YOUR APPRAISAL NEEDS
- Insurance scheduling, for damage and loss
- Estate valuations and distribution
- Tax deductable charitable donation
- Equitable distribution for divorce
- Price for resale
Appraisal reports conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), and Internal Revenue Service regulations.
We are happy to appraise one single item, and we also have the capacity to service large extensive collections. We will travel to see your collection or contents to make recommendations, inventory, photograph, measure, inspect for condition, catalog and assess your needs. We work with you to make the best possible plan of action.
Specializing in American 19th and 20th century Post War Modernism, Abstract Expressionism, Contemporary, and African-American art.
CONSULTATION SERVICES
Documentation
For artworks or collectibles of a lesser value, Zenith also offers inventory services. This service is useful in documenting collections that may not have a significant value, but are still important to catalogue for insurance protection or estate planning, where an owner would benefit from the assurance of professional photographs and inventory documentation, but are not interested in a full appraisal. The inventory and photographs, provided in hard copy and CD format, can then be utilized in variety of ways: stored in a safe deposit box, sent to an insurance agent, or kept off-site with family members. Inventory services are typically less costly than a full appraisal, but the reports do not culminate in values. They are for documentation purposes only.
Estate Consultation
We can help you to sort, categorize and make decisions about your collection. This service may not include a written report, and can be more of a hands-on assignment, where the appraiser uses her knowledge to help family members make practical decisions about divesting of art or collectibles.
TYPES OF APPRAISALS
Insurance Appraisals
If you are a homeowner, you will want to check your homeowner’s insurance policy in order to know what coverage limits exist on your valuables. There is a good chance that a separate policy schedule will be needed to cover certain items of value. Consult your insurance agent to determine if you need a personal property appraisal.
Charitable Donations
When claiming a tax deduction on charitable contributions of fine art, decorative arts, antiques, and other objects of art, the IRS requires that the donor obtain an appraisal by a qualified appraiser when the fair market value of individual items or group of similar items donated is more than $5,000. Zenith appraisers perform donation appraisals in conformity with IRS requirements.
Estate and Probate
Zenith appraisers perform appraisals for estate tax, gift tax, and estate distribution. Consult with your attorney or accountant who will advise you as to when you will need an appraisal.
Divorce (Equitable Division of Marital Assets)A divorce is a trying time in a person’s life but a personal property appraiser is indispensable for an equitable division of marital assets. In order to save time and money a property appraiser is the first professional that the administrator, arbiter or attorney should call.
Benefits of an mutually agreed upon personal property appraiser:
- Negotiations are usually quicker and simple.
- The value of the assets are made irrefutable and acceptable by both parties.
- Reduces attorney costs and litigation time.
