Protecting Your Collection and Your Wallet: What You Could Lose If You Suffer a Loss Without an Appraisal

Kirsten Rabe Smolensky, JD, ISA CAPP

As an appraiser, I have worked on a lot of insurance claims, including losses due to fire, theft, transit damage, and flood. The number one mistake most insureds make is not being prepared in advance.

Imagine that your house has burned to the ground and everything inside it destroyed. The insurance company requests an inventory of EVERYTHING inside. Do you know how many kitchen pots you have? Shoes? Tools? Most people remember the large, expensive items, but forget numerous smaller items. These items add up quickly.

And, those large, expensive items? They may or may not be covered depending upon how your policy is written and whether you have the appropriate riders in place. Most insurance companies will require an appraisal to insure these items.

This article will help you prepare for a potential loss. Some steps you can take on your own, but others will require the assistance of a professional appraiser.

Understand Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

The biggest problem I see after a devastating loss is underinsurance, meaning that homeowners suffer a loss yet fail to recover tens of thousands of dollars just at the time when they have lost everything they hold dear. How do you prevent this?

Every insurance policy is different and you should work with your insurance agent to understand how your policy works. However, there are a few common traits most homeowner’s policies share. If you understand these commonalities, you can ask the right questions to ensure that your coverage is adequate.

Take steps to insure your home - and its contents.

Most homeowner’s policies have a total coverage limit for household contents that is based upon a percentage of your home’s value. For example, if you have a $400,000 home, you might have 50% in personal property coverage ($200,000) or you might have 75% in personal property coverage ($300,000). You need to know what that amount is and feel confident that you can replace every item of personal property in your home, from fine art to furniture to clothing, for that amount. If you are buying furniture from designers, have some nice rugs and fine art, or are a collector, these limits can be easily exceeded. If you have expensive tools or lawn equipment in your garage, you should also consider those items.

Next, even if that limit appears sufficient, your policy may have special limits for certain categories of items. Most homeowner’s policies have dollar limits on jewelry, fine art, rugs, silver, collectibles, antiques, guns, etc. The limits generally range from a few thousand dollars to $5,000 or $10,000 per category. However, if you have two or three nice rugs or pieces of fine art in your home, you can quickly exceed those limits.

For example, assume that you have three nice, original paintings in your home. You inherited one and are unsure of its value, you purchased one ten years ago for $3,000 and you recently bought a third painting for $4,000. At this point, you know you have at least $7,000 worth of fine art. If you have a $5,000 special limit on fine art, you will need a rider adding coverage to your homeowner’s insurance. Otherwise, in the event of a loss of the three paintings (and any other fine art you may own) you will only be reimbursed up to $5,000, regardless of the total value of the paintings. So, if the inherited painting turns out to be worth a fortune, you just lost it. Adding a rider, or additional special coverage, to your homeowner’s policy will protect against that loss. And, it will often require a professional appraisal of the paintings in advance. Understanding your policy and making sure you have adequate coverage is crucial to protecting yourself against such unanticipated losses.

Be sure to keep track of all your antiques and collectibles,
not just fine art.

The most common mistake that I see clients make is that they remember to get their jewelry appraised but forget about their rugs, silver, antiques and collectibles. Make sure you ask your insurance agent the right questions and fully understand your homeowner’s policy.
I recommend having a conference call with an appraiser and your insurance agent so that everyone can be on the same page as to which items need to be appraised. Many competent, ISA-trained appraisers can help facilitate a discussion with your insurance agent to ensure that you get the necessary items appraised and properly insured.

Create an Inventory

Create an inventory of items that you own. This can be done on your own or with the assistance of a professional appraiser. A written, photographic, or videoed inventory can mean the difference between coverage and non-coverage.

The purpose of an inventory is two-fold. First, it proves to the insurance company that the items existed and were in your home. Second, a good inventory will provide details about the items (type, style, quality, condition, brand, etc.) that will ensure accurate replacement should replacement become necessary.

If you do not want to do this yourself, or fear you may not know what information to capture, many appraisers will create an inventory for you. If you know you have valuable items that will require a rider, then ask the appraiser to create an inventory for you while they are already on site appraising your other items.

