Frequently Asked QUESTIONS
Are you a certified appraiser?
Yes, Courtney Ahlstrom Christy is certified by the International Society of Appraisers, accredited by the Appraisers Association of America, and follows the most current Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Please note that there is no official licensing for personal property appraisers. Learn more in the article, “Certified: Its Real Meaning for Personal Property Appraisers.”
Is the appraisal fee based on the determined value of the property appraised?
No, the appraisal fee is based on onsite examination and market research time and never on the determined value of the property appraised. The fee may change if the client requests additional items to be valued or third-party expenses are needed such as authentication reasons or forensic analysis.
Can you provide a quick ballpark estimate? I don’t need a full report.
No, although some in the industry do choose to offer such services. Since Ahlstrom Appraisals LLC is in compliance with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), it is our due diligence to properly research each object to the best of our ability. The amount of time required for researching value and maintaining a required workfile will be the same even if a written report is not developed.
I don’t know exactly what type of appraisal or value I need. Can you help?
Yes, client confusion is often cleared up during initial discussions when determining the scope of the assignment. Many clients are surprised to learn how many types of values can be selected for an appraisal depending on the intended use. By understanding your goals for the appraisal, we can clarify your options. If you’d like to learn more about which value type is most useful for your situation, we recommend reading the article “Understanding Valuation Terms.”
I’m looking to sell. Do you buy?
No, we do not purchase or sell. However, we occasionally broker select property for legacy clients in the role of a consultant and not an appraiser. Learn about the additional services on our Consultation Services page.
Do you conduct estate sales?
No, we do not offer estate sale services. However, some clients wish to have a formal valuation for items with potentially high value. Read about how having an appraisal could be worth your while in the article “Before You Have an Estate Sale.”