About The Expert Appraisal Company

Few appraisers combine advanced valuation methodology with extensive, front-line market experience. Having spent a decade behind the scenes in the auction industry, handling tens of thousands of assets and tracking realized sales  in real time, our practice bridges the gap between theoretical valuation and real market behavior. That dual expertise is the foundation for The Expert Appraisal Company.

About The Expert Appraisal Company

The Expert Appraisal Company provides USPAP-compliant personal property appraisal services for law firms, estate teams, corporate collections, financial institutions, private collectors, and institutions nationwide.

Our practice combines extensive formal training in valuation methodology with a decade of behind-the-scenes auction experience. Having directly handled tens of thousands of assets – managing identification, cataloging, condition assessment, consignment negotiation, and sales execution – we possess a deep knowledge of transactional mechanics, buyer psychology, and market trends. This background ensures every report we produce is grounded in sound methodology, proper item identification, and defensible market realities.

Practice Areas

We prepare fully compliant personal property appraisal reports customized for legal, tax, and corporate requirements:

  • Estate Tax & Settlement: Valuations for federal estate tax reporting, trust administration, and probate.

  • Litigation Support: USPAP-compliant reports prepared for judicial review, IRS audits, and legal counsel.

  • Insurance Appraisal: Valuations for scheduling items, coverage placement, and claims adjustments.

  • Charitable Donation: Qualified appraisal reports meeting IRS requirements for non-profit donation.

  • Equitable Distribution: Valuations for marital dissolution, partnership divisions, and estate allocation.

  • Asset Planning: Valuation advisory for private collectors and corporations.

Scope of Assets

Our firm conducts valuations across all major categories of tangible personal property:

  • Fine Art: Old Masters, 19th-Century European, Modern, and Contemporary works.

  • Decorative Arts & Antiques: Furniture, ceramics, silver, glass, lighting, rugs, and other.

  • Jewelry & Timepieces: Estate jewelry and time pieces.

  • Collectibles & Rare Objects: Rare books, historic documents, and specialized collections.

  • FF&E: Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment for commercial and residential properties.

  • Estate Contents: Complete multi-category inventories and asset appraisals.

Professional Qualifications

The Expert Appraisal Company is led by Elizabeth, ISA CAPP (Certified Appraiser of Personal Property).

Conferred by the International Society of Appraisers, the CAPP designation is the highest credential awarded by the organization, requiring advanced coursework, comprehensive examination, peer review, and strict adherence to professional ethics.

In addition to leading her appraisal practice, Elizabeth consults within the auction sector, contributing to cataloging, appraisal projects, and guest auctioneering—maintaining the practical market connection that informs her appraisal work.

Standards & Execution

  • USPAP Compliance: Every report adheres strictly to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and federal appraiser guidelines.

  • Methodological Scrutiny: Valuations are developed through structured research, market analysis, and defensible rationale tailored to the specific intended use of the report.

  • Nationwide Reach: Headquartered in Iowa, our firm conducts on-site inspections across the United States and offers remote valuation services where appropriate. 

Why Professional Selection Matters

While federal tax guidelines require appraisers to meet minimum standards for official filings, these standards do not guarantee actual market competence, rigorous training in theory or methodology, or category expertise. In practice, appraiser qualifications and true hands-on experience vary dramatically across the field.

When high-value assets are tied to estate settlements, tax reporting, litigation, or insurance claims, an inaccurate or indefensible report carries real financial and legal exposure. These reports require a fully compliant, defensible valuation prepared by an expert who possesses authoritative knowledge over the entire scope of work, from asset identification to methodology to market research, and who can deliver their conclusions in a clear, concise, and defensible manner. 

That standard is the core of our practice.


The Expert Appraisal Company is headquartered in Iowa and provides personal property appraisal services nationwide. To discuss an appraisal engagement, visit our Contact page or reach out directly to Elizabeth at elizabeth@expertappraisal.com.

States We Serve

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Professional Notice: Content on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a professional valuation or formal advice. No appraiser-client relationship is established via site use; all services are strictly governed by a signed Appraisal Agreement. We utilize a vetted specialist network to ensure technical competency for niche and complex asset classes.

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