Katherine Yellen is a certified member of the International Society of Appraisers and the Appraisers Association of America.  She provides appraisals for insurance, estates, donations, pre-move/relocations, damage/loss and equitable distributions.  Her reports have also been used by collectors and individuals to value their collection before resale.  Katherine works with private clients, insurance agents, attorneys and tax professionals throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY.

When selecting an appraiser, look for someone like Katherine who is part of a recognized professional appraisers association and has passed the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) exam.  The IRS has issued guidelines to the legal and tax community recommending that they use qualified appraisers particularly for cases involving estates and donations.  A qualified appraisal is one that meets "generally accepted appraisal standards" and follows the principles of Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).  Under Sec.170(f)(11)(E)(ii)(I), the appraiser must have experience and competency to evaluate a given property, verifiable education and must declare that he or she understands that a substantial or gross misstatement of value could lead to civil penalty under Sec.6695A. 

Each appraisal report that we provide will fully meet the standards set forth by USPAP as well as the stipulations set forth by the ISA and AAA. Our reports include digital pictures, full descriptions, measurements, condition and value. For paintings and fine art, information about the artist's background may also be given. Data on comparables is kept in work files or listed directly in the report when necessary. We will also provide electronic copies of the appraisal (including pictures) by email or on CDs for your insurance agent or attorney. This level of documentation is invaluable should you ever need to substantiate an insurance claim due to fire or theft.

A formal appraisal requires that we schedule an appointment to view the items in person. Our fees are based on a rate of $125.00 per hour for the time needed on site to document and photograph each item and for the research done at our office.  There is a minimum charge of $250.00 for an Insurance Appraisal and $500.00 for Damage Loss or Donation Appraisals. 

If you have antiques, furniture, silver, paintings, porcelain, fine art, collectables or other items of value, please give us a call at (203) 438-9228. We can usually provide a cost estimate over the phone based on the number of items and appraisal type (i.e. insurance, estate, etc.) that is required.