How To Find An Art Appraiser
/Navigating the Art World: A Guide to Finding the Right Art Appraiser
Navigating the Art World: A Guide to Finding the Right Art Appraiser
The art business is a robust and multi-faceted industry, generating hundreds of billions of dollars for the economy. It can also be challenging to navigate and understand where to turn for trusted professional guidance. Value matters, and when it is time to find a qualified art appraiser for your collection or an individual work of art, there are ways to help you find the right fit for your needs and types of art. Art appraisals are a crucial step in determining the value of your art, whether for insurance, donation, resale, or estate planning. Entrusting this task to a qualified art appraiser is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the right art appraiser for your needs:
Professional Associations
Start your search by exploring reputable professional associations recognized by the Appraisal Foundation of America, which Congress authorizes as the source of standards and appraiser qualifications. These organizations often have directories of certified appraisers ensuring a certain standard of expertise. A qualified appraiser organization will require background references, thorough training, testing criteria, and a rigorous code of ethics, which appraisers maintain. For fine art, there are three leading appraisal organizations:
The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) - www.isa-appraisers.org
The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) - www.appraisers.org
The Appraisers Association of America (AAA) - www.appraisersassociation.org
2. Local Auction Houses, Galleries and Museums
Contact local auction houses, galleries, or museums. They are deeply embedded in the art community and can provide recommendations based on their experience with appraisers. Some may even offer appraisal services themselves. Most insurance companies and the IRS will not accept an appraisal from the gallery that sold the work to you, and this is considered a potential conflict of interest in the appraisal industry, so it is essential to find an impartial third-party appraiser.
3. Online Directories
Utilize online directories that specialize in connecting individuals with professional appraisers. Websites like The Appraisal Foundation www.appraisalfoundation.org or even online databases such as Art Collecting www.art-collecting.com can be valuable resources in your search.
4. Specialization Matters
Consider the specialization of the appraiser. Different appraisers may have expertise in specific types of art, such as paintings, sculptures, or antiques. Choose someone whose skills align with the nature of your collection.
5. Credentials and Qualifications
Verify the appraiser’s credentials and qualifications. Look for certifications from recognized institutions, ensuring they adhere to professional standards. Accreditation from organizations like ISA is a positive indicator. Beware of appraisers who have online certificates from an organization that is not vetted and does not test and train their appraisers or require continuing education or requalification standards. Ask how long the appraiser has been conducting appraisals—experience matters.
6, Transparent Fee Structure
Inquire about the appraiser’s fee structure upfront. A transparent breakdown of fees, whether hourly rates or a flat fee, is essential to avoid any surprises later in the process. Appraisers are prohibited from charging a fee based on the value of the art; this is an ethical violation and conflict of interest. An appraiser may be unable to pinpoint the exact cost before they begin, especially if it is an extensive collection. Still, it is crucial to understand their hourly rate or project-based fee structure.
7. Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital. Ensure the appraiser is willing to explain their methodology and valuation process in a way you can understand. Clear communication builds trust throughout the appraisal journey. Understanding how long this will take and what you can expect during this process is important.
8. Ethics and Integrity
Choose an appraiser who operates with the highest ethical standards. The Appraisal Foundation’s Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) sets the industry standard for ethical conduct. A professional appraisal will include a signed USPAP certification statement from every appraiser, ensuring they have complied with those standards.
9. Local or Online Appraisal
A lot of appraisals can be conducted online, especially for resale purposes and often for estate planning purposes. Some insurance companies will require the appraiser to conduct an on-site personal inspection of the art to be accepted by the insurance company. Sometimes, just Googling “Art Appraiser Near Me” is how people find an appraiser qualified to work with them. Check their website and ensure they have experience appraising the art types you need to appraise. Most appraisers will have a specialty, but some appraisers are called Generalists and often handle multiple types of items, including furniture and household contents.
10. Other Appraisers
If you know of an appraiser in your area, but they do not work in the specialty you need, such as books or jewelry or even some specialties like Asian Art, they should be able to recommend a qualified appraiser they know or trust. As members of appraisal organizations, appraisers regularly meet with, study with, or have access to specialty appraisers and often work together to benefit the client. Your local appraiser could be the onsite person who examines the work, and they contract with the specialist to research and value the item based on your notes, photographs, and descriptions. This can be a precious time and cost saver for clients.
When fine art is involved, it is essential to work with a specialist because a competent expert in modern and contemporary art will often have experience buying, selling, and working in the market, often as a dealer or art advisor, and can distinguish the difference between a $60,000 painting and a $600,000 painting. You don’t want surprises, and you don’t want to be underinsured or overinsured. It is essential to have an accurate valuation of your fine art.
In Summary
Finding the right art appraiser is crucial in ensuring your art is valued accurately. Take the time to research and choose someone who possesses the necessary skills and aligns with your specific needs and preferences. With the right appraiser, you can navigate the art market confidently and make informed decisions about your valuable collection.
Appraisers often become trusted advisors for their clients, offering additional services and trusted referrals in the market, such as professional framers, conservators, art insurance providers, shipping and handling and installation experts, and contacts for museums, dealers, and auction houses. As appraisers, we have a network of art world professionals we trust, work with, and understand the importance of collection management. Appraisers can make introductions and referrals when it is time to sell items in your collection. Trust your instincts.