The Personal Property Appraisers Post

As a personal property appraisal course writer and instructor since 1994, I've reviewed many appraisals submitted by my students. Non-students also often ask me to review their appraisals for completeness or for USPAP compliance. Other than a couple appraisers who prepare their reports in MS-Excel, most all appraisals I have reviewed are prepared in MS-Word.

Over the years I've often noticed a couple report shortcomings that occur on a consistent basis - specifically, these shortcomings include the failure of the appraiser to make use of MS-Word's "Table" feature and MS-Word's "Header/Footer" feature. (This article focuses on the Windows user. Similar features, of course, are available to the MAC user.)

It is for good reason that appraisers using Windows most often use MS-Word to prepare their reports. MS-Word contains numerous features which, if used, will result in a report that is not only well-designed but also professional in appearance. But, as noted, two of the most important but most frequently under-utilized features of MS-Word are the Table feature and the Header/Footer feature...more

I am pleased to announce the return of "Maloney's Antiques & Collectibles Resource Directory." For fourteen years "Maloney's" was published in book form during which time it was hailed as the "...best one-volume research tool in print" (Gannett News Service) and as a Best...Reference Book (Library Journal). We plan on launching a subscription-based online version of the directory this fall and a book version this winter. With over 17,000 resources in over 2,000 categories of antiques and collectibles, "Maloney's" is known for its accuracy and for being the only comprehensive resource of its kind in existence. And now it will be online—fully searchable and constantly updated!

While we are unable to list generalists such as generalist dealers or appraisers, "specialist" resources are welcome to submit their listing application at MaloneysDirectory.com.

"Maloney's" lists specialist collectors, dealers, experts, appraisers, periodicals, clubs/associations, auction services, museums and libraries, suppliers of parts, reproduction sources, reference book sellers, manufacturers/distributors/producers, online sites for specialized valuation research, matching services, grading services, authenticators, repair/restoration/conservation specialists, vendors to the trade and specialized Internet informational websites.

Go to MaloneysDirectory.com. Search by your last name, company name or other fields to see if you are already in the database. If so, you can edit your listing(s) or add yourself under a different specialty area. If not already listed, you are welcome to add your listing if you are a specialist.

As usual, there is no cost or obligation to be listed in "Maloney's." email

The requirements for including citations or declarations in any personal property appraisal report normally originate from such sources as USPAP, the IRS, a law or regulation, a societal mandate, or, albeit it rarely, even the client. But given the plethora of applicable IRS regulations, rules, publications and forms, it is often in the donation appraisal report that we find the appraiser demonstrating the greatest of originality in the design of sometimes rather elaborate (and unnecessary?) citations and declarations.

Understanding which IRS regulations, forms, publications, notices, or revenue procedures are required to be cited in a donation appraisal report and which appraiser declarations are mandated for a donation appraisal report can be a challenge—particularly at this point in time during which we are operating under temporary IRS "Guidance" as we await final approval of new Treasury Regulations. The new Regulations will contain changes affecting the appraiser that were generated by the passing of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

Click here to read the entire article.

I'm pleased to announce a ground-breaking article written by my Appraisal Course Associates partner, Bill Novotny (left).

Of this article, Bill states:

"The competency requirements for personal property appraisers is often confusing due to factors such as the myriad of different personal property types encountered by the generalist appraiser, laws and regulations that may apply, methodology requirements and geographic competency. When must an appraiser make a competency disclosure to the client as required by the COMPETENCY RULE of USPAP? This article focuses on the object knowledge required of the appraiser and when a lack of competency must be disclosed.

There are many instances when an appraiser has knowledge and experience regarding property types, but that knowledge and experience is often less than that of an expert. What happens when an appraiser thinks that he or she can develop credible assignment results through research and consultation even though they have only limited specialty knowledge with the property type? Must they make a competency disclosure?

This article explores these issues and points out that consultation with experts, even when the resulting assistance is significant, does not necessarily equate to a lack of competency. We must remember that the SCOPE OF WORK RULE, at all times, requires that the appraiser do whatever is necessary to develop credible assignment results. Expert consultation is frequently pursued by appraisers as part of the scope of work required. Such fact finding can be regarded as consistent with the SCOPE OF WORK rule for experienced appraisers. Similar fact finding may be required by the COMPETENCY RULE for beginning appraisers who have little knowledge and experience. The burden is on the appraiser to determine which of the two rules apply. The primary question that appraisers must answer is whether or not they have the requisite knowledge and experience to develop and report assignment results that are credible and relevant to the intended use of the report. If the answer is a confident Yes then, in my opinion, USPAP would not require a competency disclosure."

Click here to read Bill's article "COMPETENCY RULE or SCOPE OF WORK RULE: Which Rule Rules?"

Another issue of the "ACA Appraisers Update" eNewsletter is now available online. Published by Appraisal Course Associates partners certified appraiser, author and instructor Dave Maloney and AQB-certified National USPAP course instructor Bill Novotny, this issue is loaded with hard-to-find information including Bill's ground-breaking article regarding competency issues faced by the generalist appraiser.

The current edition includes the following articles:

- Generalist Appraisers Face Competency Issues
- Can Museum Appraiser/Volunteers do Appraisals?
- Internet Resources Are Ephemeral
- IRS Guidance: Donation Appraisals for Artwork Exceeding $20K FMV
- Citations and Declarations for the Donation Appraisal
- Maloney's Antiques & Collectibles Resource Directory To be Published Soon

If you did not receive your own copy by email, you can still read it by going to the eNewsletter archive at http://www.appraisalcourseassociates.com/archive/. While there, be sure to sign up to automatically receive future editions of the "ACA Appraiser Update" eNewsletter.

By Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP

There has been a fair amount of discussion both here on the Appraisers Post and on some LinkedIn appraiser groups about the benefits of social media and online networking. With that in mind, I discovered an interesting article on the CBS Moneywatch.com site called Networking Without Looking Desperate: 5 Rules. As more of our networking moves to online forums such as Social media sites, blogs and videos, the more appraisers need to be aware of current technological trends which can prove beneficial in operating an appraisal practice.

The article states that networking should be part of your ongoing business activities and plans, not something that is done on the spur of the moment or with little thought and foresight. I think this is a very important point to keep in mind.  Networking should be part of your business plan, and I just dont mean online, but both real face to face networking and virtual networking.

The 5 rules mentioned in the article were

• Nurture Your Network...Patiently
• Ask How You Can Help
• Know When to Ask - and How
• make the Web Work for You
• Shake Some Hands

The five rules will keep your networking planning current and productive, and of course growing. By nurturing your network you want to keep in touch with your contracts on a periodic basis. This is done in order stay connected so when you do need some advice or assistance your group of contacts will not wonder where you have been or why you only connect when you need advice. Keep you network advised of what you are doing, but also don't overdo the contact either.  You should keep a good balance of updates, questions and answers.

In asking how you can help, you present yourself to your contacts as a resource available to help and assist. By staying engaged with your contacts you will benefit when it comes time for your network to reciprocate. In Know When to Ask - and How, make sure you are asking questions of the right individuals in your network, and ensure you are not asking them to do your work. So many times I have seen request for help where there was no preliminary research done, no foundation. If you are going to ask for assistance from your network, make sure you have done your proforma investigations and understand the situation before asking for assistance. I have seen request where appraisers ask for assistance on an artist, and some of the responses were, have you tried Google? The point is pretty clear, dont ask your network to do basic foundation research for you. What you want from your network are specifics, and clarifications of the nuances of a question or appraisal methodology.

Click the Read More below for the rest of the article.

June 17, 2010

It’s been a while since my first blog and, in the long interim, I’ve been to Israel and Jordan.

Aside from visiting some collectors and seeing what’s being offered at some of the galleries and stores there, one very astute collector encouraged me to visit a special exhibition at the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem.. This is a museum that hasn’t got much attention over the past 18 years of its existence. However, it is a jewel of a museum, sitting in the shadow of its much larger neighbor, the Israel Museum. It is a lovely space with beautiful galleries and clearly organized collections. Even though the galleries are well lit, the architectual space reminded me of the dark, monumental stone palaces and tombs of the Ancient Near East. My only annoyance was acoustics. One person with very thin high heels was trying to find the way out in a real hurry and made quite a racket on the stone floors.

Perhaps most relevant for readers of this blog is the fact that the entire museum was conceived by, supported by, and organized by very passionate and philanthropic collectors Elie and Batya Borowski. Dr. Borowski began collecting while hiding during WWII in Switzerland and built a magnificent collection in the successive years. Visit the museum’s website more information, www.blmj.org.

If you go, plan to spend several pleasant hours wandering through the permanent exhibition which is organized chronologically, although it is interpreted thematically and references many of the customs, language, trade, and economic related to the peoples who wrote the Bible or who were described in it. There are some amazing artifacts.

Why did I end up here and why am I sharing my visit? The Museum, in line with its bold approach to interpretation and emphasis on artifacts, is also showing an extraordinary show entitled Angels and Demons: Jewish Magic through the Ages. The exhibition’s exquisite catalogue supplements the elaborate wall texts and expands on mystical practices and concepts in Judaism, including Kabbalah throughout the ages. For the collector, however, this was a rare opportunity to see an expansive array of amulets, magic bowls, figurines, magical texts from ancient times, spanning the Ancient worls, the Byzantine Age,the Medieval period, the Age of Enlightenment, and up to the present. Many of the objects were carefully selected from Israel’s museum and academic collections. However, a large and important of the exhibition was supplied by very well-cultivated private collectors who chose handsome and unique artifacts from their extensive private collections. The catalog is sure to become an indispensible tool for those trying to build a solid collection among the amulets that collectors (and appraisers) frequently encounter in today’s market. Now, when I have to appraise an amulet – and I’m frequently encountering all sorts of amulets from many eras and customs and regions – I will have this exhibition catalogue close at hand.

More soon on what’s hot in Judaica collecting.

Consultants Greentarget recently released a study and survey of how in-house corporate general counsels are using new media, including blogs, and social media.  As this has been of interest to me, and should be to other appraisers, it is always good to gather information on how others professionals are using New Media.

The in house corporate counsel survey looked at a group of 164 attorneys responses and how they were taking advantage of new media.  It did show that traditional methods, such as trade journals, conferences and press releases were dominate, yet more and more in house attorneys are using new media platforms to expand and enrich traditional networks.

In general the survey stated of the AmLaw 200

• Blogs are up 147% since August of 2007, with nearly half having firm branded blogs
• Every AmLaw 200 firm has a LinkedIn Account
• 31 of the top 100 AmLaw firms have a Facebook Account
• 76 of the top 100 AmLaw firms have a Twitter Account

Interesting that blogs are increasingly preferred fir gaining business and legal industry information.

To read the full report (37 pages), click HERE. It is an excellent report with some good charts and graphs, I recommend appraisers who are interested in New Media read the full report.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

While at first blush, the French expression — “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose — the more things change, the more they stay the same” — might seem an apt description of Greentarget’s recent research about the adoption of new media by the in-house legal community, a closer look confirms that change is more extensive than many pundits have appreciated to date. In addition to confirming that referrals from trusted sources and credentialing activity (i.e., demonstrations of thought leadership) remain the two most important factors considered by corporate general counsel when they seek to hire outside lawyers, several of the survey’s findings convey significant new trends in the way that information is disseminated and shared by members of the legal community.

While the more traditional marketing channels for law firm credentialing continue to dominate–publishing articles in trade journals, speaking at industry conferences, and being quoted in the press–in-house attorneys now are using new media platforms to deepen their professional networks; to obtain their legal, business, and industry news and information; and to enrich their social and personal lives. Most importantly, they expect that trend to accelerate in the future.

