Art Directives Appraisal Services
Why do you need an
appraisal?
Insurance appraisals: to assure proper
reimbursements for property damaged by fire, theft, moving,
storage, flood and any other types of destruction.
Fair
Market Value Appraisals: used for Sales, Property
Settlements, Divorce or Annulment, Death (probate),
Charitable Contributions (IRS) and Estate Planning
Scope of Appraisals
We assess replacement costs of works of art, antiques, sculpture, porcelain, antique furniture, glass, silver, decorative art pieces, and other items of fine quality for insurance purposes. We estimate the fair market value of personal property for sale, estate planning, estate taxes, donation, dissolution of marriage, equitable distribution, and property settlements. We assess the fair market value of items prior to their sale to ensure maximum financial return.
Inventory
We will meet with you on-site and inspect all items to be appraised. We prepare a written inventory listing a full description of each item including: artist or maker, type of object, title and subject, medium or materials, date or period, condition, provenance, dimensions, and framing information when applicable.
Research and Documentation
To substantiate our evaluation, we research and document the current value of each item. We analyze comparable prices from galleries, auction houses, dealers’ and sales records. Our resources include ArtFact, Artnet, Art Sales Index, on-line and computerized databases of auction records for antiques and fine arts from local, regional, national and international auction houses, as well as other computerized sources.
Digital Photography
We provide digital photographs of each inventoried item. The photograph of each item is integrated into the appraisal document.
Preparation and Fees
Contracts delineating scope of services, terms and conditions and estimated costs will be submitted for approval before work begins. Upon completion, a formal appraisal document is submitted in duplicate. The final report is also available on a non-rewrittable CD-Rom. Fees are based on an hourly rate.
