AppraiseItNow Blog

Imagine standing in a home filled with decades of possessions. You might be settling a loved one’s estate or downsizing your own. Either way, you face a common challenge: how do you honor a lifetime of belongings while ensuring you receive fair value?You’ve likely heard of estate sales and auctions, but the differences between them are significant. Choosing the right method can mean the difference between maximizing your return and leaving money on the table. Let’s walk through what you need to know to make an informed decision.

As the executor or administrator of an estate, one of your key responsibilities is to determine the value of the personal property left behind—from furniture and artwork to jewelry and collections. This process, known as an estate appraisal, is an essential legal step required to satisfy probate courts, the IRS, and to ensure a fair distribution among heirs. While the task can seem complex, proper preparation makes it entirely manageable. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to know to handle the appraisal process with confidence.

Receiving a phone call that changes everything is a common story for those who inherit property. One moment, you’re going about your day; the next, you learn a relative has passed away and left you their home. The property may be filled with memories, but it also comes with urgent questions. What do you do first? What about taxes and paperwork? If you’re navigating the sale of an inherited property, you’re facing a complex financial decision during an already difficult time. This guide provides a clear, chronological path to help you make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes, from understanding your legal standing to closing the sale.

Discovering you’ve inherited art and antiques can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Whether it’s a single painting you remember from your grandmother’s wall or an entire collection of porcelain and furniture, you now have a responsibility to manage these assets. This inheritance is more than just a collection of objects. It represents a significant financial and cultural legacy. Making the right moves from the very beginning is crucial to protect the value of your inheritance and make informed decisions. We’ll walk you through the essential steps to help you understand what you own, avoid common mistakes, and confidently navigate the process.

As the executor of a loved one’s estate, you are tasked with significant legal and financial duties. From managing assets to satisfying the IRS, your responsibilities are complex and carry personal liability. The most critical step in this process is obtaining accurate, professional appraisals.These valuations form the legal and financial foundation for the entire settlement, ensuring tax compliance, fair distributions, and your own protection. This guide explains when and why you need them and how these documented valuations safeguard the estate.

Imagine walking into divorce mediation only to discover your home appraisal won’t hold up in court. The mediator explains that your online estimate is inadmissible, your insurance appraisal uses the wrong valuation method, and you now face delays and added legal fees to start over.This scenario is a frustrating reality for many, derailing cases and leading to unfair settlements. A professional divorce appraisal provides the objective, legally defensible foundation that courts require for equitable property division. It removes emotional bias and establishes a trustworthy value for one of your most significant assets. The right appraiser can streamline your divorce, while the wrong one can drain your finances and compromise your case. This guide will walk you through finding a qualified appraiser who understands the specific demands of divorce proceedings, ensuring your financial interests are protected.