Art Appraisal & Sales Advisory FAQ

Use the form to send a few photos and a short description, or call. Austin Helmuth reviews every request personally and replies with a written quote and next steps.

An insurance appraisal usually reports retail replacement value, what it would take to replace the work. A selling value reflects what it would likely bring at auction or in a private sale, which is often lower. You need the right one for the right purpose.

No. An appraisal is an opinion of value, not an authentication service. Helmuth Art Advisory does not authenticate artworks or issue certificates of authenticity. Where authorship is in question, we can explain what type of expert or authority to consult.

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.

[TURNAROUND PLACEHOLDER] Deadlines for insurance renewals, court dates or tax filings can usually be accommodated if you mention them up front.

Photos of the front, back and signature of each work, any labels or receipts, approximate dimensions, and a note about what the appraisal is for.

Photos are enough for a quote and often a preliminary opinion. A formal appraisal may require an in-person inspection, depending on the work and the purpose.

Most insurance appraisals report retail replacement value: what it would cost to replace the work with one of like kind and quality in the appropriate retail market, within a reasonable time. That is usually higher than what the work would bring at auction, which is why insurance and resale figures should never be mixed.

Markets move, and insurers commonly ask for updated values every few years. Many collectors in Florida review values before hurricane season (June 1 to November 30) and after any major purchase, inheritance or move. [CONFIRM Austin's recommended update interval]

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).

Yes. A jointly retained, neutral appraiser can reduce cost and conflict. Austin can also be retained by one side through counsel. Either way the appraisal is impartial: USPAP requires the appraiser to be objective regardless of who pays.

Under IRS rules, a deduction for donated property (including art) valued at more than $5,000 generally requires a qualified appraisal by a qualified appraiser and a completed Form 8283. For art valued at $20,000 or more, a copy of the signed appraisal must generally be attached to the return. Your tax advisor will confirm what applies to you.

The full front (straight on, no glare), the back of the canvas or frame, a close-up of the signature, and any labels, stamps, receipts or exhibition stickers. Include the size, if you can.

It depends on the works. Auction can create competition for in-demand artists. A private sale can be faster and more discreet for important works. Consignment can suit works that sell best with time and the right buyer. Most collections benefit from a mix, which is the plan Austin builds with you.

If you need a documented value for insurance, an estate, a divorce or a donation, you need an appraisal. If you want to sell and need to know where and for how much, an auction estimate and venue recommendation is the right starting point.

Yes. Honest answers save everyone time. If a work is decorative rather than valuable, you will hear that plainly, along with any sensible options.

Yes. Requests, photos and reports are confidential and shared only with people you authorize.