Frequently Asked Questions

Personal property appraisal is a well-researched document describing any tangible personal property item with the purpose to determine its value. Appraisals can be either written or verbal. Our professional appraiser will always clearly explain the process of appraising personal property and offer you the best approach to valuing your items.

The appraisal process typically involves examining the item being appraised, researching comparable sales data, and analyzing other factors that can impact its value, such as rarity, age, condition, provenance, and market demand. The appraiser will then provide a written appraisal report that includes their findings and an estimated value of the item.

Personal property appraisals may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as selling or insuring personal property, settling an estate, donating items to a charity, or going through a divorce or other legal proceedings. It's important to obtain a qualified and experienced appraiser who is knowledgeable about the type of property being appraised to ensure an accurate and reliable valuation.

Personal property appraisals typically are not free because they require a significant amount of expertise, time, and effort on the part of the appraiser.

An appraiser's work involves researching the item being appraised, analyzing comparable sales data, and assessing the current market demand for the item. This can require specialized knowledge and skills, as well as access to relevant databases and resources. Additionally, appraisers are often required to prepare detailed reports that document their findings and explain their methodology.

The cost of a personal property appraisal may also include expenses such as travel, photography, and other necessary expenses.

Furthermore, personal property appraisers typically are independent contractors and not salaried employees. Therefore, they charge fees to cover their costs and time.

It's important to note that the cost of a personal property appraisal can vary depending on the appraiser's qualifications and experience, the complexity of the appraisal, and other factors. It's a good idea to obtain a fee schedule or estimate from the appraiser before agreeing to their services.

Companies offering “free” appraisals have intentions to buy your items. They provide biased, low-ball valuations because they are interested in "buying low and reselling high”. Such practice is unethical and those “appraisals” do not represent true value of the items.

It is possible to obtain a personal property appraisal online.

Online personal property appraisals typically involve submitting photographs and descriptions of the items to be appraised, along with any relevant documentation or provenance. The appraiser will then review the information and provide an estimated value based on their assessment.

The appraiser may not have the opportunity to physically examine the item, however important factors such as condition would be assumed and estimated based on the details provided by the client.

In most insurance appraisals, online appraisals are sufficient, however, for more complex reports such as IRS donation, an in-person appraisal by a qualified and experienced appraiser may be necessary to ensure an accurate valuation.

1. For IRS tax reporting, including donated items and estate tax filings.

2. To determine fair market value before selling, gifting, or distributing assets.

3. For insurance coverage, claims, and loss settlements.

4. For business liquidation or asset division.

5. To use as loan collateral or financial planning.

6. For legal matters, including divorce litigation, probate, and other litigation support.

Our company provides unbiased, well-researched, and confidential appraisal reports. We serve New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, and Florida. On special occasions we may travel to other states.

After we appraise your items, we can recommend appropriate venues where you can explore selling options with confidence, knowing their true value. While we do not buy or sell items ourselves, we can guide you to the right resources for making informed decisions. 

Princeton Appraisers fees are never based on the value of the appraised item. Our consultation, appraisal report, and onsite inspection fees are based on the time needed to provide a well-researched valuation. We have appraised everything from multi-million-dollar estates to single items for the curious customers. Email us today to discuss the best appraisal services for you.

The frequency of appraisals can vary depending on the item and its intended use. For insurance purposes, items should be appraised every 3-5 years. For estate planning purposes, items should be appraised at least every 10 years, while divorce litigation appraisals typically are a one-time project.

During an appraisal, the appraiser will examine the item in question, take photographs and measurements, and gather information about its history and provenance. They will then use this information, along with their knowledge and resources, to determine the value of the item.

A personal property appraiser is a qualified professional who assesses the value of personal property, such as furniture, artwork, collectibles, jewelry, and other items that are not real estate.

No, a personal property appraiser cannot provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should consult with an attorney.

The value of personal property is determined by considering factors such as condition, rarity, age, provenance, and market demand. The appraiser will also consider comparable sales data and other factors that can impact the value of the item. The valuation approach will be determined based on the appraisal needs (i.e. IRS donation, insurance, estate, etc.).

Most of our appraisal appointments are conducted at clients' location. Moving valuable items creates unnecessary risk of damage that can be prevented by scheduling an onsite appointment and having us come to you. Most of the clients prefer this approach, therefore, our office appointments are by-appointment only. If you live farther away from one of our locations, contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

Princeton Appraisers can appraise a wide variety of personal property, including:

1. Furniture
2. Artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, and prints
3. Jewelry, including gemstones and precious metals
4. Collectibles, such as stamps, coins, and sports memorabilia
5. Antiques, including furniture, ceramics, and glassware
6. Musical instruments
7. Electronics and technology, such as computers and cameras
8. Vehicles, including cars, boats, and motorcycles
9. Clothing and accessories, such as designer handbags and vintage clothing
10. Household appliances and equipment, such as kitchen appliances and exercise equipment.
11. And most other types of personal property.

PRINCETON

300 Carnegie Center Dr, Suite 150Princeton NJ 08540

Phone: 609-309-7050

SUMMIT

350 Springfield Ave, Suite 200Summit NJ 07901

Phone: 908-320-7997

RED BANK

32 Monmouth St, Suite 317Red Bank NJ 07701

Phone: 732-945-9923

MIAMI

1110 Brickell Avenue 430K-180

Miami​, FL​, 33131

Phone: 305-239-5101

or Email: info@PrincetonAppraisers.com