Take stock of all the contents of your home and garage -
You may be surprised at how much you own.

Many appraisers can photograph every room of the house in an organized, orderly fashion that is easy to follow, and focus on the more valuable items. Appraisers generally have a good eye for value and quality and will know what objects to focus on and what types of photographs to take, but we never want to miss anything that is important to you. Make sure that you point out items in advance that you know are particularly valuable or important to you so the appraiser knows what to capture.
Photographic inventories can be invaluable in the event of a loss, and I generally recommend clients store photographs on a flash drive (or two) and keep at least one flash drive off site in a secure location.

Keep Good Records

For those expensive purchases, including jewelry, fine art and the riding lawn mower in the garage, make sure that you keep receipts. Insurance companies will often ask for proof of purchase price for expensive items, particularly if they are not listed on a rider prior to the loss and/or you paid cash for them. Keep copies of the receipts in a secure location offsite or digitize them and save them in the cloud. Alternatively, you should be able to look up major purchases on your credit card statements. Insurance companies will often accept those records as proof of purchase.

For items such as fine art or an important antique, keeping the receipt may also help prove provenance. Provenance is an item’s record of ownership that is often used to help determine authenticity, quality and ultimately value. An item with a good provenance often has more value than an item without a provenance. Keeping good records should become a habit whenever a substantial purchase is made.

If the Worst Happens

Unfortunately, claims sometimes happen. Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you need to file a claim:

1. File your claim as soon as possible. Do not miss the deadline for notice. If you do, you may not be covered.
2. Make sure that when you file a claim it is as complete as possible. If you’ve had items damaged in a move, take an extra day or two to make sure you’ve listed EVERYTHING as long as it won’t cause the claim to be late. If you find items later and add them to the list, it may look suspicious.
3. When asked how old an item is and what was paid for it, be honest and reasonable. When possible support your statements with receipts and/or credit card statements. If you are unsure how much was paid, just say so and explain why. Perhaps the item was a gift or it was inherited.
4. Once you open a claim, keep a file for that claim. The file can be electronic or printed, but it should include all correspondence, any photos, any receipts, all emails, etc. Ideally, you should also keep a notepad handy to record every verbal interaction with the insurance company. Include the date of any call, who you spoke to, what was discussed and how long the call was. Keep a copy of the insurance policy handy too. If you do not have one, ask for it. If you need to hire an appraiser, it may be helpful for the appraiser to see the policy. This will let them know the type of policy and any special limits, etc.

What You Should Do TODAY

Call your insurance company and make sure that you understand your policy. If you have items that need to be put on a rider, call an ISA appraiser and have them assist you in:

1. Figuring out which items should be appraised 
2. Creating an inventory
3. Writing an appraisal for high-value items.

A little bit of work up front can save you LOTS of time, money and frustration should the worst happen.

Kirsten Rabe Smolensky, JD, ISA CAPP is the owner of Minerva Appraisal, LLC, a general personal property appraisal firm offering a full range of professional appraisal services in the Nashville, TN area. She appraises antiques, fine art, silver, furniture, ceramics, etc., and considers herself a "general contractor" of appraisal services.

For more information on the importance of working with a credentialed ISA appraiser and to search for one by location or specialty, please visit the Find an ISA Member page.

Would you like to be an ISA blog contributor? Email us.

How Do I Market My Appraising Business?

You’re an appraiser – you can spot a fake Picasso, tell the difference between Ming dynasty porcelain and Qing dynasty porcelain and recite the USPAP manual front to back. But do you know how to attract new customers to your business? With changes like the explosive popularity of social media and the addition of new millennial collectors to the market, growing your appraising business looks a lot different than it did even five or ten years ago.

To keep you up to date, here are a few tips and resources, and even a tutorial video, that will help you show off your ISA credentials and connect you with more clients.

Step 1: Attract More Customer Leads with a Compelling Appraiser Profile

When looking for an appraiser, the first thing many of your potential customers will do is search online. In fact, the Find an ISA Member search tool gets over 2500 page visits per month. What are visitors seeing when they come across your profile? The best way to get noticed is to make sure your profile is updated with all your most recent information.

