What is personal property appraisal?

A personal property appraisal is a professional, written determination of the fair market value of tangible, movable belongings such as furniture, jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and household goods, typically prepared as of a specific date for a stated purpose.

Unlike a real estate appraisal, it covers only movable items, not land or buildings. A qualified appraiser inspects and documents each item or collection, researches comparable sales, and considers condition, provenance, authenticity, and rarity before arriving at a value conclusion. The finished report describes each item, explains the methodology used, and cites the market evidence supporting the appraiser's opinion of value, so the document holds up to scrutiny from the IRS, a court, an insurance carrier, or other interested parties.

For an Oklahoma personal property appraisal, this typically applies to:

Fine art, paintings, and decorative arts
Jewelry, watches, and precious metals
Antiques, furniture, and collectibles
Firearms, militaria, coins, and currency
Full household contents and estate collections

When Is a Personal Property Appraisal Needed?

The most common reasons someone requests one include estate settlement and probate, charitable donation deductions, insurance coverage or claims, and litigation matters like divorce. Each purpose calls for the same underlying rigor: a defensible value, supported by evidence, that a reviewing party (the IRS, a court, an insurer) can rely on.

For estates specifically, the appraisal establishes date-of-death values used for probate filings, estate tax reporting, and equitable distribution among heirs. Our appraisers hold credentials with organizations such as the ASA, ISA, and AAA, and every report is prepared in accordance with USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice), the standard recognized across the appraisal profession.

If you're settling an estate or need a valuation for another purpose, you can request an appraisal to get started.