Appraisals
Deborah Webb has been an avid enthusiast regarding antiques and collectibles for over 25 years.
After managing several antique shops, her gained knowledge of "old, new and in between" led her to a diligent career in appraising antiques and residential contents. She is an active member of International Society of Appraisers (ISA), and has participated in numerous appraisal fairs in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Indiana.
In 2006, Deborah continued her professional developement through ISA education program by attending a 7-day CORE COURSE in APPRAISAL STUDIES covering personal property appraisal theory, principles, methodology, and report writing standards. In 2008, she successfully completed the ISA APPRAISAL COURSE OF ANTIQUES RESIDENTIAL CONTENTS concerning 16th century to present day furniture, ceramics, glass, silver, toys, and household contents. Deborah continues to pursue education by visiting museums, exhibits, and attending seminars.
Choosing an Appraiser
There is currently no legal certification or licensing required of personal property appraisers, and there is no government testing or standards for this profession. Find an appraiser who has established expertise and who has had professional training in appraisal principles, theory, ethics, law and procedures.
Unlike any other appraisal association, the International Society of Appraisers is a professional association that requires the successful completion of course work and examinations for their members. The ISA has developed and currently offers appraisers the most comprehensive personal property appraisal education program. This program is based on standardized body of knowledge, education and testing. Because of this educational program and the ISA's rigid Code of Ethics, an ISA-educated member appraiser is your best choice.
Types of Appraisals
There are several occasions when you may need appraisal services:
- INSURING ANTIQUES, ART, COLLECTIBLES AND HOUSEHOLD CONTENTS
Everyone needs some kind of household insurance for day-to-day protection, and if you move you will need additional coverage while your property is in transit. A homeowner's insurance policy provides for payment if you lose items of personal property through fire or theft; however, there are category limits as to how much you will be paid unless you have your valuables specifically listed and their values confirmed by means of a bona fide appraisal prior to the loss. In the event of a loss, proof of ownership as well as of claimed value must be provided by the owner. For antiques, art, and collectibles this is most easily accomplished by means of a professional appraisal. Most insurance companies require that appraisals be updated every few years. - DIVORCE & EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION
In the effect to insure an equitable handling of the economic factors surrounding a divorce, the courts can make a monetary award to the disadvantaged spouse based on the determined value of all marital property. Such an award is often based on the professional testimony of a qualified appraiser. Additionally, in other instances when valuable property is to be divided, an objective appraiser's services are necessary in assigning values on which the division will be based. - ESTATE VALUATIONS
Some states tax regulations require that upon death, property in the estate be inventoried and appraised to establish a basis for determining estate taxes. This appraisal also becomes useful when the estate must be divided equally among heirs or when donations from the estate to charitable organizations are to be made. - CHARITABLE DONATIONS
The Internal Revenue Service requires that a donor obtain a qualified outside appraisal for donations of household contents and art worth more than certain amounts. An appraiser who frequently does donation appraisals will know the most current IRS requirements regarding donations. - DAMAGE CLAIMS (such as Fire, Tornado, Flood, Moving Claims)
Problem insurance, casualty, and moving damage claim assignments. - RESALE
You may decide to conduct a sale or sale of various items such as antiques, art and collectibles. An appraisal of these items from a qualified appraiser would give you the best market value for your possessions.
