An appraiser identifies the items including condition, and rates or ranks them relative to similar items.  She then values the items according to the purpose of the assignment and verifies their existence as a witness. It is for this reason that appraisers simply do not update appraisals without examining the items.

Types of Appraisals

Insurance scheduling

Insurance claim, loss, or damage

Estate Tax, Federal estate tax, probate, trust formation and
establishing tax basis

Estate Distribution

Charitable Donation

Divorce Settlement

Liquidation, forced or orderly

Sales advice/consultation as pre-sale examination

Bankruptcy

Confirmation of New Purchase

Litigation appraisals might involve consumer fraud, disputes in a divorce or among heirs