Accolades for FRAN and THE ARAI TEAM

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Lily Butler Rupp
(Sebastopol, CA)

“As the trustee of my late husband's estate, the Bay Figurative artist R. Kent Rupp, I worked closely with Fran and several of her associates over the course of one year during the organization and photographing of all artworks spanning his 60-year long career.  She and an associate came to the studio and helped me through the difficult and emotional process of developing and executing a plan to catalog his overwhelming body of work. They later inspected every piece of art, reviewed the cataloging system developed, and all of the initial data provided to them was verified. When the outsized task was accomplished, Fran compiled a thorough USPAP-compliant Fair Market Value appraisal for tax filings. It was a pleasure doing business with her company. If five stars are the best, then I would give her and her staff six stars.”

Accolades for FRAN and THE WORK

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Merrill Berman
(New York, NY)

“Frances has completed several stellar Fair Market Value appraisal reports for me. I was most impressed by her professionalism, reporting thoroughness, the manner in which the assignments were addressed, and management skills. It was a pleasure dealing with her and I would definitely call upon her appraisal service in the future.”

Accolades for FRAN and THE WORK

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Private Client
(Palm Beach, FL)

“My long-standing professional relationship with Frances Zeman began some fifteen years ago when she completed an extensive appraisal of our fine and decorative arts collection that was located in our town house in Manhattan. The information provided in the appraisal served well for subsequent issues involving insurance and relocation matters. My architect and interior designer were also able to utilize the appraisal to plan and design our new home when we relocated to Florida. I have since engaged her to complete appraisal services to update values and to add properties that were combined in our current residence from another home.

The services Fran provides through Appraisal Resource Associates, Inc. are exceptional. Her value conclusions were accurate and were accepted by my insurance company without question. Additionally, the report narratives were well written, easily understood and provided a wealth of information. She was able to identify the artists represented in the collection for which there are current catalogue raisonné projects and act as liaison to facilitate the inclusion of these artworks, which, as was pointed out by Fran, is important to maintaining their value. She is also a remarkable and trustworthy resource for trade and related information.  Not only would I use her services again, I would not hesitate to refer her to friends and family.”

Accolades for FRAN and THE WORK

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Margaret Scott Rauch
(New York, NY)

“Frances and her firm have provided appraisal services for our artwork and other collections on multiple occasions, for insurance coverage, estate reporting and charitable contributions. She was introduced to us by our financial advisor, and since then, has become a valued, and highly trusted, advisor. She has provided independent and trustworthy guidance to us in deaccessioning matters, and her vast knowledge has been indispensable in making decisions large and small. She will continue to be the first person to call when there is a question about anything concerning our personal property and its value. I’m not sure what I would do without her.”

Accolades for FRAN and THE WORK

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Robert Cowan
(Los Angeles, CA)

“Frances has completed several Fair Market Value appraisals for charitable contributions to museums for specialized properties.  Her ability to understand the properties,  the extensive research conducted and her communication skills in the written appraisal reports were exceptional.”

Accolades for FRAN and THE WORK

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L. Schumann
(New York, NY)

“Frances Zeman, President of Appraisal Resource Associates, Inc. has been doing appraisals for our selective clients for more than fifteen years. Exemplary client services, expertise and her understanding of the art market are among the many professional qualifications that contribute to continuing assignments.”

Accolades for COLLECTION MANAGEMENT

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Dr. Malcolm Thomson

“Thank you does not adequately express my gratitude to Fran Zeman and associates for my appreciation of their professional skills and abilities. My diverse and extensive collection required a broad expertise seldom available from a single appraisal firm. Fran and staff taught me much about the rare and important historical documents, artworks and silver pieces that I have acquired through the years.

In addition to her appraisal services, Fran was instrumental in identifying artworks from the collection that required conservation and re-framing, referred me to excellent resources, and, at my request, oversee the entire process. As part of the extensive research she conducted on all of the artworks, she gathered information on current catalogue raisonné projects and communicated with various committees in order to provide me with specific procedures for submission. Having had previous appraisals done by others working in this field, I can definitively say that Fran's services overwhelmingly exceeded my expectations. I feel very fortunate to have made her professional acquaintance and have already referred her to more than one person.”

Accolades for COLLECTION MANAGEMENT

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Albert S. Messina, Managing Director
(Silvercrest Asset Management Group, New York, NY)

“I have known Frances Zeman of Appraisal Resource Associates, Inc., for about five years. She was hired by a mutual client to provide appraisal and consulting services relative to a large and complex collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts from various periods, in various styles and in varying physical conditions. My position has been that of financial and investment advisor to the same family.

In her role, Fran not only provided expert advice on the values of the multitude of pieces in the inventory, but she also provided invaluable advice on negotiating contracts with various third parties, such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, art restorers, etc.; recommended, coordinated and oversaw successful art exhibitions, art fairs and loans of various pieces in the collection to museums, etc.; oversaw the conservation and restoration of numerous artworks; provided staffing recommendations in both the sales gallery and general collection management areas; made important contributions in the development of the collection’s brand; and managed significant projects within the organization as well as with third party consultants all with tremendous proficiency and attention to detail.

In each of these roles, Fran and her staff conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism, integrity and skill to further the goals set by those in charge of the collection. Fran lives and breathes her work and is passionate about what she does. It was a pleasure to work with her and I am indebted to her for the keen insight she provided me about the collection in the exercise of my duties. 

In a 40-odd year career, I have worked with many other talented professionals. In my experience, Fran ranks among the very top of the list and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in need of the services she provides.”

Accolades for FRAN and THE ARAI TEAM

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Susan Taxin Baer, Esq., Principal Attorney
(The Law Offices of Susan Taxin Baer, White Plains & New York, NY)

”I have worked with Fran Zeman and her staff on several estate and trust appraisal matters and valuation issues. Her work product shows the highest level of professionalism. It is always accurate and meets the scope of work for each assignment. Fran understands the difference between simple and complex matters and addresses each accordingly, providing the same level of respect and client services to each assignment. Her knowledge, extensive experience, and research skills are formidable. It is no wonder that she is highly respected and esteemed by her colleagues. All of the appraisers at ARAI have extensive experience and, having been trained by Fran, are knowledgeable and efficient. 

The fees charged have been reasonable, especially considering the parameters of the work produced. I have not hesitated in referring Fran and her firm, Appraisal Resource Associates, Inc., to my clients and colleagues, and I shall continue to do so.”

Accolades for FRAN and THE ARAI TEAM

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Christine Bower, EA
(C. A. Bower, Inc., San Francisco, CA)

“The professional services provided by Frances and her firm proved to be everything her references and experience implied. She managed and provided appraisal services for an extensive estate matter that included many different types of art and other personal property within a given timeline that facilitated my professional services.  She was also able to provide invaluable service and guidance to expedite relevant charitable contributions and for remaining deaccessions of properties. She is a professionals' professional.”

Accolades for THE WORK

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Diahn W. McGrath, Esq.,
Principal Attorney
(McGrath Law Offices, New York, NY)

“Thank you for such a thorough and competent appraisal. I look forward to working with you again.”

Accolades for THE WORK

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Kathy Halbower & David Johnson
(New York, NY)

“Your work is amazingly comprehensive and detailed and we were particularly impressed by the professional presentation. Thank you very much for all that you have done for us!!!”