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When Should You Hire an Appraiser?
Hire a qualified appraiser when a decision requires a defensible value opinion for a defined purpose—such as insurance, donation, estate, equitable distribution, damage, litigation, or a significant planned sale.
Why this question is harder than it looks
The assignment should state intended use, value definition, effective date, relevant market, scope, assumptions, and report format. Expertise must fit the property and purpose.
A practical way to decide
- Ask the requesting insurer, lawyer, accountant, or agency what report standard is required.
- Verify the appraiser's relevant specialty, education, designations, and independence.
- Disclose the purpose and all material object records.
- Ask how fees are calculated and avoid compensation contingent on value.
- Keep the signed report and update schedule with the object record.
What this does not establish
A conservator, auction estimate, dealer offer, automated result, or seller's opinion may provide useful information but is not automatically an appraisal for your intended use.
Next step
Check an artwork to organize public evidence about a specific listing. The tool provides research context, not authentication or appraisal.
Sources
- Publication 561: Determining the Value of Donated PropertyInternal Revenue Service
- Art Appraisal ServicesInternal Revenue Service
- Frequently Asked QuestionsAmerican Institute for Conservation