SERVICES

Kate Kombos & Associates Appraisal Services, LLC offers written appraisals, consulting and brokering services. Kate Kombos & Associates does not buy any item it appraises and normally does not conduct estate sales.  We provide a completely independent, professional assessment of your items.  

 

Specialties

Our owner, Kate Kombos, ISA, MS, is a generalist appraiser with experience appraising full estates, antiques, collectibles, fine art, silver, office furniture, fixtures, and specialized collections. While she does not personally appraise fine jewelry, guns or stamps, she has developed a network of qualified experts whom she may call upon to assist. If an additional expert is necessary, it will be discussed either before we accept the assignment or during the on-site inspection.  

All of our written appraisals conform to the 2020 Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and to the standards and requirements set forth in the International Society of Appraisers’ Code of Ethics and Appraisal Report Writing Standard.

 

SERVICE AREAS

Kate Kombos & Associates Appraisal Services is located in Tyler, Texas but serves the East Texas area.

 

WRITTEN APPRAISALS

A written appraisal is required for many appraisal purposes. If you need to insure items or you are involved in a legal dispute, you will need a written appraisal by a qualified professional. Written appraisals are performed by initially conducting an on-site inspection. During the on-site inspection, we record the item’s condition, measure it, describe it, and take digital photographs. Back in the office the descriptions are finalized, necessary research is conducted, and appropriate values are assigned to each item. Reports are delivered electronically. If requested, two color, printed and professionally bound reports are complimentary. A copy of the final report and work file is retained in  our secure files. Files are retained for a period of five years or two years after the final disposition of litigation (if applicable) whichever is later, as required by USPAP.

 

VERBAL APPRAISALS

If you are downsizing and curious about the value of your items or considering the sale of items, a verbal appraisal may be the best and least expensive option. Here, the appraiser verbally communicates to the client everything that would normally be written in a report, including the type of values sought, the markets explored, the values obtained, etc. Nothing written is provided to the client, but the client may take notes. We are happy to discuss by phone which service might fit your needs best.  

 

RATES

Fees are generally billed at an hourly rate. A not-to-exceed bid may also be requested. For every hour spent onsite, there is generally two to four additional hours needed in the office. Off-site time is spent inputting collected data and pictures into a professional appraisal program, researching each item using our extensive databases, and preparing the written report. Payment for on-site time is due upon completion of inspection. The remaining fees are billed and due when the report is complete.

If there is an estate appraisal with a will, make sure that all items specifically bequeathed are available for inspection.

  • Do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions.  We are here to serve you.

 

Kate Kombos & Associates Appraisal Services, LLC is not…

An auction house or an estate sales company seeking to buy your property or profit from it. However, if selling is your goal, we can assess and discuss all options, including estate sales, consignments, direct-to-dealer sales, and national and local auction solutions.  

 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE ON-SITE INSPECTION

  • Decide which items you want to have appraised.

  • If there are items in the attic, closets, garage, or storage units, make sure they are accessible.

  • Gather receipts, certificates of authenticity, photographs and earlier appraisals.

  • Move large pieces of furniture away from the wall if possible.

  • If this is an estate appraisal and there is a will, make sure that all items specifically bequeathed are available for inspection.

Taking these steps will streamline the appraisal process and ultimately save your money.

 

A COMPETENT APPRAISAL REPORT HAS…

  • A cover document explaining in detail what type of value or cost is being sought (“purpose”) and how the appraisal is to be used (“intended use”).

  • The description of the methodology and resources relied upon.

  • A definition and description of the market(s) selected.

  • A complete and accurate description of the property written in such a manner that it can be identified without photographs.

  • A current USPAP certification statement.  Competent appraisers must take a USPAP update course every two years.

  • The appraiser’s qualifications and signature.


 

DO NOT ACCEPT AN APPRAISAL IF…

  • It is handwritten or unsigned.

  • The fee is based on a contingency fee or on the value of the property.

  • The appropriate “purpose” and “intended use” are not stated.

  • The item is beyond the appraiser’s expertise.

  • The appraiser is not willing and able to defend the appraisal in court.

  • The appraiser prepares the appraisal report in anticipation of buying items from you after the report is completed.