An appraisal is a formal legal document and the most reliable way to accurately identify, describe, and value personal property. Prepared by a tested, accredited appraiser, a USPAP-compliant appraisal provides a well-supported opinion of value used to make informed financial, legal, and estate decisions.
Appraisal reports prepared by BLADES Appraisals are clear, logical, and defensible, supported by market research and analysis. All reports comply with the Appraisal Foundation’s Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), applicable IRS regulations, and the professional standards of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). Our appraisals are recognized by insurers, courts, fiduciaries, and the Internal Revenue Service.
You May Needan Appraisal For....
Insurance coverage and claims, estate and gift tax, charitable contributions, dontations, gifts, divorce and property division, probate, and financial or legal planning.
We Appraise...
Fine art, decorative arts, antiques, firearms, maps, books & documents, historic items, oriental rugs and textiles, special collections, and residential contents.
BLADES Appraisals supports attorneys and their clients in litigation matters involving personal property valuations when specialized expertise is required. We assist with discovery and trial preparation by evaluating case materials, identifying valuation issues, reviewing depositions, assessing opposing expert qualifications, and analyzing expert reports for methodology, accuracy, and USPAP compliance.
When appropriate, we prepare impartial appraisal reports for litigation and provide deposition and courtroom testimony as fact or court-accepted expert witnesses. Our experience and clear communication of valuation principles help attorneys present credible, well-supported opinions that contribute to effective case resolution.
Damage or loss to personal property may result from natural disasters, theft, accidents, construction-related incidents, or issues related to shipping, moving, or storage. When a loss occurs, accurate valuation is critical to support insurance claims, tax considerations, and financial recovery.
For complex insurance damage or loss claims, BLADES Appraisals prepares comprehensive appraisal reports using the Broad Evidence Rule, which considers multiple factors affecting value, including replacement cost, condition before and after the loss, restoration costs, diminutive loss in value, and relevant market data. These reports assist insurers and their representatives in determining appropriate settlement amounts and facilitate efficient claim resolution.
When losses are not fully covered under a homeowner’s policy, a qualified appraisal may also be required to substantiate a casualty loss deduction for income tax purposes. BLADES Appraisals provides independent, well-supported valuations prepared to meet insurance requirements.
Appraisal Review and Management is a distinct discipline within ASA. In matters leading up to, or in litigation, attorneys will often retain an appraiser to provide a written review of a prior/existing appraisal report by another appraiser, with or without an independent opinion of value. The review must be prepared in adherence with and must comply with Appraisal Review Standards of USPAP (Standards 3 and 4) for Development and Reporting. An appraisal review can be an effective tool for a successful litigation result.
BLADES Appraisals provides comprehensive project and collections management services for individuals, fiduciaries, corporations, and institutions managing single assets or large, complex collections. Our team has the experience and resources to oversee all phases of a project, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and well-documented outcomes.
Project Management Services Include:
