Appraisers

play a crucial role in providing reliable, objective assessments of the value of high dollar items, which are essential for various purposes including insurance, estate planning, or buying and selling. Engaging an appraiser may provide peace of mind that these valuable and often irreplaceable possessions could be adequately protected. That is a key reason to reach out to Sands of Time Appraisals.

Appraisals


Sands of Time Appraisals provides appraisal consulting services to individuals, personal representatives, accountants, estate planners, claims adjusters, insurance agents.  What separates us from other appraisal companies is our ability to handle large and small scale appraisals for museums, corporations and private individuals.   Our commitment is to provide you with a professional, unbiased, and credible appraisal report that you can depend upon for many years.  Our appraisal team assures the correct balance of general and specialty knowledge.

Sands of Time Appraisals provide comprehensive personal property valuation services to clients in all private and public sectors and has experience managing both simple and complex assignments for:

  • Federal Estate & Gift Tax
  • Non-cash Charitable Donations
  • Insurance Coverage and Claims
  • Estate Planning
  • Divorce Settlements
  • Corporate Valuation Needs

Our president and owner of Sands of Time Appraisals is Sue McGovern-Huffman, ISA CAPP, an independent appraiser, art dealer, lecturer, writer and consultant, specializing in the valuation of ancient and medieval art, 18th and 19th century American and European antiques and furniture, antique silver, American, European and Asian decorative art.  With her broad information technology background, she also brings 25 years of appraisal and project management experience that includes logistical design, budgeting, planning, organizing, and implementation of large and small projects.  

Sue is a Certified Personal Property (CAPP) member of good standing with the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) with a Private Client Services designation working with high-net-worth individuals and organizations.  CAPP is the highest achievement in ISA credentialing and the appraisal industry, signifying appraising expertise, professional development, and advanced skills. An ISA CAPP member has over 900 documented hours of appraisal experience and has passed the five-hour CAPP examination.  Sue is one of only 108 appraisers in North America with this certification.  Furthermore, Sue has been twice elected to ISA's Board of Directors, has served on numerous committees for ISA and is presently ISA's Treasurer on the Executive Board.  Sue is compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), the generally recognized ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States.

    The Sands of Time Appraisal team can appraise individual works of art or entire collections, with large collections being a specialty.  Every appraisal report is personally prepared by Sue resulting in the delivery of professional document with value conclusions in conformity with the Internal Revenue Service (where applicable), the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice” (USPAP), and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA).  

    By analyzing current trends and conducting comprehensive research, Sands of Time Appraisals closely monitor the nuances of the current market. Each client and appraisal situation is unique so our appraisal services are tailored to meet your timeline and specifications. This includes video conferencing, appraisals from photos and state of the art software tools. Efficiency and effectiveness from initial review to the delivery of the final documents is our top priority. Fees for appraisals are determined by the number of hours involved and any necessary travel and expenses.  We charge a flat rate per hour and determine values based on professional methodology, research, data and objective appraisal practice. Our fees are never based on a percentage of the total appraised value. 

    We invite inquiries from individuals, estate liquidators, museums, educational institutions, consultants, architects, interior designers, as well as colleagues, collectors and investors. Click the Contact Us button to inquire further about how our appraisal services can assist you. 


    Sands of Time Appraisals

    has the specialized knowledge and expertise in assessing the value of fine art, antiques, and jewelry, among other items. Sands of Time Appraisals consider factors such as an artist's reputation, rarity of the piece, quality of materials, provenance (history of ownership), and market trends. Our expertise ensures that your valuation is accurate.

    Don't take our word for it

    ★★★★★

    Clearly the best of 6 - 7 appraisals I've had done by other appraisers over the years

    C. W.

    Washington, DC

    ★★★★★

     I have always felt that you are a trustworthy and quality person.  My tax attorney was very impressed with your appraisal document.  

    DL

    North Carolina

    ★★★★★

    Your product is the most professional appraisal I have ever had the pleasure of reading.  THANK YOU.

    NP

    Georgia

    ★★★★★

    Thanks not only for incorporating our feedback, but for going above and beyond to make the valuation process crystal clear and really do a great job with the narrative. I'm thrilled!

    JB

    Washington, DC