: The time necessary for the Appraiser(s) to identify marks, labels, verify dates, locate recent comparable sales, identify and evaluate artists, consult other experts when necessary and evaluate the items included in the Report.

Report Writing and Preparation Hours: The time necessary for the Appraiser(s) to write descriptions and values, write the cover letter, prepare and assemble the Report, mount photographs into the Report or for large reports into a binder, bind, copy, mail or otherwise deliver the Report.

Verbal Consultation Hours: The time necessary for the Appraiser to examine, evaluate and express an informed opinion in person or on the telephone. A verbal consultation is not an appraisal and is not to be construed as such.

Travel Hours: The time necessary, after thirty minutes one way for free, for the Appraiser(s) to travel to the onsite inspection and return to the office. The time billed is the time after thirty minutes each way that it takes the appraiser to drive to and from the office to the assignment address and back to the office.