As law firms and their lawyers embrace social media technologies at an accelerated pace with wide-ranging levels of participation, adoption, and engagement, the Corporate Counsel New Media Engagement Survey was designed to explore the very degree to which in-house counsel, the primary purchasers of outside legal services, are listening.

Highlights of the Corporate Counsel New Media Engagement Survey:

Click the Read More below for the rest of the article.

Upcoming Pratt Courses June 16-17 The Business of Contemporary Art

SE100PP: USPAP for Personal Property Appraisers June 14-15, 2010 Pratt Institute Center The objective of SE100PP is to familiarize students with the recognized standards governing professional appraisals. This is the 15-hour National USPAP-PP course approved by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation and is developed specifically for users of Standards 7 & 8, including GJ, PP and MTS. Students are provided a current Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) manual and current book. NOTE: This course does not meet Real Property state licensing requirements, but is required for reaccreditation. For more information about registration, contact Karen D'Angelo at kdangelo@pratt.edu or call the Pratt Institute Center at (212) 647-7199. Pratt Institute Center is located near Greenwich Village in Manhattan, New York.

• 1/2-day Multidiscipline General Session with Key Industry Speakers
• Enhanced Networking Opportunities
• World renowned hotel - JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa Mention ASIASIA to receive discounted rates.
• FREE Shuttle to and from the Las Vegas strip
• Variety of local attractions

~ Hurry! Early registration ends June 14. ~

But Nobody Will Pay Me That Much!

Price - price - price. It‘s the most common discussion I have with NAC Inner Circle Members, marketing clients, and fellow appraisers. And, it's the least important factor in making a sale.

I hear it all the time:

― But my town is different.

― Where I live nobody will pay that much.

― People in my area all shop price – they want the cheapest deal possible.

― People in my town want bargains and they always want a lower price.

I have one very short and accurate reply. Bull-O-Knee!!

Here are six facts that refute this ridiculous and erroneous attitude:

1) If this is true, then there should be only one restaurant in town – McDonalds.

2) There should be only one coffee shop in town and it’s not a Starbucks.

3) There must be only one car dealership – a Hyundai dealer - the cheapest car on the market.

4) There is only one dentist and he or she does not give Novocain and uses a dull drill to keep prices low.

5) There is no dry cleaner in town, because it’s cheaper to wash clothes yourself.

6) The cheapest appraiser is getting ALL the business in town, no matter how crappy a job he or she does.

Click the Read More below for the rest of the article.


These mystery towns that I hear about all the time -- do not exist.

I‘m pretty sure that the appraisers who make the “My town is different” claim are dead wrong. Their town is no different than mine or yours. Not ALL people shop price.

The reason appraisers can't get the price they want is simply because they do not know how to sell.

FACT: When there are no other factors in a buying decision, then price is the default buying criteria.

Read that statement again!

TIP: Never quote a price until a prospect knows what he or she is getting for their investment.

FACT: If you give your prospects reasons why price is not a factor they will include those reasons in the decision.

TIP: Give prospects reasons that make price no longer a buying consideration. Include concepts like: time savings, accuracy, convenience, speed of completion, no hassle, reduced stress, confidentiality.

FACT: Only about 5% of all prospects shop exclusively by price.

BIG TIP: Stop complaining and start selling to the people in your town who drive a Lexus and buy their morning coffee at Starbucks.

Knowing how to sell your appraisal services will put you in the top 5% of all appraisers in the nation -- And it will shut down your competitors for good.

Not sure how to effectively and easily sell your appraisal services? No Worries! I’ve recorded a free tele-seminar for our NAC Inner Circle Members and it's available for replay.

In this breakthrough tele-seminar I’ve revealed the top ten selling techniques to help you effortlessly increase your sales, position yourself in the top markets, and do it painlessly and easily.

It’s free to all NAC Inner Circle Members -- just another benefit of being an NAC Inner Circle Marketing Member. If you’re a member, your special replay phone number and security pass code are in this month’s issue of your NAC Inner Circle Marketing Newsletter.

If you’re not a member, you can become an Inner Circle Member at: http://www.bestappraiserprofits.com/.

As an Inner Circle Members you’ll receive the NAC Appraisal Marketing Newsletter packed with marketing and business development tips for just $15.00 per month. Plus – you’ll receive a special free signing bonus worth $29.00.

Once you become a member, you’ll receive a special phone number and the pass code for replaying the Appraieal Selling Tele-semainr.

Don't waste another day. Get all the details at:
http://www.bestappraiserprofits.com/

I recently performed an appraisal for an estate that contained a large collection of books, many of which were quite old and some of which were valuable.

Unfortunately, most of the books have not been stored properly. Some of them were stored in acid containing cardboard boxes in a relatively damp warehouse. Others were packed too tightly on bookshelves. Still others were stored in close proximity to heating ducts.

I thought you might first be interested in some of the characteristics an appraiser considers in valuing books. Here are a few:
• Publisher
• Edition
• Illustrator
• Material
• Condition
• Publication date

This time we’ll talk about condition, how it’s determined and what can be done to properly care for a book. Next time we’ll discuss how you can determine a book’s edition number.

Here’s a list of terms used in describing book condition:
• AS NEW, MINT and FINE: A book in the same immaculate condition as when it was published. There can be no tears, no library stamps and the dust jacket, if it was issued, must be perfect.
• NEAR FINE: A book approaching FINE but with minor defects, which must be noted.
• VERY GOOD: A used book showing some small signs of wear, but with no tears. Defects must be noted.
• GOOD: The average used and worn book with all its pages present. Defects must be noted.
• FAIR: Worn book with complete text pages, but may lack endpapers, half-title page. Binding and jacket if present may be worn. Again, defects must be noted.
• POOR: A book so worn that its only value is as a reading copy, because it does have the complete text. May be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted with loose joints, hinges and pages.
• EX-LIBRARY: Must always be noted as such no matter what the condition
• BOOK CLUB: Editions must always be noted as such no matter the condition
• BINDING COPY: A book in which pages or leaves are complete, but the binding is very bad, loose or off.

As for caring for old books: here are some dos and don’ts.

Click the Read More below for the rest of the article.

I have posted several times over the past year on the ongoing issues of Park West Gallery and the Fine Art Registry. I have tried to be very fair and have posted both sides of this contentious and litigious issue. I will try to continue with that fairness, but as I dont have full knowledge of the case and many particulars or specifics, I can only pass along what I read and have been told. I try not to be an advocate for either side, as that is not what the Appraiser Workshops Blog is about.  I also try hard to only report news and in most cases attempt to stay away from opinion, although every now and then I will editorialize, but only a little.

The AW Blog is pleased to pass along information that is beyond what is in the news and the typical links found on the internet, but comes straight from parties involved in the litigation for your consideration.

This past Friday I had a very interesting conversation with Bernard Ewell, ASA. Many appraisers are familiar with Bernard as he has been a long time participant and active member of the personal property appraisal community. Bernard is also one of the better known appraisers and authenticators of works by Salvador Dali. According to Ewell, he has reviewed and inspected over 50,000 works by Dali, and has been called as an expert witness on numerous occasions.

Many may also know that Bernard does the Dali authentication for Park West Gallery (PWG). He was recently a plaintiffs witness in the defamation suit against the Fine Art Registry (FAR). As posted here on the AW Blog and other sources, the jury did not find that FAR defamed PWG. FAR also counter sued for defamation and trademark infringement. The jury found against the defamation charge, but awarded FAR $500,000 on the trademark charge.

As I have mentioned in past AW blog posts, the recent lawsuit and verdict did not consider the authenticity, value or if the prints were enhanced, although these topics were presented by each side to support their defamation charges and counter charges. The jury was tasked in the complaint to find on the basis of defamation, which typically includes a very high burden of proof. It is possible some of the evidence presented on the prints in question led the jury to believe there are issues of representation, and therefore supported the decision to not find in favor of PWG on the defamation charge. Many of the buyers who testified against Park West Gallery are also involved in a consolidated Federal case against Park West with claims of $22 million. The cases will be heard in Seattle in 2011.According to Ewell, there are also cases in Michigan state court in June as well. These cases, if not settled before hand, very well could be based upon how the jury determines the authenticity of the art and how evidence is presented by the plaintiffs and defendants attorneys.

Now, back to my conversation with appraiser Bernard Ewell. On one of his recent blog post Ewell mentioned that because there are so many different signatures by Dali, authentication is difficult and the signature should only be a small component of the Dali authentication process. (Click HERE to read that blog post by Bernard Ewell.) Ewell states “I and other witnesses testified that Salvador Dali signed his name in so many different ways that it was not a reliable approach. Anyway, I have always followed the dictum that the artwork should authenticate the signature rather than the signature authenticating the artwork.”

Click the Read More below for the rest of the article.

The Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies - 2010 is now ready to order. I have ordered a supply to sell at the ISA conference coming up next week, and the printer/distributor Lulu is now ready to start fulfilling internet orders.

The cost is $55.00 plus shipping and can be ordered by clicking HERE.

More information is on the website at www.appraisaljournal.org

Please support this worthy cause as proceeds go to assist the educational initiatives of the Foundation for Appraisal Education.  The Journal has contributions from ASA, ISA, AAA, ANA and independent appraisers and dealers.  The list of authors and title of their article follows. There is no other publication available for the personal property appraiser which publishes articles with both depth and expertise as the Journal of Advanced Studies.

Andrew Richmond and Hollie Davis of Maine Antique Digest and the Young Collectors column are contributors, as is Judaica expert Elizabeth Berman, AAA, attorney Mark Gold looks at the deaccession debate, while fellow Appraiser Workshops partner Jane Brennom, ISA CAPP writes on appraisers versus authenticators.  I write on price anomalies, touching on the Walking Man, and the Philadelphia Queen Anne compass seat stool amongst other items, Brian Kathenes, ISA CAPP  introduces appraisers to coins and Soodie Beasley, ASA AM discusses several furniture designers of the 20th century, and Jerry Sampson, ASA writes about the appraisers library.

In total 18 articles and over 300 pages of personal property appraisal related articles.

Buy your copy today, click HERE to order.

• Logan Adams – Building Bigger and Better Business with the Moving Industry

• Soodie Beasley - Fantasy Furniture by Designers: Mark, Mont, Duquette and Springer

• Elizabeth Kessin Berman – A Time to Value and a Time to Creatively Value Appraising Church and Synagogue Collections

• Jane C. Brennom – Appraisers vs Authenticators

• Robert W. Cook - Lack of Objectivity Leaves Appraisers at Risk: Index Adjusted Good-Better-Best Appraisal Model Offers Partial Solutions

• Robert J. Corey – Lack of Objectivity Leaves Appraisers at Risk: Index Adjusted Good-Better-Best Appraisal Model Offers Partial Solutions

• Hollie Davis – For Love or Money: Antiques as Investments

• Mark S. Gold – The Deaccessioning Debate: What Appraises Need to Know

• Brian Hiatt – Comparison of Different software to Prepare Personal Property Appraisal Reports

• Brian Kathenes – Appraising Stamps and Coins: Tips, Tricks and Hints for Taking the Mystery out of Stamp and Coin Appraising

• Jill Kent – Folk Art for Appraisers

• Elin Lake-Ewald – Original Research and Innovative Appraisals

• Judy Nelson – Reading a Two Dimensional Atrwork; Suggestions for the Generalist Appraiser

• Andrew Richmond - Love or Money: Antiques as Investments

• Felicia N. Rossomando – The Application of Blockage Discounts For an Artist’s Estate: An Art Business Approach

• Jerry Sampson – Establishing the Appraisers Library

• Elizabeth Sebesky – The Art Market: How Lending Fuels Art Crime

• Paul Shutler – The Importance of Being Provenanced

• Todd W. Sigety – Price Anomalies

• Scott Zema – Personal Property Appraising and the Element of Time

Click HERE to order.

Arctic explorer and MARKETER Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, (February 15, 1874 – January 5, 1922) lead four Antarctic expeditions and was knighted for traveling the furthest south of any human during his voyage aboard the Nimrod.

Shackleton is best known for leading the disastrous Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, commonly known as the "Endurance Expedition" and "Shackleton's Voyage," from 1914 to 1916. Shackleton failed the goal of crossing the Antarctic continent on foot, but became known for his leadership abilities.

His ship ‘‘The Endurance’’ became stuck in the ice and Shackleton lead his men to a safe spot on Elephant Island and then traversed 800 miles of the open Antarctic Ocean to South Georgia Island with four other men. He then managed to cross mountains to reach a whaling station at Grytviken.

Upon his arrival he found a ship to rescue the rest of his team who were left behind on Elephant Island. All men on The Endurance survived their ordeal in the Antarctic, after having spent 22 months in the Antarctic.

So how did he manage to round up a crew for this most amazingly dangerous journey? He advertised for what he DID NOT want. No wimps! No freeloaders! No untrained city boys!

Here’s the ad: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.”

As a marketer of your business, you must do the same thing. Advertise for the clients and customers you don’t want. Scare off those who will only cause you grief.

One our web URLs is: www.PremiumAppraisalServices.com. It is designed to let any potential client who reads it clearly understand that we are not the cheapest guys on the block. It tells them: ‘‘If you want cheap, don’t click here.’’

It also tells them: ‘‘If you think you’re going to negotiate with us to get us to reduce our fees, or allow you to add more stuff to the job without an addition charge, you are sorely mistaken.’’

Attract and court the clients and customers you want. Repel and discourage the ones you don’t.

Set your standards, then let the world know how you do business.

I'm setting up a marketing summit late spring. If you want to be a part of it, call me (908) 459-5979 or e-mail me at brian@kathenes.com. Do it now. It will fill up fast.

Stay well and happy!
Brian

ASA Sponsored Webinar, Friday April 30th 3:00 EST

KNOW WHAT YOU SEE

Presented by Bill Adair of Gold Leaf Studios in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Adair stated that the learning points are:

• Survey of materials and techniques in frame making

• Brief overview of the history of frames as related to painting

• Identification of the various styles-Italian, Spanish, French, and English

• Other related issues to consider with frames

• Brief suggested bibliography

Webinar will be 50 minutes long with 10 minutes for Q&A at the end.
Registration: $75.00 for ASA members; $85.00 for non-members online registration at www.appraisers.org/ASAHomepage go to the education box, then select course catalog, scroll down to the PP course offerings to find WEBKWYS for the webinar and click Upcoming Offerings for registration; or call 1-800-ASA-VALU

Mr. Adair is a recognized expert in the world of frames. Bill is not only a master gilder, but conservator and frame historian who writes and lectures on the art of the frame. As per his website Mr. Adair is the founding director of the International Institute of Frame Study and is also a founding member of the Society of Gilders. This webinar is not to be missed by appraisers and knowledgeable collectors. We hope that you will join us for an hour with Bill Adair.

For more information about Mr. Adair's background and accomplishments please refer to his website: www.goldleafstudios.com

I have a confession to make. I'm a film freak. It's in my genes - my mother, in her 80s, HAD to see "Boogie Nights" because it was up for an Oscar, you know, let alone being Burt Reynolds' comeback (as short-lived as that was). You don't fool with us film freaks -- we go it alone, sitting way up front so as to be enwrapped by (or is it "into"?) the film with our small "layered" (only REAL butter, please) popcorn. Don't chomp loudly or swirl your ice! And if you whisper, you're playing with your life!

That being said, no appraiser or art connoisseur should miss "The Art of the Steal," a 110 minute documentary by Don Argott on the Barnes Foundation and the will of its founder, Dr. Albert Barnes (1872-1951). After growing up poor in Philadelphia, Barnes discovered the cure for gonorrhea (!), befriended artists in Paris, and amassed probably the largest collection of post-Impressionist and early Modernist paintings said to be worth $25-$30 billion, yes, billion. He created a foundation to place his art in a boutique type setting to be studied, rather than in a museum, and was open to the public only a few days a week. Matisse called the Barnes Foundation "the only sane place to see art in America."

Film critic, Manohla Dargis, opened her review in the NY Times Feb 26th with the following: "Money, power, race, a mansion stuffed with treasure, a city plagued by scandal - about all that is missing from "The Art of the Steal," a hard hitting documentary about a high-cultural brawl, is a hot woman with a warm gun." And that's the pace of this intriguing real life drama. It takes place over the last twenty years when art, culture, politics, tourism, wills and trusts, race, academia, journalism and charitable foundations collide in what is referred to in the film as the largest non-profit hostile takeover.

While many main characters on one side of the issue refused to be interviewed, the facts remain riveting as told by the likes of Julian Bond, Gov. Ed Rendell, LA Times art critic Christopher Knight, to name a few. If you're not familiar with the Barnes collection, this is a short fascinating primer. The documentary taken as a whole raises the ultimate philosophical quesiton, "who does 'art' belong to?" and exposes the "long arm" of the powerful, the wealthy and non-profit charitable foundations thought only to be benevolent.

Meanwhile, don't try to reach me Thursdays or Fridays after 4. I'm probably getting my weekly fix. Otherwise, I'm REALLY testy on the weekend!

(And if you're into foreign flicks, don't miss Swedish film "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" based on world's second best selling novel with 8 million copies worldwide and highest grossing film in Europe in 2009. It's gritty but great!)

As many of you may be aware, Jane I and I hold an appraiser workshop at my shops in Alexandria, Va. The program is excellent for both new and experienced appraisers. We have an excellent work book, and as the class is limited to only 10, plus the two instructors the class is very interactive and hands on. Because of the small size, it is more discussion based, rather than a series of lectures. If you are interested please contact me for more information at 703-836-1020 or toddisg01@gmail.com.

Thanks,

Todd




Workshop Sessions:

• Close the Sale and Determine The Scope of Work

• Prepare Contracts and Obtain Deposits

• Prepare for the On-Site Inspection

• Research Using New Methods and New Technological Techniques, Creating Bibliographies and Incorporating Printed Documents and Appraisals into New Reports

• Learn How to Deal With Client Challenges

• Perform an appraisal inspection

• Advance Product and Specialty Area Knowledge

Inspect and study the inventory of two antique shops packed full of period and quality revival furniture, decorative arts and fine arts. You may remove drawers, turn over case pieces, inspect backboards and even disassemble/assemble a tall case clock. You will learn how to use ultra violet light to detect restorations to paintings, porcelains and furniture, and learn how to write property descriptions and condition reports. Click HERE for a photo album of the shops:

Your workbook with C D will include actual sample contracts, forms, glossaries and documents which are used everyday by successful and experienced appraisers.

The appraisal business is better than ever even in this economy. Are you going to waste another year trying to figure out how to make money in your appraisal practice? What are you waiting for?

Limited to 10 attendees, no more than 5 students to each instructor. Time and Space is limited! Contact us NOW for pricing and availability. The workshop is lead by  Jane C. Brennom, ISA CAPP, and Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP.

Click on the link below for further information and registration. Website: www.appraiserworkshops.com or Call The Appraiser Workshops at 703-836-1020

By Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP

I wrote a similar post a few weeks ago for the ISA forum, and thought I would also share with those appraisers outside of ISA and the ISA forum.

I was recently reading an article on the legal profession which included a private survey on how law firms planned to promote their services in 2010. I was pleasantly surprised to see that 92% of those responding stated that social media was in their plans. This includes online activities such as websites, blogs, social networking, Youtube, Feeds, RSS, embedded video, images, podcasts, tags, Twitter and social media press releases. But it is beyond any of the singular sites and networks, it is how they all may be used together to gain maximum benefit and brand exposure.

You may not realize it, but appraisal organizations are taking advantage of social media. ISA is actually using many social media concepts for its upcoming conference in Toronto. ISA HQ is sending out internal email blasts to members with images, links etc, there is info on the main website, plus a mini site devoted only to conference at www.assets2010.org. ISA has press releases coming out for both online and print publications, have posted on the news-antiques press release site, have snail mailed brochures, and have other promotional activity planned. ISA has a LinkedIn group, and soon will be active with Twitter and Facebook as well. It is the planning and coordination between various social media outlets that makes the campaigns worthwhile, any one on its own might produce few results, while as a group, the promotional efforts start to take hold. The social media sites are excellent ways for groups and organizations to stay in touch with their members. AAA has been active with both Twitter and Facebook.

In September, 2009 I posted on the Appraisers Post about a Realtor's technology survey (click HERE to read). The survey revealed that real estate professionals were using social networking sites with more frequency. As a matter of fact the increase in the use of social networking sites rose from 33% surveyed in 2007 to 84% in 2008.

Now add in the recent survey from law firms, and it shows the importance of not only an online presence, but the connection and coordination of all available online promotional, marketing, and networking opportunities.

Click the Read More Below for the rest of the article.

Recently, The Appraisal Foundation's Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) responded to a query submitted by my Appraisal Course Associates partner, AQB-certified USPAP instructor, Bill Novotny. The original issue in question focused on USPAP record keeping requirements pertaining to appraisers who provide assistance with an assignment. There clearly are such requirements for the primary appraiser who signs the report’s USPAP certification, but what obligations apply to the assisting appraiser?

The initial query led to even more questions regarding USPAP obligations pertaining to the primary appraiser as well as to the individual providing the assistance. What if the individual providing assistance is not an “appraiser?” If an appraiser, what if the assistance provided was not “appraisal” assistance? What if the assistance provided was not deemed “significant”? This paper addresses these several questions and clarifies USPAP obligations pertaining to personal property assignments in which assistance is provided by others...read all

I have been looking for something interesting and insightful to post to the Appraisers Post. I recently came across a real estate site which mentions several important factors about real estate appraising. The central topics or categories were interesting. Some were applicable and some not. Many of the details and specifics did not really fit or transfer to personal property appraising. I decided to take the liberty of using a few of the main categories and filling in the details with my own ideas and thoughts on how they apply to personal property appraising.

The main categories I selected were the ability to develop values, fee structures, quality work product, and communication.

Develop Values
The ability to develop values is of course at the core of what we do as professional personal property appraisers. In order to develop values we must have familiarity with the different types of values and differing market levels.  If we don’t understand this, then we are doing a disservice to both our client and our profession. Appraisers also must have the basic and needed product knowledge in order to properly identify and then further develop the proper value as required by our client.

The way I look at assignments and my final value conclusions is rather simple, can I defend them.  If I had to take my work file, comps, selected market, comps and final value, could I make a reasonable and rational defense of my final conclusions? Could I explain the value rationale and adjustments. That is not to say there could be legitimate differences in opinions and different value conclusions. The personal property profession includes many subjective factors, yet we should try to minimize those issues and moderate differences.  Solid knowledge and a process for determining and developing values is so important to our profession, and all personal property appraisers should stay current with valuation concepts and emerging models.

Click READ MORE below for the rest of the article.

By Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP

In early December I received an email from Susi Prescott at Artfact about the release of a new application for the iPhone. I was immediately impressed and posted on the AW Blog and Appraisers Post. At the time, I was using an older model regular cell and not a smart phone, but I thought the idea of access to Artfact/Invaluable through a smaprtphone such as the iPhone was a great idea. Perhaps more importantly it could have significant benefits for the personal property appraiser.

