Seattle Appraisal Services

We write our estate planning and estate tax appraisal reports according to the rules and guidelines of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). They are accepted and respected by federal and state government agencies and courts of law. We have conducted hundreds of estate tax appraisals that have been submitted to the IRS and have never had a report questioned. We also assist clients with estate planning appraisals so they can make informed decisions about what to do with their artwork and collectibles as part of the willing and estate planning process. An estate planning appraisal can inform you of the current Fair Market Value of collectibles so you can make decisions regarding possible future estate tax owed, wills, trusts and future donations to museums or other institutions.

When a collector makes generous decision to donate an artwork, antique or collectible to a charity, museum or institution, they must consider the regulations and rules set forth by the IRS if they want to claim a tax deduction. Our independent non-cash charitable contribution appraisals are written to the high standards of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). They are accepted and respected by federal and state government agencies and courts of law. We have no financial interest in the property being appraised because we are not affiliated with any venue that is sells personal property for a profit.

Our insurance appraisal reports are accepted by brokers and underwriters across the country and have received accolades from internationally recognized insurance companies. Reports strictly adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the guidelines of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). Each object is appraised on a current Retail Replacement Value bases, ensuring that should damage or loss occur, fine art and collectible assets are protected by an upfront agreement with your insurance company. The Inland Marine Underwriters Association (IMUA) recommends that fine art be appraised every three to five years.

Equitable Distribution reports assist in the division of assets among heirs of an estate, or following the dissolution of marriage or other partnership by providing unbiased, objective analysis for your personal property. The division is based on a method agreed upon by the entities or is at the direction of a third party or court. In most cases Fair Market Value is required for equitable distribution appraisals, however in some cases Marketable Cash Value is requested.We write our equitable distribution appraisal reports according to the rules and guidelines of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) set by the Appraisal Foundation, which is based in Washington D.C.

Our damage and loss appraisal reports are accepted by brokers and underwriters across the country and have received accolades from internationally recognized insurance companies. Each damaged article is carefully examined, catalogued, digitally photographed, and appraised on a Pre-Loss Replacement Value basis as of the date of loss. In the event of a total loss or theft, valuation is based on available information provided by the client. Our appraisal reports strictly adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). Should court testimony be required, we provide qualified and impartial expert witness testimony.

McAllister/Fossum Appraisal Services has been a leading independent art appraisal firm in Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years. We operate independently of any auction house or dealer and specialize in confidential and objective appraisal services and advice. We appraise artwork in a variety of media, including paintings, drawings, prints, works on paper, sculptures, statues, glass, ceramics, and art installations. We are well-versed in appraising a variety of fine art, namely American and European art from the 19th century through today. Our specializations include Northwest artists, including the work of the famous Northwest Mystics (Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves and Mark Tobey).

McAllister/Fossum Appraisal Services has been a leading independent appraisal firm of antiques and residential contents in Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years. We operate independently of any auction house or dealer and specialize in confidential and objective appraisal services and advice. We appraise a variety of objects that fall into the category of antiques and residential contents, including furniture, silverware, silver hollowware, china, crystal, figurines, memorabilia, books, lighting, mirrors, collectibles, glassware, coins, and many others.

McAllister/Fossum Appraisal Services has been a leading independent appraisal firm of Northwest Coast and Alaskan Native art in Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than 10 years. We operate independently of any auction house or dealer and specialize in confidential and objective appraisal services and advice. As part of her research for her M.A. degree in Art History at the University of Washington completed in 2009, Erin Fossum studied Northwest Coast Native American art and artifacts, as well as Alaskan Native art and artifacts. These graduate studies and further research throughout Erin’s ten year appraisal career include the appraisal of wood carvings, masks, pottery, baskets, stone and ivory carvings, and other media such as paintings, sculptures, prints and works on paper.