A personal property appraisal is a professional, written evaluation of the fair market value of personal items—anything that isn’t real estate. This can include:
Furniture
Antiques & collectibles
Farm equipment
Vehicles
Estate contents
Business assets
Tools & machinery
Jewelry
An appraiser evaluates the item(s) based on condition, age, market demand, and comparable sales, then provides a written report of their estimated fair market value.
Personal property appraisals are often needed for:
Estate settlements (probate, inheritance)
Divorces (division of property)
Insurance purposes (coverage or claims)
Donation/tax deductions
Bankruptcy or financial planning
Pre-auction or pre-sale evaluations
Anyone needing to establish the value of personal items for legal, financial, or sale purposes can benefit from a certified appraisal.
Costs vary depending on the scope, but here are general pricing guidelines in Nebraska:
Hourly Rate: $75 – $150/hour (most common for estates or multiple-item jobs)
Flat Fee per Item: $25 – $100/item (typically for high-value or individual items)
Full Estate Appraisal: $300 – $1,500+ depending on size, complexity, and travel
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