FORMAL APPRAISALS

House of Proper offers formal appraisal services, led by Sarah E. Lindsay, who is PACC Certified in antiques and collectibles. Our written, market-supported valuations are suitable for estate settlement, insurance coverage, charitable donation, and other legal or financial purposes.

Appraisals are conducted independently from our retail shop and Estate Object Advisory service, ensuring clear, objective, and defensible results.

What a Formal Appraisal Is

A formal appraisal is a written, professional report establishing the value of a specific antique or collectible — or group of items — as of a defined date and for a defined purpose.

Common purposes include:

  • Estate settlement and probate

  • Insurance coverage or updates

  • Charitable donation

  • Legal or executor-led review

  • Financial planning and documentation

What a Formal Appraisal Is Not

  • An informal opinion, verbal estimate, or on-the-spot valuation

  • Conducted during a casual walkthrough

  • Connected to resale, consignment, or purchase

Any guidance for sale or dispersal is handled separately through the Estate Object Advisory Service.

When an Appraisal Is Appropriate

Formal appraisals are recommended when:

  • Written documentation is required by an insurer, executor, or legal professional

  • Estates include items of material value

  • Objects will be insured, donated, or formally distributed

  • Clear, research-supported values are needed to reduce uncertainty or dispute

  • Items are antiques, vintage, or recognized collectibles with market evidence

If you’re unsure which items need appraisal, the Estate Object Advisory service can help identify priorities.

Our Process

  1. Initial Inquiry – Share a brief overview of the items or estate circumstances.

  2. Object Review – Items are examined in person or via approved documentation.

  3. Research + Valuation – Values are determined using market data, comparable sales, and recognized valuation standards.

  4. Written Report – Receive a professional appraisal report suitable for its intended purpose.

Standards + Independence

  • Appraisals are independent and objective, supported by market evidence.

  • We do not appraise items in which we have a financial interest.

  • Retail, sourcing, and advisory services are kept separate to maintain clarity and trust.

Who This Service Is For

  • Executors and estate trustees

  • Families navigating estate settlement or insurance matters

  • Lawyers and legal professionals

  • Individuals needing documented values for planning or coverage

Deliverables

  • Independent, research-based valuation for antiques & collectibles

  • Written report suitable for:

    • Estate settlement / probate

    • Insurance coverage

    • Legal or donation purposes

  • Comparable market research

  • Clear methodology and valuation date

  • Photos of items if applicable

Fees 

  • Per-item fees (standard antiques + collectibles): Starting at $125 

  • High-value or rare items: Starting at $300

  • Hourly research / preparation: $125–$200/hr

  • Multi-item packages: Custom quote

Fees may vary depending on property size, contents, and travel requirements.

Scope of Appraisal Services

Formal appraisals are limited to antiques and collectibles, including decorative arts, furnishings, and related categories with sufficient market data.

Items outside this scope — such as general household contents, contemporary furnishings, or items without an established secondary market — may instead be addressed through the Estate Object Advisory service.

Next Steps

To inquire about a formal appraisal, please contact us with a brief description of your items and needs. We will confirm whether a formal appraisal is appropriate or if another service would better support your situation.