FAQ | The Peterson Exchange - Auctions & Appraisals LLC

Estate Auctions & USPAP-compliant Appraisals for Divorce, Bankruptcy, Insurance, Charitable Gifts, and Estates

Frequently asked questions

What is The Peterson Exchange?

The Peterson Exchange is a professional appraisal and estate services firm providing USPAP‑compliant, IRS‑qualified valuations and estate support for clients across all 50 states. We serve attorneys, fiduciaries, insurance professionals, and families who need clear, defensible valuations for personal property, collections, and business contents.

What makes your appraisals IRS‑qualified and USPAP‑compliant?

All reports are developed and written in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), including proper scope of work, research, and documentation. Reports are prepared to meet IRS expectations for estate tax (Form 706), noncash charitable contributions, and other tax‑related filings so they can stand up to review or audit.

What types of property do you appraise?

Services cover personal property such as fine art, jewelry, coins, antiques, furniture, decorative arts, collections, and general household or business contents. Assignments can range from a single high‑value item to full‑contents estates, trust assets, or business property for legal, tax, or insurance purposes.

Do you work only in Florida?

No. While based in Florida, The Peterson Exchange provides estate appraisals and appraisal examinations for clients nationwide through virtual and on‑site services. Engagements are tailored to the assignment, using photographs, documents, and when needed, in‑person inspections to ensure accurate, credible results.

How much does an appraisal cost?

Fees are based on time, scope, and complexity of the assignment—not on the value of the property—so there is no conflict of interest. After a brief consultation and review of your needs, you receive an estimate outlining anticipated fees before work begins.

When should I consider an appraisal or estate services?

Clients typically reach out for appraisals when handling estate settlements, trust administration, divorce, insurance claims, charitable donations, or resale decisions. Estate organizing, inventory, and auction preparation services are helpful when you need to sort, document, and responsibly sell or distribute property.

How do you support attorneys and legal professionals?

The Peterson Exchange provides clear, well‑documented reports, organized inventories, and photo documentation that integrate smoothly into your case files and court submissions. We communicate in plain language, meet deadlines, and are available to clarify methodology or findings when needed, helping you move matters forward with fewer surprises.

Are your reports suitable for court and IRS review?

Yes. All appraisals are developed and written in compliance with USPAP and prepared to meet IRS expectations for estate tax, noncash charitable contributions, and other tax‑related filings. Reports are structured to be defensible under scrutiny, with transparent methodology, research notes, and supporting exhibits.

Do you offer online estate auctions in Central Florida?
Yes. Through our trusted online auction partner, we coordinate efficient, transparent estate auctions for clients in Central Florida. These sales are designed to maximize fair market exposure and proceeds while providing a clear, documented trail of items sold and results for attorneys, fiduciaries, and families.

Frequently asked questions

What is Your Brand Name?

The Peterson Exchange - Auctions & Appraisals LLC - works with home and business contents. Our services:

Estate clearing - Florida
USPAP-compliant and IRS-qualified appraisals of home and business content for divorce, estates, bankruptcy, insurance, and resale—nationwide
Licensed Florida Insurance Adjuster 6-20—specializing in home and business content, including fine art—Florida only
The Peterson Exchange Online Boutique offers new and gently used items nationwide.

How does your product/service work?

At The Peterson Exchange – Auctions & Appraisals LLC, we make appraising your personal property simple and transparent. Here’s how it works:

You pick the method that works best for you:

On-Site Appraisal – We come to your home, office, or estate to examine items in person. Ideal for high-value or complex collections.
Virtual Appraisal – Using video conferencing, we evaluate your items remotely. Perfect for convenience without sacrificing accuracy.
Photo/Document Appraisal – You provide detailed photos and descriptions, and we create a full professional report.
Professional Appraisal for Your Specific Needs
A professional appraisal ensures accurate valuations that are USPAP-compliant and accepted by courts, insurance companies, and financial institutions. Common reasons clients need an appraisal include:
- Estate Equitable Distribution – Fairly divide assets among heirs and beneficiaries.
- Estate Tax Planning – Ensure proper valuation of property for federal and state estate tax reporting.
- Divorce Equitable Distribution – Determine accurate value of assets for equitable division.
- Pre- or Post-Loss Insurance – Verify value of property for insurance coverage or claims.
- Donation / Charitable Tax Contribution – Establish fair market value for tax-deductible contributions.
- Bankruptcy – Document asset values for legal and financial reporting.
- Resale – Understand the market value of items for private sale or consignment.
Receive Your Appraisal Report
After examining your items, we provide a professional, written appraisal that includes:
- Detailed descriptions of items
- High-quality photographs (if applicable)
- Fair market value estimates
- Compliance with USPAP and IRS standards
This report can be used for legal, insurance, or personal purposes, giving you confidence in your financial decision

How much does it cost?

Our pricing varies depending on service type, location, time needed, and the staffing required to complete the service. We provide free estimates.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us at (863) 640-8419, email thepetersonexchange@gmail.com, or use our contact form listed below. We are always happy to answer your questions.

What do you appraise?

At The Peterson Exchange – Auctions & Appraisals LLC, we provide professional appraisals for a wide range of personal property, estate items, and specialty assets. Our valuations are USPAP- and IRS-compliant, making them suitable for estate planning, insurance, charitable donations, divorce equitable distribution, bankruptcy, resale, and more.

Antiques & Vintage Items - We appraise furniture, decorative objects, historical items, and other vintage collectibles. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a rare antique, we provide accurate valuations for both insurance and resale purposes.

Fine Art & Artwork -Our team evaluates paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and mixed-media pieces. Each appraisal considers provenance, condition, and market trends to provide reliable fair market value estimates.

Jewelry, Gems & Precious Metals - We assess rings, necklaces, watches, silver, gold, and other precious metals. Our appraisals are detailed and compliant, ideal for insurance, estate planning, or resale.

Collectibles & Memorabilia - From coins, stamps, and vintage toys to sports memorabilia, rare books, and historical artifacts, we appraise items valued by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Household Contents & Personal Property - We provide valuations for home furnishings, décor, rugs, glassware, and other tangible items in private residences or estates. Perfect for estate settlements, insurance, or moving transitions.

Specialty Items - Musical instruments, clocks, timepieces, and other unique assets are evaluated with care and precision. We ensure every specialty item is valued accurately according to its market significance.

Estate & Business Assets - We appraise entire estates or business contents when needed, providing comprehensive valuations for estate distribution, liquidation, insurance, or tax purposes.

How long does an appraisal take?

The time required for an appraisal depends on several factors:

Number of items: A single item can be appraised quickly, while an entire estate naturally takes longer.
Complexity of items: Some items, like artwork or rare collectibles, require more research and analysis.
Density and variety: Estates with many items or a mix of types (furniture, jewelry, art, collectibles) take more time to catalog and evaluate.

Generally, most appraisals can be completed within 1–4 weeks, but timing may vary depending on the size and complexity of the collection.