Last week I had a Doctor’s appointment and when I arrived the receptionist said the Dr. was delayed in surgery, but was on his way to the office. If I could come back in about an hour or an hour and a half they would get me right in to see him. I said sure, and drove over to a shopping center to kill some time. And, there was the AT&T phone store. Well, the time away from the doctors was well spent. I would like to say I purchased an iPhone, but I really think I made an investment in an excellent business tool. And, if you like gadgets like me, it is also pretty cool tool. Although I will say, if it was not for Susi telling me about the app , I don’t know if I would have made the change.

My cell plan could withstand the upgrade, so I purchased an iPhone 3gS with 16 gigabytes of storage for $200.00 (plus some accessories). It has gps, maps, camera, video, calendar, email, clock, compass, messaging, stocks, Youtube, web surfing, wifi, plus the enormous library of applications such as the Artfact app.

For those unaware, an app is a software program designed to run on the iPhone or other smartphone. It is formatted properly for the small screen size. Typical websites can be browsed, but if the formatting is not right, they can be hard to view and utilize, the smartphone application takes care of this. With smartphones we have always had the option to send email, check some websites etc. The development and popularity of smartphone and the software applications happens to make viewing and reading much easier, and gives the phone so much more utility.

Benefits for the appraiser are many, such as access to email and the web. Calendars are great, because they can be synced to from your primary computer to smartphone. The GPS on the iPhone is amazing for location, finding shops nearby, and directions.

Click READ MORE below for the rest of the article.

Last week a 'behind the scenes' look at one of the great museums, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, was aired on the Public Broadcasting System - Channel 13 in New York City. It's not clear whether the show was offered nationally. It was fascinating in scope. The show took the viewer through the various processes by which an artwork is acquired. It was hosted by long time director, now retired, Philippe de Montebello. The act of spotting a work, knowing of its existence, then acquiring the piece was an eye opener. Convincing the director that it is a must for the collection, selling it to the trustees and curatorial committee are the next and difficult steps. Curators explained the specific details of an artwork and what makes it so special highlighting an African power figure, Southern quilt, and a silk and wool tapestry. The curators are connoisseurs in their fields and they know what they are after to fill in gaps for their departments. During de Montebello's tenure, he was responsible for the purchase of more than ca. 85,000 objects. A number of committees review each purchase including the Trustees, Curators, Conservators if needed. The viewer heard from several of the curators, had a look inside the restoration labs, watched as movers carried precious artworks, and viewed various staffers who might be involved in the entire process. The goal of course is to bring the finest art of its type whether Japanese armor or a Van Gogh to the public. It was clear that the museum's staff is in close contact with the best auction houses, dealers, and independent market watchers. The tough job is for the curators to convince the committees that the artworks are key to the collection and to spend the money to acquire them. All of this may seem obvious but to be able to get a first hand look is special. Look for the show no doubt it will be repeated.

Jamieson Tribal Art Event

Join ethnologist, museum specialist, and antique tribal art collector & dealer, Bill Jamieson, at a Special ISA Conference Event, Friday evening, April 30th at the ISA Toronto Conference.

Bill is an NAC Associated Specialist focusing on old material from North American Indian, South Pacific, Pre-Columbian, African, Indonesian and oddities from around the world.

Bill has been a radio show guest on Public Radio’s “Value This! With Brian and Leon,” and has worked with Nova and National Geographic. Learn more about Bill at: http://www.valuethisradio.com/guestholdingarea.html

Bill also purchased the Niagara Falls Museum in 1999 which contained numerous treasures, including nine Egyptian mummies which were sold to the Michael C. Carlos Museum in Atlanta, GA. One of the mummies turned out to be the missing Pharaoh, Rameses I, and has since been repatriated to Egypt.

Don’t miss this fabulous event at the ISA Conference on Friday, April 30th, 5:00PM - 8:00 PM.
Register today at: http://www.assets2010.org

The Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies – 2010 will soon be published. Look for the 2010 edition to be available for purchase sometime in late March or early April. I am currently putting the master document together for final copy editing, formatting and printing. I am very pleased with the article contributions for this year and expect the journal to again be widely accepted as a thoughtful and insightful publication on personal property practice. The 2010 article mix and variety is excellent, with an interesting selection of product knowledge content, appraisal theory and methodology and practical appraisal information. The 2010 collection of articles come from both past journal contributors and new authors.

The 2010 edition of the Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies will contain articles on the following topics:

• Folk Art
• Museum deaccsessioning
• Investing in antiques and art
• Appraising art
• Working with the moving industry
• The appraisal library
• Appraisal software techniques
• Appraiser versus authenticators
• Rarity
• Valuation
• Blockage
• Art crime
• Appraising church and synagogue collections
• Original research methods
• Furniture designers
• Appraising stamps and coins

I will of course post to both the Appraiser Workshops blog and the Appraisers post when the new 2010 edition is available.

The Journal is published by the non profit Foundation for Appraisal Education, and proceeds go to the educational initiatives of the foundation. I would like to thank all of the authors, volunteers and past and present Foundation for Appraisal Education board members for their help, continued support and loyalty to this important and needed project. If we as a profession expect to grow we need to cultivate and encourage those who practice personal property appraising to develop new ideas, theories and methodologies, and the share them with our peers.

As Charles McCracken, D.Ed wrote in the inaugural 2008 edition of the Journal:

Modern personal property appraisers do more than numerical calculations and tabulations. They generate prose that is engaging and explanatory. They write beyond the numbers to share knowledge with peers and a wider audience. The virtues of publishing are many. By contributing to the literature upon which all appraiser rely, they establish themselves as experts in afield, attract jobs well suited to their interests and expertise, and develop a network of colleagues and other professionals.

For the profession, publishing informative pieces about what appraisers do or telling the stories their research uncovers, promotes good will and public trust and demonstrates the rigor or the research conducted. As the appraisal practice evolves, writing for a broader audience, writing clearly, writing for publication is becoming more important.

