Personal property appraisals
Appraisals in Nashville.
Written appraisals, on-site appointments, and verbal opinions. Tell us what you need valued and why; we’ll agree the scope and price before work begins.
Straightforward starting points
Appraisal pricing is quoted in advance.
Final cost depends on the intended use, number and type of items, location, complexity, research required, and report format.
Written Appraisal
Starting at $150For small groups, typically one to five items. Additional items are priced based on complexity and reporting needs.
Payment is required before delivery of the written report.On-Site Hourly Appraisal
Starting at $125/hrFor property that needs to be reviewed on location.
Two-hour minimum; travel or specialty research may affect the quote.Verbal Appraisal Opinion
Starting at $75A limited-use, non-written opinion for up to 30 minutes.
Not a substitute for a formal report when documentation is required.Why clients need appraisals
The right value depends on the question being answered.
Insurance replacement value, fair market value for an estate, and a limited verbal opinion are not interchangeable. We define the assignment before beginning the research.
Estate & Probate
Personal property valuation for estate settlement, planning, inventory, fiduciary work, or distribution decisions. Read the estate executor guide →
Insurance
Documentation for scheduled property, coverage reviews, loss support, or personal records using the appropriate value definition.
Asset Division
Independent personal property valuation for divorce, mediation, equitable distribution, or other ownership decisions.
Personal Planning
Research-supported values for collection management, record-keeping, resale planning, or informed family decisions. Read about family decisions with multiple heirs →
What we appraise
Personal property, from a few important pieces to household contents.
The best first step is to share photographs, the number of items, what you know about them, and why you need the valuation.
Specialty property may require additional research or referral to an appraiser with category-specific competency.
How it works
A clear scope before the research begins.
The exact process depends on the assignment, but most engagements follow these four steps.
Tell Us the Purpose
We discuss the intended use, intended users, property, deadline, and report format.
Confirm the Scope
You receive an advance quote and a clear explanation of what is included and excluded.
Inspect & Research
The appraiser documents the property, condition, relevant characteristics, markets, and comparable evidence.
Receive the Result
Depending on the engagement, you receive a verbal opinion, consultation notes, or written report.
Current standards and tax-related work
The purpose of the appraisal determines what the report must contain.
Formal assignments are scoped around current professional standards and the requirements of the intended use.
For a charitable noncash contribution, a donation receipt does not establish value. Current IRS guidance generally requires Form 8283 for noncash deductions over $500 and a qualified appraisal by a qualified appraiser for many items or groups of similar items valued over $5,000.
Tell us the purpose and deadline first so we can confirm whether the assignment fits our competency and whether the required scope can be met. Taxpayers should coordinate with their CPA or tax attorney.
Common questions
Personal property appraisal FAQs
What is the difference between an appraisal and an estimate?
An appraisal is developed for a defined intended use and value type using an agreed scope of work. An estimate or pricing opinion may be more limited and may not provide the documentation needed by an insurer, court, fiduciary, or tax professional.
Can you appraise items from photographs?
Photographs can help us determine scope and whether an appointment is appropriate. Some limited-use opinions may be possible remotely, but many formal assignments require physical inspection or additional documentation.
How long does an appraisal take?
Timing depends on item count, complexity, research, report format, and deadline. We discuss timing when we quote the assignment.
Do you appraise items you will sell?
Formal appraisal services are separate from estate sale management. Estate Greats does not combine a formal appraisal engagement with selling the same property.
What should I send before an appointment?
Clear photographs of the front, back, maker’s marks, signatures, labels, damage, and measurements are helpful, along with any receipts, provenance, or prior documentation.
Will an appraisal guarantee a sale price?
No. An appraisal reflects the assignment’s value definition, effective date, market evidence, and assumptions. Actual resale results can differ.
Start with the purpose
Tell us what you need the appraisal to accomplish.
We will review the property, intended use, timing, and appropriate level of service, then quote the work before the engagement begins.