The Personal Property Appraisers Post

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