Need an accurate estate appraisal? Request your free consultation or call us at 954.866.8044.
Lion and Unicorn Specializes in Estate Appraisal
When you search for “estate appraisers near me,” you want professionals who combine decades of hands-on experience with recognized credentials. Lion & Unicorn, based in Hollywood, Florida, has provided certified estate appraisals for over 30 years, helping clients across South Florida and nationwide navigate probate, insurance claims, estate sales, and equitable distribution.
An estate appraisal determines the fair market value of personal property within an estate. This valuation is essential for probate proceedings, IRS estate tax filings, insurance coverage, charitable donations, and divorce settlements. Courts rely on qualified appraisals to distribute assets fairly among heirs and beneficiaries.
Our appraisers hold ISA (International Society of Appraisers) credentials and follow USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) guidelines, the gold standard recognized by the IRS and courts nationwide. Every appraisal we deliver is a detailed, defensible document that stands up to legal scrutiny.
What Does an Estate Appraisal Include?
A comprehensive estate appraisal from Lion & Unicorn covers every category of personal property, including:
- Fine art and sculptures (paintings, prints, bronzes, mixed media)
- Antiques and decorative arts (European ceramics, Royal Doulton, Lladro, porcelain)
- Jewelry and watches (estate jewelry, diamonds, gold, luxury timepieces)
- Crystal and art glass (Waterford, Lalique, Baccarat, Swarovski)
- Coins, currency, and precious metals
- Collectibles and memorabilia (sports cards, vintage toys, historical documents)
- Furniture (period antiques, mid-century modern, designer pieces)
Each item receives individual research, condition assessment, and comparable market analysis. We document provenance when available and include high-resolution photographs in the final report. Our appraisals typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days after the on-site inspection.
When Do You Need an Estate Appraiser?
Several life events require a professional estate appraisal:
- Probate and estate settlement: Florida law requires an accurate inventory of estate assets for probate proceedings. A USPAP-compliant appraisal satisfies court requirements and protects executors from personal liability.
- IRS estate tax filings: Estates exceeding the federal exemption threshold must file Form 706. The IRS requires qualified appraisals for non-cash assets valued above $5,000.
- Insurance claims and coverage: Proper documentation of value ensures adequate coverage and supports claims after theft, fire, or natural disasters.
- Divorce and equitable distribution: Fair asset division requires independent, unbiased valuations that both parties can trust.
- Charitable donations: Claiming tax deductions for donated items above $5,000 requires a qualified appraisal completed no earlier than 60 days before the donation.
- Pre-sale preparation: Knowing the true value of items before an estate sale or auction ensures you receive fair compensation.
Ready to get your estate appraised? Lion & Unicorn offers on-site appraisals throughout Florida and remote appraisals nationwide. Fill out our form to get started.
How Does the Estate Appraisal Process Work?
Our estate appraisal process is straightforward and designed around your schedule:
- Initial consultation: Contact us by phone at 954.866.8044 or through our online form. We discuss the scope of the estate, types of items, and your specific needs (probate, sale, insurance, or tax purposes).
- On-site inspection: Our certified appraiser visits the property to examine, photograph, and document every item. For clients outside Florida, we offer remote appraisals using detailed photographs and video.
- Research and valuation: Each item is researched against current auction records, dealer prices, and comparable sales databases. We use multiple data sources to arrive at an accurate fair market value.
- Formal appraisal report: You receive a professionally formatted report with item descriptions, photographs, individual valuations, methodology notes, and the appraiser’s credentials and signature.
- Follow-up support: We answer questions from attorneys, accountants, insurance adjusters, or the IRS regarding our findings.
How to Choose a Qualified Estate Appraiser
Not all appraisers are equal. When selecting an estate appraiser, verify:
- Professional credentials: Look for ISA, ASA (American Society of Appraisers), or AAA (Appraisers Association of America) designations. These organizations require rigorous testing and continuing education.
- USPAP compliance: Any appraisal used for IRS, legal, or insurance purposes must follow USPAP standards. Ask if the appraiser maintains current USPAP certification.
- Specialty expertise: Estate appraisals often include diverse items. Choose an appraiser or firm with broad knowledge across antiques, fine art, jewelry, coins, and collectibles.
- Local market knowledge: South Florida’s art and antiques market has unique characteristics. A local appraiser understands regional demand, seasonal buying patterns, and collector preferences.
- Independence: The appraiser should have no financial interest in the outcome. At Lion & Unicorn, our appraisal department operates independently from our auction services to eliminate conflicts of interest.
Why Choose Lion & Unicorn for Your Estate Appraisal?
- 30+ years of auction house experience: We have processed thousands of estates and hundreds of thousands of individual items, giving us unmatched depth of comparable sales data.
- Certified, USPAP-compliant appraisers: Our reports are accepted by the IRS, probate courts, insurance companies, and legal professionals.
- Specialty expertise: We are recognized authorities in European ceramics, crystal, fine art, coins, and decorative arts.
- Florida coverage with nationwide reach: On-site service in Hollywood, Palm Beach, Orlando, Miami, and Naples. Remote appraisals available for all 50 states.
- Full-service support: After the appraisal, we can seamlessly transition to auction, estate sale management, or consignment if you decide to sell.
- 1,900 to 3,150 lots processed weekly: Our active auction calendar means we have real-time market data that informs every valuation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Appraisals
How much does an estate appraisal cost?
Estate appraisal costs depend on the size and complexity of the estate. Small estates with fewer than 50 items may start at a few hundred dollars, while large estates with diverse categories can range higher. Lion & Unicorn provides a cost estimate after an initial consultation. Learn more about appraisal costs.
How long does an estate appraisal take?
The on-site inspection typically takes one to four hours depending on the estate size. The completed appraisal report is delivered within 5 to 10 business days. Rush services are available for urgent probate or legal deadlines.
What is the difference between an appraisal and an estate sale?
An appraisal determines the monetary value of items for legal, tax, or insurance purposes. An estate sale is the actual process of selling those items. Many clients need both: an appraisal first for probate, followed by an estate sale or auction to liquidate the assets.
Do you appraise entire estates or individual items?
Both. We handle complete estate appraisals for probate and settlement, as well as single-item appraisals for insurance, donation, or sale purposes. Learn about our antique appraisal process.
Tell us about your estate using the form below
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Contact Client Services at
sales@lionandunicorn.com and we will put you in touch with the right person.
You can call us Monday – Friday any time during our office hours of
10AM – 5PM EST at 954.866.8044
Seeing your object first-hand gives our specialists the best possible opportunity to examine it in detail.
Our offices are located in South Florida, 20 minutes from Miami and minutes from Ft. Lauderdale. You can telephone or email to make an appointment.
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