To update your profile, simply log in to the ISA website and click “Manage Your Profile.” Add a picture, bio and your specialties to make your profile stand out. Don’t forget to add your location so customers near you can find you easily!

An example of a great profile in the Find an ISA Member search tool

For more detailed instructions on updating your profile on the ISA website, read our blog post with screenshots and more.

Step 2: Get Reading! Take Advantage of Free Marketing Guides

If you’re a member of ISA, you have access to the ISA Means Business Toolbox, which is a set of resources designed to give you all the information you need to connect with customers and market your business.

• Don’t have a big budget? Check out this post for ideas that will bring you new leads but won’t break the bank.
• Lost in the world of digital apps and platforms? Here is a helpful guide to the best apps for starting and managing your business.
• Starting from scratch? We have a guide to starting and marketing your new appraising business from the ground up here.

Step 3: Download Pre-made, Customizable Resources

To save you time, ISA has put together a number of downloadable resources that will help you get your marketing campaigns up and running within minutes. It’s as easy as clicking the download button and customizing as necessary.

• Show off your credentials with ISA member logos, perfect for your website and social media
• Create a professional advertising campaign with ready-made artwork with space for your logo and bio.
• Let the public know why it’s important to choose an educated and certified appraiser with a brochure complete with your logo and business information.
• Give a professional presentation on personal property appraising with a ready-made PowerPoint.

Step 4: Connect with Other Appraisers

Join us at one of our educational events, follow ISA on Facebook and Twitter, and get involved with the ISA Ambassador Program.

One of ISA’s best resources is its membership and collegial atmosphere, with many people ready to share what they know about appraising and marketing with you.

Need More Help? Watch our Marketing Resource Tutorial

We’ve put together a short video tutorial that gives you a tour of each of the benefits included in the ISA Means Business Toolbox, from downloading assets for your site to customizing your brochure. 

ISA’s goal is to ensure that each of its members has the tools they need to bring in customers and display their knowledge of appraising. We always have more tools on the way, so keep an eye on the ISA Now blog and the Toolbox for future updates. If you have a specific business need that ISA can help with, feel free to email us at info@isa-appraisers.org.

What Is USPAP and Why Is It Important to Hire a USPAP-Compliant Appraiser?

By Sarah Reeder, ISA AM

If you need a precious item of yours appraised – perhaps a painting, your grandmother’s ring, or an antique piece of furniture – you want to make sure you hire the best person for the job.

The International Society of Appraisers is committed to offering education and training to personal property appraisers so that they, in turn, can deliver the very best in quality appraisals to their clients. An essential part of this education and training is USPAP, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, of which all ISA members must be in compliance as part of their membership requirements.

This blog post will help you understand a bit more about what is required to be a USPAP-compliant appraiser and why it’s so important to choose one.

So What Is USPAP?

The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is the official guidance document published by the Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) of The Appraisal Foundation (TAF). USPAP was adopted by the United States Congress in 1989 following the problems caused by the savings and loan crisis and defines a set of recommended procedures and ethical standards for appraisers. The document is revised and reissued every two years and the current edition is for 2016-2017. The current document is 395 pages long, covering an extensive framework of standards for appraisers to follow. Standards 7 (Personal Property Appraisal, Development) and 8 (Personal Property Appraisal, Reporting) are the two that directly address personal property appraising.

USPAP also contains a number of important Rules governing the professional behavior of appraisers separate from the Standards, including the Ethics Rule, Record Keeping Rule, Competency Rule, and Scope of Work Rule.

USPAP states, "The Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) of The Appraisal Foundation develops, interprets, and amends the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) on behalf of appraisers and users of appraisal services."

What Does "USPAP-Compliant" Mean?

Appraisers who state they are USPAP-compliant have pledged to follow the regulations outlined in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice in their appraisal reports.

There is a 15-hour course with a written examination based on the material in the USPAP guidance document that appraisers must take and pass in order to state that they are current with USPAP. After passing the initial examination, appraisers must take a 7-hour update course every two years to remain current, or they will have to take the 15-hour course and examination again.

According to U.S. law, USPAP compliance is required for real estate appraisers, those who evaluate buildings and homes, but is only voluntary for personal property appraisers, who evaluate items such as antiques and fine arts within a house. However, all members of the International Society of Appraisers must be USPAP-compliant as part of their membership requirements.

