Appraisal Resource Associates, Inc. (ARAI) provides comprehensive personal property appraisal services including appraisals of fine art, antiques and decorative arts, oriental rugs, and home and office contents. Specialists are also available to appraise books and manuscripts and gems and jewelry.

Professional Appraisals. Every ARAI appraisal adheres to the ethical and professional guidelines of the Appraisal Foundation's Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and to the high standards of the American Society of Appraisers. ARAI appraisals are recognized and accepted by all insurance companies, lending institutions, banks, courts and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Abbreviated or limited appraisals to meet special needs are also available.

Other Services. Besides comprehensive appraisal services, ARAI consults on the purchase and sale of fine art, antiques and decorative arts and other personal property, and provides advisory services for de-accessioning property. ARAI also provides management services for corporate and other large collections. All services are performed within the context of the Appraisal Foundation's Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Fees. Fees for appraisal services are charged at an hourly, per diem, or flat rate depending upon the assignment. Contact us to discuss the services you require.

Litigation Support

At times, attorneys will find themselves handling a litigious matter involving an area of personal property with which they are unfamiliar. Perhaps they are preparing for discovery, are reviewing documents, or have even completed discovery and are preparing for trial. Retaining the services of an experienced appraiser with expertise in this field and knowledge of various market layers can be invaluable. What questions are important to ask during discovery and/or trial? If discovery has already occurred, what answers may have been given that will not be supportable in court? Is an expert whose report has been submitted in evidence, qualified? Does the expert's report meet USPAP standards and is the value conclusion correct and supportable? The questions posed are but a few of the major reasons for attorneys to consult with and retain the services of a qualified appraiser.

Expert Witness Testimony

Retain the services of an appraiser who has either previously been qualified as an expert witness or whose professional credentials will be approved for testimony in court. An expert witness can testify to matters of fact and state their professional opinion related to specific questions. Fact witnesses can testify only to matters of fact. The professional appraiser bases testimony on the appraisal report they prepared and/or their knowledge of market and methodology used by others. Giving expert testimony may be the end result of the appraisal process in matters of litigation.

Project Management

The ability to effect comprehensive services with a minimal amount of invasive activity with maximized efficiency are services almost every client wants. Team appraisal projects can be developed to meet client needs whether local or long distance. Every appraisal begins with a work plan from which an engagement letter is prepared. Although projects may change as they develop, there are no surprises and clients are kept abreast if the need to amend engament terms arise. The same standard of care is given to project management whether the assignment is large or small. At ARAI, one person is in charge and unless otherwise arranged, assumes responsibility for successful project completion.