Services
Insurance Appraisals
Our USPAP-compliant insurance appraisals document the existence, condition, and replacement value of fine art and personal property, ensuring appropriate coverage in the event of loss or damage. Each appraisal is supported by independent market research, including auction, dealer, and gallery data, and is prepared to meet the standards required by major insurers and underwriters. Because replacement value reflects current retail market conditions rather than fair market value, it represents the cost to replace a comparable item through the appropriate retail marketplace within a reasonable period of time.
Estate Tax & Planning Appraisals
Our firm has extensive experience preparing appraisals for estate tax purposes on behalf of collectors, estates, family trusts, and fiduciaries. We provide USPAP-compliant valuations developed for IRS and probate requirements, with fair market values supported by analysis of auction results, private sales, dealer pricing, provenance, condition, and broader market conditions. Our reports also address complex valuation issues, including blockage discounts, fractional interests, and works with limited documentation, while coordinating closely with estate attorneys, executors, trustees, and tax advisors throughout the process.
Charitable Donation Appraisals
BZH Appraisal Associates specializes in qualified charitable donation appraisals prepared in compliance with IRS requirements for noncash contributions of fine art and personal property. Our USPAP-compliant reports support filings on IRS Form 8283 and include the market research, valuation methodology, and documentation required for charitable deductions. We work closely with donors, tax advisors, and receiving institutions to ensure compliance throughout the process. Our firm has prepared appraisals for major donations to institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and other leading museums and nonprofit institutions.
Equitable Distribution Appraisals
BZH Appraisal Associates provides objective and unbiased appraisals for marriage, partnership, and equitable distribution matters involving fine art, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and other personal property. Our valuations are supported by current market research and comparable sales data, helping attorneys, mediators, and clients navigate the fair division of assets during divorce or dissolution proceedings. We understand the sensitive nature of these engagements and provide accurate, consistent, and well-documented appraisals designed to assist in resolution and negotiation.
Acquisition/Disposition Appraisals
BZH Appraisal Associates provides acquisition and disposition analysis appraisals and valuation reports for collectors, advisors, and private clients seeking informed guidance on the value of fine art and personal property. Supported by current market research, auction data, dealer pricing, and comparable sales, these reports assist with collection management, financial planning, and transactional decision-making when a formal legal appraisal is not required.
Collateral Lending Appraisals
BZH Appraisal Associates provides collateral lending appraisals for banks, specialty lenders, family offices, and private clients utilizing fine art and personal property as loan collateral. Our appraisals are developed to assess both fair market value and liquidity considerations, including marketability, condition, title clarity, and the depth of the secondary market. Supported by current comparable sales data and market analysis, these reports assist lenders in evaluating collateral risk, loan-to-value ratios, and ongoing portfolio exposure.