What We Do
Foster & Kombos, LLC is an independent, full-service appraisal company specializing in fine art appraisal and brokerage services.
Written Appraisals
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 where we record the item’s condition, measure it, describe it, and take photographs. In our office, the descriptions are finalized, necessary research is conducted, and appropriate values are assigned to each item. Reports are delivered electronically. Two printed and professionally bound reports are complimentary upon request. A copy of the final report and work file is retained in our secure files for two to five years after the final disposition of litigation (if applicable).
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. There is nothing in writing provided to the client but the subject matter is discussed and the client may take notes. We are happy to discuss by phone which service might fit your needs best.
Online Appraisals
Our online appraisals are a quick and easy way to receive a Fair Market Value* for your art. After you submit images and answer a few quick questions through our online form, you can expect an appraisal within five business days.
Certain items may not be appropriate for an online appraisal and may require additional research or a personal inspection at which time one of our professionals will discuss other options or pass on the assignment. For more details, click the link below.
*The most probable price at which property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell, both having reasonable knowledge of all relevant facts.
Rates
Appraisal
Fees are generally billed at an hourly rate of $125.00. A not-to-exceed bid may also be requested. For every hour spent on-site, 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.
Brokerage
Brokerage service charges vary depending upon what type item is being bought or sold, the complexity of the arrangement, and the partnerships formed to complete the transaction. Please contact us for general advice and or a free estimate.
Phone Consultation
If you have an item you need help identifying or researching, our phone consultation rate is a flat fee of $75. This service may help you decide your next step to take in the appraisal process.
Brokerage
If selling is your goal, we can assess and coordinate all options, including estate sales, consignments, direct-to-dealer sales, and national and local auction solutions.
In order to be completely independent and offer a professional assessment of your items, we do not buy items we appraise. If we are helping you broker a piece of art, our services will be defined in the initial stage of our engagement.
Industry Standards
Foster & Kombos, LLC is committed to providing trustworthy and expert appraisal and brokerage services for all clients.
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.
Professional Partnerships
The world of art is diverse and complex. Our national network of ISA specialists affords us the ability to partner with other qualified experts as necessary to make sure our work is of the highest level of knowledge and professionalism.
We also have working relationships with well-respected CPA’s, attorneys, and insurance professionals to consult with as needed regarding estate work, charitable contributions, replacement values and other financial strategies that include the need for our services.