Accurate fair market value appraisals to support confident personal buying and selling decisions. AppraiseItNow appraises personal property, vehicles, fine art, boats, and equipment to help you negotiate with clarity.
Valuations by experienced appraisers across assets
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Joe Kattan
Anne Hay, ISA AM
Jason Dolph, CAGA
Ashley Innes, ISA AM
Tim Roy, ASA, CEA
Justin Ramirez, ASA, ABV, CFA
Marnie Erkelens, CAGA
Raymond Ghelardi, ASA
Aron Blue
About AppraiseItNow's Purchase and Sale Appraisal Services
A purchase and sale appraisal establishes the fair market value of personal property to support informed, defensible transactions between buyers and sellers. Whether you are pricing a vehicle, artwork, equipment, or collectible for private sale, negotiating a fair purchase price, or documenting value for legal or financial purposes, a professional appraisal ensures both parties transact with confidence and clarity. Unlike IRS-driven appraisals, purchase and sale appraisals are triggered by practical need rather than regulatory thresholds.
AppraiseItNow delivers purchase and sale appraisals online and onsite across the United States, covering vehicles, fine art, boats, equipment, collectibles, business interests, and more. Our mission is to deliver defensible, USPAP-compliant valuations with exceptional speed, professionalism, and client service.
What Does AppraiseItNow Appraise for Purchase and Sale?
AppraiseItNow covers every major asset class that commonly changes hands in purchase and sale transactions, including:
- Personal Property – jewelry, antiques, furniture, coins, collectibles, and household goods
- Equipment & Machinery – medical equipment, restaurant equipment, manufacturing machinery, and technology assets
- Fine Art – paintings, prints, sculpture, photography, and mixed media
- Business Interests – LLCs, S-corps, partnerships, fractional interests, and privately held stock
- Boats & Watercraft – sailboats, powerboats, yachts, jet skis, and personal watercraft
- Automobiles & Vehicles – cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, trailers, and classic vehicles
- Inventory – retail inventory, wholesale stock, raw materials, and finished goods
Who Does AppraiseItNow Serve?
- Private sellers seeking an objective valuation before listing personal property, vehicles, or collectibles
- Buyers who want independent confirmation of fair market value before committing to a purchase price
- Dealers, brokers, and auction houses requiring third-party appraisals to support pricing and client trust
- Attorneys and financial advisors facilitating asset transfers that require documented valuations
- Businesses buying or selling equipment, inventory, or other tangible assets as part of commercial transactions
5-Star Valuation Services, Loved by Hundreds
AppraiseItNow offers online appraisals and onsite appraisals in all 50 states including New York, California, Texas, and Florida.
What is a Personal Use appraisal?
A Personal Use appraisal determines the fair market value of tangible personal property for non-commercial purposes such as estate planning, charitable donations, gifting, or divorce settlements. Fair market value reflects the price a willing buyer and seller would agree on, both knowledgeable and without compulsion, given the property's typical market and current condition.
When is a Personal Use appraisal required?
The IRS requires a qualified appraisal for charitable donations of non-cash personal property exceeding $5,000, and for estate tax returns when the gross estate exceeds applicable thresholds. Legal situations such as audits, disputes, and divorce settlements also commonly trigger the need for a formal appraisal.
What types of assets need a Personal Use appraisal?
AppraiseItNow appraises a wide range of tangible personal property, including assets such as:
- Vehicles (cars, motorcycles, RVs, classic automobiles)
- Fine art and collectibles (paintings, sculptures, antiques, coins, stamps, jewelry)
- Boats (yachts, sailboats, motorboats)
- Equipment and machinery (farm, construction, manufacturing, and medical equipment)
- Business interests and inventory
- Household items (furniture, musical instruments, firearms, wine collections, sports memorabilia)
Who qualifies as an appraiser for Personal Use purposes?
A qualified appraiser holds a designation from a recognized organization such as ISA or ASA, meets IRS education and experience requirements, and regularly performs compensated appraisals in their area of expertise. They cannot be related to or employed by the donor, and they must charge a fixed fee rather than a contingent fee based on the appraised value.
Are AppraiseItNow's Personal Use appraisals USPAP-compliant?
Yes. All appraisals are prepared in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, which govern methodology, scope of work, report content, and ethical requirements. USPAP compliance is essential for IRS acceptance and for use in legal or financial proceedings.
What information do you need to get started?
To begin a Personal Use appraisal, please provide:
- Detailed descriptions and photos of each item
- Physical condition assessments or notes
- The intended use and intended users of the appraisal
- The required valuation date (aligned with the contribution or estate date)
- Access to the property for inspection if needed
How long does a Personal Use appraisal take?
Most Personal Use appraisals are completed in 7 to 10 business days. Rush service may be available upon request.
How much does a Personal Use appraisal cost?
Fees vary depending on the asset type, number of items, and overall complexity of the assignment. Visit our pricing page for a full breakdown of what to expect.
Can you appraise assets located anywhere in the US?
Yes. AppraiseItNow works with clients and appraisers across the country, and many appraisals can be completed using submitted photos and documentation. Contact us to confirm the best approach for your specific assets and location.
Will my appraisal be accepted by the IRS?
Our appraisals are prepared to meet IRS qualified appraisal standards, including proper valuation date, documented methodology, verified appraiser credentials, and a non-contingent fee declaration. While no firm can guarantee acceptance in every case, following these standards significantly reduces the risk of challenge, disqualification, or accuracy-related penalties.
Do you buy, sell, or broker assets?
No. AppraiseItNow provides independent appraisals only. We have no financial interest in the assets we appraise, which is a core requirement for qualified appraiser status under IRS guidelines.
How should I document a charitable donation for IRS purposes?
For non-cash donations exceeding $5,000, attach a qualified appraisal summary to Form 8283 Section B with the appraiser's signature. For art valued over $20,000, attach a copy of the full qualified appraisal; for values exceeding $500,000, the complete appraisal report must be included.
Can one appraisal cover an entire collection?
Yes, a single appraisal can cover a collection of similar items, such as a coin collection, treated as a group. However, separate qualified appraisals are required for items that do not fall into the same category, so art and furniture, for example, cannot be grouped together.
What happens if my appraisal is dated too far in advance?
An appraisal dated more than 60 days before the contribution date or Form 706 filing deadline does not qualify as a qualified appraisal under IRS rules. This can disqualify deductions and expose you to accuracy-related penalties ranging from 20 to 40 percent.
Can an appraiser charge a fee based on a percentage of the appraised value?
No. Contingent fees tied to the appraised value are prohibited for qualified appraisers performing Personal Use valuations. Fees must be fixed, and the appraiser must be independent from the donor or estate.
Does the IRS need to be listed as an intended user on my appraisal?
Not necessarily. USPAP requires identifying the intended users and intended use, but submitting an appraisal to the IRS does not automatically make the IRS an intended user. We recommend discussing this with your tax advisor to determine the best approach for your specific filing.
APPRAISEITNOW APPRAISERS ARE BEST-IN-CLASS & CREDENTIALED BY LEADING APPRAISAL ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE ISA, ASA, & MORE.