Why is It Important to Hire a USPAP-Compliant Appraiser?

It's critical to hire a USPAP-compliant appraiser because USPAP protects the interests of the client.

One of the key features of USPAP is that the appraiser is not allowed to charge an appraisal fee that is based on the appraised value of the items included within the appraisal report. It’s easy now to see how this could lead to situations where an appraised value could be inflated to increase the appraisal fee, but historically this practice did occur.

To ensure your appraisal is done ethically and professionally, USPAP Rules require that appraisers, among other things:

• Include a signed certification of non-bias and impartiality in their appraisal report
• Prepare a detailed workfile to document the specifics of the appraisal
• Meet competency requirements

If you’d like to view the detailed guidelines, you’ll find them here:

• Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, Standard 8-3, page 59 of current edition
• USPAP Record Keeping Rule, page 11 of current edition
• USPAP Competency Rule, page 12 of current edition

Finding a Qualified Appraiser

In conclusion, individuals seeking an appraisal of their personal property should always look for an appraiser who is USPAP-compliant. While voluntary, USPAP compliance is a mark of professionalism and ethical standards and serves to protect users of appraisal services.

To find a qualified appraiser in your area, use our Find an ISA Member tool, where you can search by zip code, specialty item, and more.

About the Author:
Sarah Reeder, ISA AM, is the owner of Artifactual History® Appraisal and a Member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Appraisal Education (FAE). She is a generalist appraiser of antiques and art and specialist of Mid-Century Modern and 20th Century Design.

This blog post is part of a series that covers many of the topics and questions a new client might have and serves both as part of the ISA Means Business! Toolbox. You can email the link to this post or print out the information for a client asking about USPAP or for future clients beginning the research process of hiring an appraiser. This series was born out of the realization that it can be very difficult for those outside the appraisal world to obtain detailed, reliable information about appraising, and we hope that this post and the other posts in this series will help educate users of appraisal services so they are knowledgeable, empowered consumers who recognize the importance of hiring professional, USPAP-compliant appraisers.

ISA Means Business! Part 3: Marketing Tips on the Cheap!

By Jan Robbins Durr, ISA CAPP, Membership Retention Committee

It can be daunting for a new appraiser to face the prospect of marketing themselves to the public. In fact, most appraisers come from an academic background and have had no prior experience marketing their personal brand. However, consider that your expertise from completing the ISA Core Course—and your designated ARC, FA, G&J field—has given you a teachable moment to educate a prospective customer on the many aspects of appraising and... you guessed it: You have now marketed yourself.

Obviously, it takes a bit more than knowing your subject well to get you into the door of the gatekeeper. As we have all learned, you usually can’t have a 'do-over' with a first impression. Our tips for marketing (which will be included in the ISA Means Business Toolbox) will pinpoint what leads to that great first impression. Your professionalism, appearance, presentation and marketing materials all factor into being hired. But how do you begin to garner gatekeepers' attention to the qualities of your business? And what marketing efforts are available to those starting a new business who are looking to face as few monetary costs as possible?

We’ve started with a list that can produce results to get your name out to the "right clientele." Here are some "On the Cheap" recommendations of where to begin:

• Open a free Google business account, which will not only make you more visible on a search engine for appraisers but will also serve to place your business on Google Maps. It also should go without saying—make sure to fill out your free ISA "Find an Appraiser" profile on the ISA website. As was stated in a June ISA Now blog post, we have 2,500 page views per month to the site, so don’t miss an easy opportunity to show up on the radars of prospective clients!
• Create a free Facebook account, one that centers on a subject that you think would draw prospects to join. It’s a great opportunity to show your interest in a field and find like-minded individuals who may need your services. The other benefit? It'll put you in a position to expand your own knowledge as well
• Sign up for HARO, or Help a Reporter Out, a free service where journalists, writers and bloggers post daily Public Relations opportunities for anyone to access and respond to. Three emails are sent out daily, five days a week, filled with queries from news outlets like Forbes, CNN, ABC, Entrepreneur, INC and many more. Answering inquiries quickly will help you rise to the top of their go-to list.
• Creating your own website can cost you some money. However, it’s either an expense you should budget for or an idea you should research. Find relatively easy-to-use online programs that will allow you to design you own basic website with ease. In today’s world, more people find appraisers on the Internet than anywhere else. It sure beats the days of yellow page ads that cost a fortune. Platforms to consider when seeking to build your own easy, accessible website: web.com, Weebly, eHost, and WiX, to name a few.
• After creating a website, use it to feature links to other people's content, including ISA's. What better marketing than for the public to see you are with the best society for personal property appraisers?
• Comment on blog posts. Leaving thoughtful comments on blogs you follow can get you noticed by both the blog owners and their visitors.
• Check on local business events on Meetup or see what activities local chambers or small business associations are hosting. Face-to-face meetings cannot be overrated, and they often mark the beginning of building those important relationships.
• Volunteer to speak to groups that include a gatekeeper or grassroots audience, such as social clubs, insurance industry, attorneys, and so forth. If you have written any books or subject handouts that can be shared, by all means do so.

We hope these suggestions will help get you underway in creating additional exposure for your business. Many times it’s been said, it may take five No’s to get to a Yes. Using the arsenal of ideas we are creating with "ISA Means Business," building a strong network will certainly increase your opportunity to be seen and, in turn, find new business assignments.

This is the third part of an ongoing series known as ISA Means Business!, a program created by the ISA Membership Retention Committee that focuses on helping members create and maintain businesses that stay up-to-date and thriving. If you haven't yet, make sure to read the past entries. Part 1 introduces the program as a whole, while Part 2 highlights a host of free-to-cheap apps that may prove useful to those starting a new business.

ASK AN INSTRUCTOR: How do you respond to an inquiry that assumes that appraisers don’t charge for their work and that we can easily answer questions about their treasures without having to do any work?

ISA members are invited to send in their questions on all things appraising and education to ISA's instructors. One of ISA's instructors will share answers on the ISA Now Blog. Please send questions to directorofeducation@isa-appraisers.org.

The ISA website is a very good source of potential work, although many of the inquiries I receive still assume that appraisers don’t charge for their work and that we can easily answer questions about their treasures without having to do any work. This is a typical letter I received just a week ago about appraising a clock or, as the note said, they would “like to know how much it is worth.” Note my answer, which is probably a version of what you say as well. If not, I would suggest making a template to answer these types of inquiries in order to save time and to spare any possible embarrassment or inability to ask for a reasonable fee to compensate you for an answer you have already provided.

Question: I found you on the ISA web page and wanted to ask you for some orientation. I have an LFS huge Grandfather Clock I would like to know how much it is worth. On its back it is marked 81 A together with the LFS logo. Do you think you could give me some hint on how to know its value?

(This is a version of almost every forward I get from the website.)

Answer: Thank you for your inquiry. I am more than happy to assist you in the valuation of your item, however as an ISA qualified appraiser I first need to determine the scope of work necessary to answer your question meaningfully. To give you an appropriate appraisal, I will need a little more information from you. First, can you tell me the intended use of the appraisal? Is it for insurance coverage, to decide whether to give to a family member, part of a divorce settlement, to sell, or just out of curiosity?

The reason this is important is because items may have different values or costs depending on the markets selected for your intended use. I would also need some good quality photos, measurements, and any provenance (history) you have. Once I have this information, I can begin to determine the appropriate value or cost of the item, as well an estimate of the fee to provide your appraisal. My reporting back to you can be in a formally written document, phone call, or email, so long as it adheres to ISA standards. On certain occasions, my reporting may require a full documented appraisal report, such as if there is a third party involved.

I would be extremely wary of someone calling themselves a professional appraiser if they don’t ask for the same information. We must conform to our own ISA standards and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). I would like the answer to your question to be accurate, clear, and worthy of trust.

Feel free to visit my website at XXXXXXXXX for contact information, as well as some examples of my previous work. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Are You Missing Out On Potential Clients?

First impressions are everything, and appraising is no different. You have the credentials, the experience, and the right skills – there’s no question about it: you’re an ISA member. But who can tell?

