Appraisals
Sotheby's can prepare appraisals to suit a variety of needs, including:
- estate tax and estate planning
- insurance
- charitable contribution
- collateral loan purposes
A completed appraisal will include detailed property descriptions and itemized values in a bound document with an affidavit and summary page. Sotheby's appraisals are widely accepted by the Internal Revenue Service, tax and estate planning professionals, and insurance firms.
The appraisal fee is based on the volume and nature of the property, as well as the amount of time and number of specialists required. Sotheby's will refund the fee pro rata should you consign any of the property to us for sale.
Auction Estimates & Other Advice
In the event that a sale is considered, we would be pleased to provide auction estimates, an in-depth proposal for sale, and a comprehensive marketing plan, depending upon the property's value. When sales are underway, the group works closely with the appropriate specialist departments to ensure that clients' needs are met promptly and efficiently.
Valuations
The European Valuation Department provides written inventories and formal valuations for a variety of purposes, including insurance, probate and succession, asset management and tax planning. Valuations can also be produced on diskette or CD ROM. We can interface with most asset management databases.
Valuations can be provided for any object normally handled by Sotheby's specialist departments and can be tailored to suit most needs. If required, images of the most important objects in the collection can be included with the valuation.
Fees for written valuations are calculated either on a per diem basis or on a fixed fee basis depending on the nature and amount of work involved. Reasonable expenses may be charged in addition. Fees may be reduced or refunded in the event of sales through Sotheby's.
For larger estates and collections, fees for written valuations are negotiable and extremely competitive. If appropriate, we would be delighted to visit you free of charge and without obligation to discuss your particular requirements.
