Harrison Schley Appraisals, LLC

1) Consultation: 

We begin by working with our clients to determine the nature, extent, and scope of their appraisal project including an outline of the different appraisals and specialists they may require for the various sectors of their estate. This consultation includes a discussion of the estate’s appraisal options for tax filings, equitable division, and charitable donations.

2) Catalog and “Sense of Value”:

We work with our clients to create a detailed list of all the assets that need to be appraised or otherwise handled by the estate. For objects that require authentication, this is typically the stage where we contact experts to determine authenticity. We then research the general value for relevant items in the catalog. Estates often only require an appraisal for high value items, and the relevant value thresholds vary based on jurisdiction and the needs of the client. A sense of value usually takes the form of either a value range, similar to an auction estimate, or list of assets above a certain value level. (For example Pennsylvania only requires formal appraisals of items valued over $3,000.) This process is not a formal appraisal and helps our clients save time and resources by focusing the scope of items in the final appraisal report. 

3)  Donation / Disposition of Assets, if Necessary:

Using the catalog of the estate’s assets, we offer consultation regarding options for disposition of the estate’s assets. For charitable donations, we are happy to research potential recipient organizations and coordinate the donation and transfer of the property to the donee. Though we do not broker or sell art, if the client wishes to liquidate part of their collection we will coordinate consultations with appropriate third-party market participants. 

4) Appraisal(s):

We coordinate with the necessary experts to compile an appraisal of the estate’s portfolio that complies with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Based on our previous consultation we will coordinate and provide the appropriate appraisal format for either estate tax filing or non-cash charitable donation. We retain all records for no fewer than ten years after the conclusion of our engagement.