QUESTION:
I recently inherited a painting from my grandmother, can I use the value provided on her estate appraisal to list it on my homeowners insurance?

ANSWER:
No.  Your grandmother's estate appraisal uses a completely different valuation, than you would require for insurance purposes.  An estate value is based on fair market value(1), whereas the insurance appraisal requires a retail replacement value(2).

QUESTION:
How do I know what I should include on my insurance appraisal?

ANSWER:
This is a discussion you should have with your insurance agent.  You need to review your homeowners insurance policy in detail to identify your current coverage needs. 

QUESTION:
I have a sterling silver flatware service that I want to sell.   I have an insurance appraisal from two years ago that says that it is worth twice as much as anyone is offering me.  What do I do?

ANSWER:
You have to ask yourself 'at what price am I willing to sell the service?'.  The insurance value is for replacement of the flatware in the event of a loss.  The selling value is the price which someone would be willing to pay for the flatware. 

Question:
Why use an Independent Appraiser?

Answer:
An independent appraiser has no financial interest in the value of your property and therefore remains objective and unbiased in the appraisal process.  An independent appraiser does not buy and sell objects.
(1) Fair market value is price at which property would sell on the open market between a willing buyer and willing seller with neither being required to act and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts

(2) Retail Replacement value is the amount it would cost to replace an item with one of similar and like quality purchased in the most appropriate marketplace within a limited amount of time.
Why should I hire an independent appraiser ?

As Independent Appraisers we do not buy and sell anything, we strictly appraise. 

As such we are completely impartial and unbiased in our appraisal of the property.

Also, more often than not, the local dealer is not USPAP certified making their reports inadequate for IRS related appraisal purposes.
Why should I hire an independent appraiser ?

As Independent Appraisers we do not buy and sell anything, we strictly appraise. 

As such we are completely impartial and unbiased in our appraisal of the property.

Also, more often than not, the local dealer is not USPAP certified making their reports inadequate for IRS related appraisal purposes.
Pair of Georg Jensen sterling    silver cocktail cups designed by Sigvard Bernadotte circa 1930's.
American bowfront chest of drawers circa 1785-1800

Dressing mirror circa 1750-1785

Art Nouveau sterling silver repousse dresser set by Wm B. Kerr & Co.
Collection of leather bound books by Rudyard Kipling, published in 1900

USPAP Compliant
indicating that the professional appraiser has successfully completed a fifteen-hour course and passed the required examination in Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and is mandated to remain compliant with all current USPAP standards.