Qualified appraisers serve a critical role in the world of art and collectibles as the arbiters of impartial, unbiased, thoroughly researched opinions of value. Appraisers rely on comprehensive research and market analysis to arrive at their valuations. As an independent third-party, Butera Art Advisory provides clear, fair, and objective valuations for various purposes, including estate tax filing, trust and estate planning; insurance; damage / loss; financial planning; gift tax; charitable donations; and family or asset division.
In 2025, Butera Art Advisory appraised more than $600 million in art.
Our experienced team of specialists includes experts in all areas of fine art, decorative art, jewelry, classic cars and motorcycles, fine and rare wine and spirits, design, stamps, coins, and other collectibles. With an average of 20+ years of experience each, Butera Art Advisory’s team has the qualifications and skills to identify and evaluate each item in a collection across all price levels in the market.
Butera Art Advisory’s team of qualified senior professionals and appraisers prepares bespoke, objective, and confidential appraisal reports to reflect the needs of each client. Each appraisal document includes a color image and full catalogue description for each item. Our reports are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and meet all IRS requirements. All values are supported by appropriate market comparables and considerable analysis.
Where to Start
Butera Art Advisory will provide a complimentary initial assessment of the property, either by an in-person walk-through or via photographs*. Then, we prepare a recommended action plan for the appraisal and an estimated cost.
Butera Art Advisory’s appraisal fees are competitive with industry standards. They are based on an hourly rate per specialist along with travel or other related expenses when applicable.
Estate Tax Filing and Trust and Estate Planning
Butera Art Advisory is a trusted partner that sensitivity and discretely supports clients throughout the complexities of the trust and estate planning and administration process. Our fair market appraisals of tangible property appraisals can aid in the decision-making process pertaining to the equitable division of property among heirs and beneficiaries. Butera Art Advisory's reports are prepared in full accordance with USPAP standards and principles, as required by the IRS for valuations of tangible personal property used in estate and income tax matters, and can be submitted to the IRS for such purposes.
For more on trusts and estates, please see our Trusts and Estates page.
Insurance Appraisal
Insurance appraisals are designed to capture the full cost of replacing a work if it is lost or damaged. With an up-to-date valuation, clients can better manage risk, potentially reduce premiums and help ensure a more efficient restoration, recovery or replacement process should damage or loss occur. Butera Art Advisory's appraisal reports are trusted by institutions and insurers worldwide. An insurance appraisal – whether for a single item or an entire collection – gives our clients the peace of mind that their assets are protected.
Damage and Loss Appraisals
If damage or loss of an object has already occurred, Butera Art Advisory can help clients navigate the necessary next steps to ensure satisfactory restoration, recovery, or replacement of the work by insurance. Our team will ascertain a pre-damage or pre-loss value for the work, assess the object’s current condition, and determine any change in value due to the damage, loss, or any subsequent restoration. The firm can also connect clients with conservators to assist with any necessary conservation.
Financial Planning
Our team has extensive experience providing clients fair market values for their collections, whether a client is interested in exploring a potential sale or the rental of an asset, or in utilizing use their collection as collateral. Our team drafts comprehensive, well-substantiated reports that are accepted by major financial institutions worldwide.
Gift Tax
For the gifting of personal property, if a client wishes to gift tangible assets, Butera Art Advisory is able to provide fully qualified fair market value appraisals for gift tax purposes for tangible personal property.
Butera Art Advisory's partnership with Altaview Advisors also ensures that our clients have access to best-in-class business valuation and real estate appraisal firm.
Charitable Donations
For clients interested in making charitable donations of their tangible personal property, Butera Art Advisory will develop fair market appraisals of tangible assets for non-cash charitable donations that meet the IRS requirements for a qualified appraisal.
Family or Asset Division
During episodes of family or asset division our team can assist in the equitable division or liquidation of tangible assets by developing fair market appraisals and/or sales strategies for any items in the family’s collection. With a myriad of specialists, from fine art and antiques to cars, fine wines, popular collectibles, and more, firm is equipped to handle every aspect of a client’s tangible holdings.
Butera Art Advisory's partnership with Altaview Advisors also ensures that our clients have access to best-in-class real estate appraisal firm.
*The decision and ability to conduct an appraisal via photographs, otherwise known as a desktop or virtual appraisal, is at the discretion of the firm. The president must be confident that the assets provided by the client (including all available documentation for and high-resolution images of the subject property), are sufficient enough for us to produce credible appraisal results and that the lack of an in-person inspection would not compromise or otherwise alter the ability of the appraiser to complete the appraisal.