Jennifer Stoots has worked in the museum and gallery industry since 1995 and in the photography marketplace since 1998. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History from the University of Oregon in 1994.

APPRAISALS are singular documents that examine the current value of property and are generally needed for a variety of reasons, including:

• Insurance—Fine Art and Collectibles, including Fine Photographs, are not automatically covered by homeowners insurance. These types of items generally need to be scheduled. Check with your broker about your policy.
  
  
• Charitable Donation—When giving artwork(s) valued at $5,000 or more to a non-profit organization, the Internal Revenue Service requires that the Donor have the item(s) appraised in order to take advantage of the tax deduction allowed.
  
  
• Equitable Distribution (e.g., Divorce)— In the event that partners part ways, their mutually owned property needs to be evaluated to ensure that each party is compensated equally when items are distributed between them.
  
  
• Resale—When selling artwork, there are several marketplaces to choose from. Resale appraisals assess current value(s) for a piece of art and what the seller should expect with regards to commissions, specific to where or with whom they decide to work with in selling the piece.
  
  
• Estate Planning—Many individuals choose to set up a living trust. In doing so, a full accounting of assets and valuables is taken to determine tax liability.
  
  
• Damage or Loss—If the unforeseeable happens, insurance companies will need an appraisal of the item(s) damaged or lost to determine appropriate compensation for their client.

For more information regarding appraisals or to request a fee schedule, please call 503 708 9411.