Estates · Trusts · Probate
Estate & Probate Art Appraisals
Fair market value art appraisals for estates, trusts and probate across Florida, prepared for personal representatives, attorneys and families.
Member of the International Society of Appraisers · USPAP-compliant appraisals · 15+ years in the fine art market
- Member, International Society of Appraisers
- USPAP-compliant reports
- 15+ years in the fine art market
- Serving all of Florida, based in Sarasota
Clear values for executors, trustees and families
When an estate includes paintings, works on paper, sculpture or decorative art, someone has to establish what those works are worth, often on a deadline and often while the family is grieving. Helmuth Art Advisory provides careful, defensible fair market value appraisals for estates, trusts and probate matters across Florida.
Austin Helmuth has handled significant estate work, including the sale of the Estate of William Ten Eyck, CFO of Pontiac, and brings the same care to modest estates as to important ones.
What an estate appraisal is used for
- Probate inventory: values for the personal representative's inventory of estate assets
- Estate tax: date-of-death fair market value for federal estate tax filings, where required
- Cost basis: documenting stepped-up basis for heirs who may later sell
- Fair division: dividing works equitably among beneficiaries
- Trust administration: valuing art held in a trust at funding or distribution
What you receive
- A USPAP-compliant report stating fair market value as of the required effective date
- Descriptions, dimensions, photographs and the comparable-sales reasoning for each work
- A summary schedule attorneys and accountants can use directly
- A plain-language conversation about which works matter and why
Working with attorneys and CPAs
Austin works alongside the estate's attorney and accountant so the appraisal fits the filing it supports: the right type of value, the right date and the right level of detail. If a value may be reviewed, the methodology is documented so it can be explained.
[CONFIRM: which estate filings Austin has supported (e.g. IRS Form 706). Do not claim IRS-qualified status until confirmed]
Process
How an estate appraisal works
Send photos & details
Use the form to upload a few photos (front, back, signature, labels) and tell us what the appraisal is for.
Quote & scope
Fees are quoted upon request, based on scope. You receive a written quote and a clear scope: purpose, type of value, effective date and what the report will include.
Inspection & research
Austin examines the work in person or reviews documentation as the assignment requires, then researches comparable sales.
Your written report
A USPAP-compliant report with descriptions, photographs, methodology and the value conclusion you need.
Credentials
Experience with significant estates
Every appraisal is prepared personally by Austin Helmuth, who has researched, cataloged and appraised thousands of important works.
Austin Helmuth is a member of the International Society of Appraisers. [Confirm ISA logo-use rules for members]
Selected past engagements
As stated in Austin Helmuth's professional history:
- Brokerage of the complete collection of Lou Pritchett, former President of Procter & Gamble
- Placement of masterworks from the Eli Wilner collection
- Sale of the Estate of William Ten Eyck, CFO of Pontiac
- Key deaccessions from the Appleton Museum collection
[TESTIMONIAL PLACEHOLDER: client quote, with written permission][Client initials, city]
[TESTIMONIAL PLACEHOLDER: attorney / insurance agent quote, with permission][Name, firm]
FAQ
Estate appraisal questions
What value is used for an estate appraisal?
Estate and probate appraisals generally use fair market value: the price a willing buyer and willing seller would agree on, both with reasonable knowledge and neither under pressure. For estate tax purposes, the value is typically as of the date of death (or an alternate valuation date chosen by the executor).
Can you appraise as of a past date?
Yes. Retrospective appraisals as of a date of death are routine. Austin researches the market as it stood on that date.
Who usually orders an estate appraisal?
Personal representatives (executors), trustees, estate attorneys, CPAs and family members dividing property. The report can be addressed to the estate and shared with counsel and the court as needed.
Do we need everything appraised?
Not always. Austin can identify which items carry meaningful value and focus the appraisal there, which keeps costs proportionate. Household contents of modest value may be grouped.
Can you also help us sell?
Yes. Many estates need both a value and a plan to sell. Austin can advise on auction, consignment or private sale once the appraisal is complete. [CONFIRM conflict-of-interest disclosure policy when appraising and selling]
How much does an estate appraisal cost?
Fees are quoted upon request, based on scope: the number of works, the purpose of the appraisal and the turnaround needed. They are never a percentage of the appraised value, and you receive a written quote before any work begins.
Settling an estate with art?
Tell us about the collection and any filing deadline. You will receive a quote and a clear plan.