Personal property appraisals cover the full range of belongings people accumulate over a lifetime. Common categories include:
- Fine art, including paintings and prints
- Antiques
- Designer, antique, and vintage furniture
- Furs
- Rugs and other textiles
- Sterling silver, metalware, and other hollowware
- Musical instruments and music memorabilia
- Coins
- Collectibles and other valuable personal property
- Porcelain, crystal, and glasswares
Many clients come to us with a single piece in question. Others need an entire household or estate evaluated, particularly in advance of a move, a settlement, or a transition between generations. All situations receive the same level of attention.
How the Appraisal Process Works
Every item is examined while you watch. This can be helpful for clients with sentimental attachments to their items, since you’ll be able to discuss each piece as it’s evaluated.
The type of appraisal you need ultimately depends on why you’re having the item appraised:
- Retail replacement cost appraisals for insurance coverage
- Fair market value appraisals for estate settlements and tax liabilities
- Fair market value appraisals for equitable distribution, including divorce or estate matters
- Hypothetical appraisals to support casualty loss/theft/damage claims*
- Appraisal review for purchase confirmation
- Appraisal review for insurance companies’ underwriting departments
- Appraisals for asset valuation of tangible personal property or inventory, serving banks, lienholders, and accounting departments
*Paula Fox is available to complete appraisals on behalf of insurance claims departments, individuals, and public adjusters.
Independent Expertise You Can Rely On
Paula is a Certified Appraiser of Personal Property (CAPP) through the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). This distinction is held by elite appraisers who undergo requalification every five years to maintain the highest industry standards. With more than 40 years of independent appraisal experience, her appraisal reports are USPAP compliant. This adherence to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, for which Paula maintains compliance through mandatory coursework every two years, ensures your documentation meets the highest legal and regulatory thresholds required for IRS tax filings, estate liquidations, state law compliance, and federally related transactions.
Paula proudly serves individuals, attorneys, insurance professionals, and estate executors throughout the tri-state area and beyond. In-home and office appointments are available throughout Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, New Jersey (including the Jersey Shore), Delaware, and Florida. Travel for appraisal and insurance claim work outside the region, including other states, is also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you appraise an entire estate or collection at once?
Yes. We regularly work with clients managing full estates, inherited collections, or households being divided among family members.
I inherited a collection and don’t know what it’s worth. Where do I start?
A consultation is often the right first step. We can help you understand what you have before deciding whether a formal appraisal is necessary.
Do you help with equitable distribution during a divorce or estate settlement?
Yes. We provide appraisals and consultations for division of personal property among heirs or divorcing parties.
Schedule an Appraisal
Ready to get your belongings properly documented and valued? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.