Of the many benefits ISA offers its members, one of the most valuable is our “Find an ISA Member” search tool on the ISA website, which allows visitors to search for an appraiser based on location and keywords such as specialties, credentials, or services. With an average of 2,500 page views a month, it is a powerful tool in your professional arsenal that can help maximize your professional presence.

As a member, you are automatically given a profile. But are you making the most of it? Here are some tips to help you get noticed:

1. Location is Everything
A crucial component of the ISA search feature is location. Without it, you won’t pop up in anyone’s inquiries, putting you at risk of missing out on an opportunity that may literally be down the street from you. Be sure to include the city and state where you practice. And if you travel to do appraisals, include that in your “About” section too!

2. Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words?
Maybe, but it’s definitely worth the 60% of people who are more likely to click on your profile simply because you have a photo, according to MDG Advertising. Choosing a high quality, professional photo of yourself can drastically increase the chances of you securing your next assignment.

3. Mind the Details
Not too long ago, the Huffington Post reported that most resumes are skimmed for a few seconds before they are tossed to the side or accepted, and your profile should be no different. This is your opportunity to market yourself as efficiently as possible. Engage visitors with critical information on yourself and what you offer. And while it is important to have your credentials listed alongside your specialties and contact information, don’t forget to let your personality shine through as well. Here is a great chance to offer some insights on your likes and hobbies, memorable experiences, and goals as they relate to your appraising career.

To update your profile, simply login to the ISA website and click on “Manage Your Profile.” Once you’ve confirmed that your contact information is up-to-date, add background information to personalize your profile, check the box labeled “Include in Membership Directory,” and select your areas of expertise in the Find an Appraiser categories. (You are also able to choose five of each section: Specialties, Services and Performs Appraisals Of.) Always remember to Save Changes when you are done with each section.

ISA’s search tool can be tremendously useful for both website visitors and members alike. When used properly, it is a convenient way to advertise your services and capture the attention of potential clientele.

What You Should Know If You are a First-Time Assets Attendee

By Libby Holloway, ISA CAPP

Whether you’ve been a member for three years or three weeks, if you haven’t ever attended Assets yet, you haven’t really taken an important step towards becoming part of the ISA family.

Of all the benefits that come with membership, perhaps the greatest is having direct access to other professionals with appraisal expertise that differs from your own. One can easily find a person through our website, but it is so much easier to take advantage of the Find a Member resource if you are a familiar face. The annual conference committee not only plans informative lectures to equip you with further education (and the confidence that comes with it) but also makes a point of setting aside time for attendees to meet fellow members, speakers, sponsors and advertisers. Those of us who are conference veterans know how important these relationships are.

The first night of Assets, first-time conference attendees are invited to a reception and given a chance to meet each other, as well as a few of the staff members and ISA leaders who will be on hand to help you get started. These contacts will do their best to help first-timers meet other members who may have the same area of expertise but have more years of experience under their belt. There will also be various groups that form to go out for dinner. If you don't know anyone at conference, it may be worth it to consider signing up when you register and getting a head start on networking. There will be plenty of friendly faces to meet, and the dinner groups are not exclusively for first-timers. I encourage everyone to check their registration materials carefully to ensure that you don't miss any events or opportunities.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a pro when it comes to finding your way around conference, there is another very important aspect of conference attendance that can help your success: believe it or not, becoming a member of a committee can help you succeed. 

Getting involved in ISA leadership is a rewarding way to meet people while making a difference in the industry. No matter what your talent, there is a place for you. Most groups are open and welcome those seeking information about them during the meeting. A good first step is joining the division committee you specialize in, like ISA's Fine Art Division or the Antiques and Residential Contents Division. Being a member of these committees not only gives you a say in what and how targeted learning experiences are formed but also helps you stay alert to changes in the  industry. Perhaps you have a suggestion regarding how ISA is marketed. Maybe you have a strategy for implementing some exciting member benefits. Don't let your ideas go to waste. Join a committee and share.

Value in Education

ISA held the final onsite Core Course in Appraisal Studies offering, earlier this month: October 8-14, in Naperville, IL.  We would like to acknowledge those who attended; for taking this important step in not only toward becoming a member of ISA, but for furthering their appraisal industry knowledge:

The updated Appraisal of Fine Art course was held October 15-20 and had the highest attendance, in more than three years.  The following individuals participated in this course offering:

Please join ISA in congratulating our recent course attendees.  Check back with ISA NOW later this week, as we announce the winner of the registration referral contents!

