Appraisal Process & Fees

 If you are interested in learning more about our services, we invite you to contact our associates for a no-cost / no-obligation discussion about your appraisal or inspection needs. We will provide you with a brief form that outlines the identity of:

• The intended users and their needs
• The intended use
• The type and definition of value to be developed
• Location and characteristics of the personal property to be evaluated
• Assignment conditions 
• Client timetable and sense of urgency

To complete the Appraisal Services Inquiry Form

After the Initial Inquiry, we analyze the details you provided to determine the scope of work necessary to complete your assignment. We can provide you with estimates on cost and completion date. A report can typically be provided within 2-14 days after inspection. Fees are addressed below.  Upon approval, we will prepare a contract for review.   

Our contract is simple and precise, outlining our commitment to the professional completion of our services.   

Once under contract, we will arrange an inspection of the personal property. Inventory list, past appraisals, sales receipts, and other important information is obtained. We will carefully handle each asset as if were our own, document item characteristics, and photograph the subject assets. A client (or their representative) is welcome to be present; however, we will not be able to provide opinions of value on-site. 

We will inspect validated offers and listings of the subject property, analyze all prior sales within a reasonable and applicable time period, review documentation and history of the property and summarize the results of our findings to develop our final opinion of value. 

The assignment results are reported promptly upon the conclusion of our analysis. A written report in PDF format is emailed, and printed reports are mailed upon request. Our reports are prepared using the latest appraisal report writing software that is USPAP compliant. They commonly include the following elements: 

• Transmittal Letter with Executive Summary 
• Report Option Used 
• Identity of Client and Intended Users 
• Intended Use 
• Ownership Interest Being Appraised 
• Value Type and Definition 
• Relevant Dates (Date of Inspection, Effective Date of Appraisal, Date of Report)
• Scope of Work (Actual work performed to develop credible assignment results)
• Information Analyzed and Approach to Value 
• Listings and Prior Sales 
• Opinion of Appropriate Property Use and Market 
• Value Opinions and Conclusions
• Terms of Use 
• USPAP CertificationStatement of Confidentiality 
• IRS Forms (as applicable) 
• Credentials of the Appraiser 
• Valuation Section with Descriptive Information and Photographs of the Subject Property 

 We abide by a strict code of ethics that never allows us to charge based on a percentage of the appraised value, as our fees are based on a set hourly amount that is determined by travel, the scope of work, the number of items, quality of value types, and level of expertise required. Client satisfaction and referrals are the lifeblood of our business. Our experience, resources, networks, and technology allow us to provide the most cost-effective services without sacrificing the quality of our work.  Hourly rates can range from $200-$250. We are often able to provide you with a price cap so that you can ensure that the cost stays within your budget. Rate Fees can also sometimes be calculated by your individual assignment regardless of hours spent.