Business Details
Expert Personal Property Appraisal Services
We are a premier professional appraisal firm specializing in personal property valuation with decades of combined experience. Our expertise spans antiques, decorative arts, fine art, folk art, furniture, clocks, porcelain, silver, and collectibles. Recognized by insurance companies, lending institutions, courts, and the IRS, we deliver appraisals for insurance underwriting, estate planning, tax reporting, property distribution, and loan collateral. Our team includes experienced appraisers who adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). We offer nationwide service with a focus on reliability, confidentiality, and client-specific needs. Our principal appraiser, Golashovsky, Susan, holds multiple accreditations and has over 20 years of experience in the retail and appraisal sectors.We provide project management for large collections, collections management software integration, and litigation support, including expert witness testimony. Our fee structure is transparent, with charges based on hourly rates, flat fees, or per diem arrangements, never tied to asset value. We serve law firms, insurers, fiduciaries, institutions, high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and governmental agencies. Our commitment to education and professional development ensures our clients receive the highest standard of service.
Services
Appraisal Services
Estate Appraisals
Antique Appraisals
Art Appraisals
Folk Art Appraisals
Furniture Appraisals
Clock Appraisals
General Residential Contents
Project Management
Collections Management
Highlights and features
- Over 20 years of specialized experience in antiques and decorative arts appraisal
- IRS-recognized qualified appraiser with nationwide service capabilities
- Transparent fee structure with no value-based commissions
- Project management for complex collections requiring multidisciplinary expertise
- USPAP-compliant litigation support and expert witness testimony
Associations and certifications
- American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
- Appraisal Foundation
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
Services
Appraisal Services
We provide comprehensive personal property appraisals for insurance, estate planning, and tax purposes. Our USPAP-compliant reports are accepted by courts, banks, and the IRS. Our team delivers accurate valuations for antiques, art, and collectibles with transparent pricing structures.
Estate Appraisals
Specialized appraisal services for estate planning and probate. We assess residential contents, heirlooms, and collectibles to determine fair market value. Our reports support tax reporting, property division, and charitable contribution documentation while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Antique Appraisals
Expert evaluation of antique furniture, decorative arts, and historical objects. Our appraisers combine market analysis with condition assessments to deliver accurate valuations. Services include provenance research and market comparables for insurance and sales advisory purposes.
Art Appraisals
Professional assessment of fine art and folk art collections. We specialize in authentication, attribution, and market value determination. Our reports include detailed condition analysis and market trend insights to support insurance, acquisition, or disposition decisions.
Collections Management
Comprehensive management solutions for institutional and private collections. Services include inventory creation, conservation planning, and storage recommendations. We implement standardized software systems for cataloging and provide brokerage consultation for collection sales or donations.
People
Golashovsky, Susan
Principal Appraiser
Fellow Accredited Senior Appraiser with 20+ years of experience in antiques and decorative arts. Holds four ASA designations and serves on multiple appraisal committees. Educated through George Washington University and Winterthur Museum programs.
Questions
What types of appraisals do you specialize in?
We specialize in personal property appraisals for antiques, art, folk art, furniture, clocks, porcelain, silver, and residential contents. Our services support insurance, estate planning, tax reporting, and litigation needs.
Are your appraisals accepted by the IRS and courts?
Yes, our appraisals meet IRS requirements and are accepted by courts, banks, insurance companies, and lending institutions. We follow USPAP standards to ensure compliance and defensibility.
How are your fees structured?
Fees are charged hourly, as flat rates, or per diem arrangements based on project scope. We never charge percentage-based fees or contingency payments. Detailed fee schedules are available upon request.
Do you offer nationwide services?
Yes, we provide nationwide appraisal services with local expertise in the Philadelphia area. Our team serves clients in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and beyond.
Can you assist with litigation support?
We offer comprehensive litigation support including USPAP-compliant appraisal reports, expert witness testimony, deposition preparation, and review of opposing experts' reports for compliance and accuracy.