A WOMAN WITH TRUE GRIT

I know the following is not totally appraiser/appraisal related, but it does point out that sometimes an appraiser has to put aside business and personal feelings and just help the client.  This was one of those times.

When I arrived at my client’s condo, she stated that she wanted me to help her dispose of her quilts.  She did not think her children wanted any of them and was sad about that.  As we talked, I learned that her family homesteaded in the Omak-Okanogan area near the Canadian border of eastern Washington.  She thought that the quilts were made by her grandmother Ellie, and her aunts.  The client was not sure about this, as none of the quilts were marked with initials, name or a date.  She did not want to sell the quilts unless she sold to someone who loved quilts and would care for them.  The client had photographs of the quilts that were good and showed professional attention to detail.  She had grandchildren that were young and liked the quilts but did not appreciate the history of the quilts.  The quilts were in good condition, and most were made in the early 1920’s.  One was a whitework quilt that had outstanding workmanship and design sense.  It also had an inset border of hand-made lace about one inch wide placed on all four sides of the quilt.  A knock out!

I asked about the time frame for moving the quilts out of her possession.  She replied that she felt pressured because she was rapidly going blind.  The condition is an unusual, but not rare, a disorder of cone-rod dystrophy.  It started about 10 years ago and has become progressively worse.  She has reached a stage where one eye has almost no peripheral vision.  She does as much as she is able to do and planned to go over to Seattle to see her grandchildren and children.  My obvious question was, “How will you get there?  Do you have a driver?”  She replied, “Oh no, I can walk.  I take the intercity bus to Monroe.  The driver knows me well.  My children pick me up and bring me back to Leavenworth”.

We talked a little more.  I suggested some alternatives, such as a local charity auction, American Quilt Study Group and others.  I knew that any buyer from AQSG would care for and appreciate the quilts.  I also suggested that I try to find a dealer that would buy the quilts or take them on consignment.  We discussed several options.  Basically, she really wanted her family to have the quilts.  I suggested she take the photos she had of the quilts with her to Seattle and talk about the quilts with her family.  She will contact me when she returns, hopefully with a solution.

Her directness and making plans for her property were an inspiration.  This 60+ year old woman is courageous and an example of true grit.  Must be that pioneer spirit coming through.

Sally Ambrose, ISA CAPP

Understanding "Find an Appraiser"

The Find an Appraiser search function on the ISA website is a great tool for both the general public and the members of ISA. Recently on Forum, there were some questions regarding how to use the search format. With the help of Todd Sigety, the questions were answered, but we thought it would be useful for all to have a refresher of how to use the search function.

At the top of the Find an Appraiser directory, there is a list of the membership designations and a description for what each designation signifies. This helps the general public and members alike to see and understand the designation of each member listed within the directory.

Under the list of designations is the search queue. When using the Find an Appraiser search queue, it is best to remember that entering less information is better. Only enter information into one of the search criteria boxes and then click the search button. We usually recommend that either the state abbreviation or the first two digits of the zip code followed by an asterisk is entered in its appropriate box. Then click the search button, as shown below:

By selecting one of those choices, a list of appraisers in the selected state or zip code area will come up.

If searching by name, only enter the first or last name of the desired person, but not both. The reason for this is because member names are entered in the system as "last name, first name". So, if you enter David Bonde, the search queue will not find anything because the name is listed as Bonde, David. This is why we recommend that only last name is used when searching by name.

When searching for a specific specialty, it is important that the searcher understand that if the word they are using in the queue doesn’t match in the appropriate field for the appraisers listing, no results will be produced. It is necessary to be flexible with the terms that you are entering in this field and understand that it may take a few tries to find an appraiser that deals with your specialty item.

As stated before, when using Find an Appraiser, less information entered is better. The format works best by using only one field.

ISA hopes to have helped with any questions there may have been about the Find an Appraiser search queue. If there are additional questions, please contact us!

Sara Porter
Membership and Operations Coordinator
sporter@thesentergroup.com