

Value Insight Certificate
Professional Guidance for the Informed Collector
Formal, USPAP-compliant and IRS-qualified appraisals represent a significant investment of time and resources. For an appraiser to maintain compliance with the IRS, USPAP, and association standards, they must conduct extensive research and maintain detailed work files for a minimum of five years.
What is a Value Insight Certificate?
A Value Insight Certificate provides a professional value estimate without the full expense of a formal appraisal report. It is designed specifically for budget-conscious clients who need an expert "first look" to determine if an item's value justifies the cost of a full appraisal.
Key Benefits:
Cost-Effective: A streamlined process that offers professional insight at a more accessible price point.
Decision Support: Helps you decide whether to pursue formal documentation for high-value items.
Credit Toward Full Appraisal: If you choose to upgrade to a full appraisal for the same item, the cost of your Value Insight Certificate will be credited toward your final balance.
Important Disclosures
Please note that a Value Insight Certificate is not a full appraisal. Because it does not include the extensive work files and documentation required for official use, it is not acceptable for the following:
Divorce settlements or Legal proceedings
Estate tax filings or Probate
Bankruptcy filings
Insurance coverage or Claims
Tax-deductible Charitable Donations
Resale authentication
The certificate will explicitly state that it is a "Value Insight" only and is intended solely for your personal use in the decision-making process.


Inherited items you're curious about
Preparing for estate sales
Considering insurance later
Deciding if full appraisal is needed
Perfect For
Pricing
For general home and business contents, the fee is $35.00 per item.
Items such as fine art, Oriental/Persian carpets, or rare items that would normally fall outside of general home or business content that may take longer or more resources to to provide a value insight will begin at $55.00
We maybe able to provide a discount for 20 items or more; please drop us an email describing your items, quantity, and images.
Frequently asked questions
Who is The Peterson Exchange?
The Peterson Exchange is a professional appraisal and auction firm with expertise in move management, USPAP-compliant appraisals, estate auctions, and insurance adjusting. Our team brings decades of combined experience in valuing personal property, conducting estate sales, and providing comprehensive appraisal services across the United States.
How does the Value Insight Certificate process work?
Simply send us clear photos and a description of your item(s) via email or our contact form. Our professional appraisers will review your submission and provide a written Value Insight Certificate within 2-3 business days, offering an expert opinion on your item's value. This gives you the information you need to make informed decisions about pursuing a full appraisal or other actions.
How much does it cost?
For general home and business contents, the fee is $35.00 per item. Specialized items such as fine art, Oriental/Persian carpets, or rare collectibles that require more extensive research start at $55.00. Volume discounts are available for 20 or more items - contact us with details and images of your collection.
Can I use this for legal purposes like divorce or estate tax?
No, the Value Insight Certificate is NOT a full appraisal and is not acceptable for divorce settlements, legal proceedings, estate tax filings, probate, bankruptcy, insurance claims, or tax-deductible donations. It's designed for personal decision-making only. If you need documentation for any of these purposes, we can provide a full USPAP-compliant appraisal, and your Value Insight Certificate fee will be credited toward the cost.
How can I contact you?
You can reach us by phone at 863.640.0440 or email us at support@thepetersonexchange.com. Visit our Contact page to submit photos and details about your items. We're here to answer your questions and help you get started with your Value Insight Certificate.
Where can I learn more about you?
Visit our website to explore our full range of services, including estate auctions, estate organizing solutions, full USPAP-compliant appraisals by type and state, and our licensed Florida insurance adjuster services. Follow us on Facebook and TikTok to see examples of items we've appraised and learn more about the appraisal industry.
Due to a recent hijacking of our business phone number, we will only be supplying our new number to confirmed clients. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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