The 2008 and 2009 versions of the Journal are still available, and can be ordered at www.appraisaljournal.org. As the editor of the journal I am always looking for interesting personal property related articles for the publication. If you think you have an article idea for the 2011 edition (publication estimate of March 2011) please feel free to contact me at toddsig01@gmail.com.

Workshop Sessions:

• Close the Sale and Determine The Scope of Work

• Prepare Contracts and Obtain Deposits

• Prepare for the On-Site Inspection

• Research Using New Methods and New Technological Techniques, Creating Bibliographies and Incorporating Printed Documents and Appraisals into New Reports

• Learn How to Deal With Client Challenges

• Perform an appraisal inspection

• Advance Product and Specialty Area Knowledge

Inspect and study the inventory of two antique shops packed full of period and quality revival furniture, decorative arts and fine arts. You may remove drawers, turn over case pieces, inspect backboards and even disassemble/assemble a tall case clock. You will learn how to use ultra violet light to detect restorations to paintings, porcelains and furniture, and learn how to write property descriptions and condition reports. Click HERE for a photo album of the shops:

Your workbook with C D will include actual sample contracts, forms, glossaries and documents which are used everyday by successful and experienced appraisers.

The appraisal business is better than ever even in this economy. Are you going to waste another year trying to figure out how to make money in your appraisal practice? What are you waiting for?

Limited to 10 attendees, no more than 5 students to each instructor. Time and Space is limited! Contact us NOW for pricing and availability. The workshop is lead by  Jane C. Brennom, ISA CAPP, and Todd W. Sigety, ISA CAPP.

Click on the link below for further information and registration. Website: www.appraiserworkshops.com or Call The Appraiser Workshops at 703-836-1020

WEBINAR: Antique Folk Art and the Modern Interpretations.

Folk Art encompasses a lot of territory. Paintings, objects, textiles and every other media find their places in the world of Folk Art.

As a rule, modern Folk Art interpretations are not meant to be fraudulent. In fact, most currently made objects are made in homage to past ones. However, the lack of facts or removal of identification causes problems for collectors and appraisers.

Are you aware of the interpretations that are out there in the marketplace? Would you know an antique folk art object from a 20th century revival piece? If not, your due diligence becomes a significant issue for recognizing and appraising this property. It does not matter if you are a generalist, fine art or decorative arts appraiser, this seminar will allow you to see just how closely some artisans interpret antique objects. You will be shown examples of antiques against an early 20th century revival and more recent examples. You will gain an understanding of the interpreter’s work through Susan’s interviews with artisans currently making these objects.

Susan Golashovsky, ASA, is an accredited senior appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers with tested specialties in American Folk Art, Antique Furniture and General/Residential Contents. Susan was involved with the retail end of Americana and Country antiques before becoming an appraiser. Now an independent appraiser based in Doylestown, PA , Susan attends every antiques auction and vetted crafts show that time allows.

Folk Art encompasses a lot of territory. Paintings, objects, textiles and every other media find their places in the world of Folk Art.

The webinar lasts one hour and begins at 2pm EST, Feb. 12, 2010.

This is a great opportunity to earn continuing education credits at a low price!

Non-member: $75.00 Member: $65.00 Designated Member: $65.00

The Web site is http://www.appraisers.org/Education/ViewClass.aspx?ClassID=2362&View=Syllabus for more information and to register for the webinar.

Appraisal Course Associates (ACA), a leading developer of USPAP-centered instructional books and courses for the personal property appraiser, has announced that the updated 2010-2011 edition of the "Complete Online Course in Personal Property Appraising (Featuring USPAP)" is now available.

"The course has been completely updated to conform to the many changes incorporated into the 2010-2011 edition of USPAP," said course author and Certified Appraiser Dave Maloney. "In addition, scores of enhancements including expanded discussions and new topics make this the most comphrensive and up-to-date online source of core appraisal knowledge for the personal property appraiser," he continued.

The course makes use of Maloney's popular 550-page how-to course book and reference guide for the appraiser entitled "Appraising Personal Property: Principles and Methodology - 3rd Edition" (http://bit.ly/AppraisalBook) as well as The Appraisal Foundation's "Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice" (USPAP). Narrated video reviews combined with supplemental online readings enhance the learning experience. The course also makes use of self-assessed quizzes, locally-proctored exams, and a graded final appraisal assignment. Read more about the course: http://bit.ly/OnlineCourseReview.

Visit Course Website: http://www.AppraisalCourseAssociates.com/lms.

Guest Access to the Online Course: http://bit.ly/GUEST_OnlineCourse (click "Login as a guest" button).

If deemed to be a fiduciary, appraisers could be held liable for breaching their fiduciary duties. But do appraisers normally perform in the role of a fiduciary? The answer is "No." Though professionals, appraisers typically act in an arm’s-length manner in the capacity of independent contractors but not as fiduciaries.

A fiduciary is one who has a special relation of trust, confidence, or responsibility in his or her obligations to others, as does a bank trust officer, a guardian and his minor ward, the Executor of an estate, a company director, a lawyer and his client, or an agent of a principal (e.g., an estate liquidator or an auctioneer.) A fiduciary is expected to act as an advocate for his or her client who is normally in no position to supervise or control the actions taken by the fiduciary on his behalf. The client must take those actions on trust, and the fiduciary principle is designed to prevent that trust from being misplaced. Fiduciaries who violate that trust can be held liable for doing so.

Ordinarily, fiduciary duties do not attach to the appraiser-client relationship. This is true for all appraisal practice services because the independence required to render an appraisal practice service is fundamentally inconsistent with the status of a fiduciary. According to USPAP and to all appraisal society Codes of Ethics, the appraiser is required to act in an impartial and unbiased manner and NOT as an advocate. The appraiser is prohibited from acting in the capacity of an advocate, and, therefore, is prohibited from functioning as a fiduciary. ...read more