When Do You Actually Need an Art Appraisal?
Good question. Here’s when it’s worth bringing someone like me in:
Insurance
If your artwork is damaged, stolen, or lost in a fire, the insurance company needs to know what it was worth before something happened. That’s where a replacement value appraisal comes in. It accounts for what it would cost to replace the piece today—framing, taxes, and all.
Estate Planning & Trusts
When you’re distributing artwork as part of an estate, it’s important to document its fair market value. This helps with equitable distribution and keeps everything clean and straightforward for attorneys and beneficiaries.
Charitable Donations
If you’re donating a piece of art worth more than $5,000, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal by a certified appraiser. I’ve helped clients with this process, including the forms and documentation you’ll need for tax time.
Resale, Divorce, or Curiosity
Whether you’re preparing to sell a piece or splitting assets in a divorce, having a credible valuation can make things a lot smoother. Even if you’re just curious about the value of something that’s been hanging on your wall for years I can help with that too.
Why Certification Matters
Not all appraisers are created equal. A certified appraiser:
- Has formal education in appraisal methodology
- Knows how to research comparables and current market data
- Stays up to date on tax law, insurance requirements, and valuation standards
- Is unbiased—we don’t buy or sell art, so there’s no conflict of interest
- Provides written, signed reports that hold up to scrutiny
In short, you’re hiring someone who’s qualified, ethical, and knows how to back up their numbers.
Based in San Diego, Serving All of Southern California
I work locally in San Diego, but also travel for clients throughout Southern California. Whether I’m visiting a collector’s home in La Jolla, doing an estate walkthrough in Rancho Santa Fe, or inspecting a donation piece headed for a museum I tailor each report to the client’s needs.
And if you’re not sure whether your piece warrants a full appraisal, I’m happy to talk it through and point you in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
I love what I do. I love the research, the detective work, the chance to really dig into the story behind a piece of art. But more than anything, I love helping people feel confident in the value of what they own.
So if you’re Googling “certified art appraiser San Diego” and trying to figure out next steps, Let’s talk.