Appraisals

What is an appraisal?

As defined by the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), an appraisal is “the act or process of developing an opinion of value.” The USPAP states that calling an appraisal something else, such as “valuation” or “valuation estimate” does not remove it from being considered as an appraisal if an opinion of value is give. The appraisal document contains a valuation executed for a specific purpose and follows specified guidelines.

What is USPAP?

da-Silva-webUniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. These are the appraisal procedures and guidelines for conducting and writing appraisals published by the Appraisal Standards Boards of The Appraisal Foundation. First codified in 1987, these standards apply to all disciplines of appraising and are predicated on the concept that there is common methodology that can be found in all aspects of appraisal practice including appraisal, appraisal review and appraisal consultancy. Although not required by the IRS or for many insurance carriers, it is strongly advised (and looked on favorably by the IRS) that all practicing appraisers be USPAP certified every five years by taking a 15-hour course and exam.

Ms. Lancaster is a USPAP-certified appraiser.

What is the purpose of an appraisal?

There are many purposes for an appraisal including:

Charitable Contribution, which establishes the value of objects donated to qualified organizations in order to establish an income tax deduction

Estates, which establishes the value of objects connected to the preparation of estate tax returns; or to administer asset distribution in estate planning

Gift Tax, which establishes the value of objects transferred through a charitable donation to a qualified organization or a non-charitable gift to a family member as of a specific date to establish a transfer tax

Insurance, which establishes the value of objects in classifying appropriate insurance coverage; or Damage and Loss, which establishes the hypothetical value of objects included in a loss or damage event

Equitable Distribution of Property, which establishes the value of objects for distributions of jointly owned property

Financial, which establishes the value of objects for asset management, collateral loans and related financial and legal matters

Market Related or Informational, which establishes the value of objects for potential sales, purchases, or personal knowledge

atlas-3

How do you charge for an appraisal?

Appraisals or consulting services are generally based on an hourly fee. This fee will vary depending on the purpose of the appraisal, the level of research, the quantity of documentation necessary and any related travel expenses. After a brief consultation, Lancaster Appraisals will provide a formal time estimate in the form of an appraisal agreement.

Some definitions one should be familiar with:

Fair Market Value is defined by the IRS Section 1.170 and 20.2031(b) as “the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts.”

Replacement Value is the highest value in terms of cash that would be required to replace a property with another of similar age, quality, origin, appearance, provenance and condition, within a reasonable length of time in an appropriate and relevant market. The costs of acquisition or replication, as well as all applicable taxes and duties, framing and transportation are reflected in the assigned value.

What is Personal Property?

Defined by the USPAP as “identifiable tangible objects that are considered by the general public as being personal for example, furnishings, artwork, antiques, gems and jewelry, collectibles, machinery and equipment; all tangible property that is not classified as real estate.” USPAP does not mention that there are two general classifications of personal property: depreciable personal property or property that is expected to depreciate in value over time, and appreciable personal property or property that has the potential of increasing in value over time. Most machinery and equipment will depreciate in value once they are used, while art, antiques and collectibles have the potential of increasing in value as the demand in the collectors’ marketplace increases as time goes by.