What Is Your Item Worth?
Curious what you’ve got? We’d love to find out.
For more than 20 years, Gary Germer & Associates has helped Portlanders uncover the stories—and value—hiding in paintings, jewelry, furniture, family heirlooms, and wonderfully mysterious objects of all kinds.
Whatever you’re wondering about, bring it to us.
Who We Work With
The objects
they can’t afford to guess about.
Families, trusts, attorneys, fiduciaries, and institutions across the Pacific Northwest turn to us for clarity and confidence when it matters most.
- 10,000+ Families, trusts, and estates served
- 20+ Years Appraising across Oregon & SW Washington
- Expert Witness In state & federal courts for more than 20 years
As featured in
Backed by a standing network of art historians, professors, and category specialists.
Some of our valued clients
Our Process
Here’s How It Works.
Each appraisal begins with a phone or skype consultation to determine whether you’ll need a basic, verbal evaluation or a comprehensive, legally-binding written appraisal.
Following our discussion, we’ll schedule a time for Mr. Germer or one of our experts to come and personally inspect the item.
From there, the research begins. With Gary at the helm, our team will consult a variety of information sources and conduct a market analysis of your items. Finally, we’ll deliver a written USPAP-compliant appraisal estimate within a few weeks.
Tailored to Your Purpose
Customized Deliverables.
Did you know an item may have different values depending on the purpose of the appraisal? For example, when making a donation, the IRS is looking for a “fair market value”, which it considers the price between a willing seller and willing buyer.
By contrast, insurance companies are under compulsion to replace the item, regardless of whether there was a “willing buyer”. This might potentially eliminate the bartering in the previous scenario and yield a higher valuation.
Gary Germer & Associates can help you determine which type of appraisal you need so we can orient our final report toward that goal.
Expert Witness Services
When the Stakes Are High.
When the value of an object becomes a matter of dispute, experience matters. Gary Germer serves as an expert witness in cases involving insurance claims, litigation, estate disputes, damage and loss, and other matters where an independent, defensible opinion of value is essential.
Drawing on decades of appraisal experience, extensive market research, and a network of specialized experts, Gary can help attorneys, insurers, and their clients understand not only what an item is worth, but why. His findings are carefully researched, clearly documented, and prepared to withstand scrutiny in negotiations, depositions, and the courtroom.
Appraisal Services
Choose the Right Level of Appraisal
Start with a quick expert opinion, move to a value estimate, or request a formal written report.
Free Spot Check
Best when you’re not sure an item is worth appraising.
A quick expert look to help you decide whether further investigation makes sense. This tier does not include a dollar valuation.
- Quick expert opinion
- Helps you decide whether to investigate further
- No dollar valuation
Most Popular
Verbal Evaluation
Best when you want to know what an item may be worth.
A deeper examination using experience and research to determine an estimated value range.
- Estimated value range
- Research-backed expert review
- Ideal for curiosity and planning
Full Written Appraisal
Best when you need formal documentation.
A detailed written report designed for estates, trusts, charitable contributions, insurance claims, and other legal or tax purposes.
- Detailed written report
- USPAP & IRS-compliant
- Can be used for court or legal documentation
Frequently Asked
Questions
Can you appraise this super obscure thing I own?
Probably, yes! We can appraise almost anything. Collectively, our network of experts and historians has thousands of hours of expertise in very specific areas, which means we are able to provide accurate appraisals for millions of items across hundreds of eras. We haven’t been stumped yet.
Do you do house calls?
Yes. We primarily serve customers in the state of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Additionally, we have traveled to a number of other states to assist with larger appraisal projects.
Do you offer appraisals by phone or Skype?
Although the majority of our appraisals are done in person, we have, on occasion, delivered USPAP-compliant written appraisals based off of photographs, video, or Skype consultations. Let’s discuss your needs in more detail to see if this might be a possibility.
If my item turns out to be valuable, will you buy it from me?
We do not purchase items we have appraised as that would be a conflict of interest. However, we do offer consignment services, which means we can help you sell your items though our online and Portland stores.
My valuable item is damaged. Should I repair it to restore its value?
It depends. In some cases, restoration will increase the value of the item. In other cases, restoration decreases the value. We are happy to give you insight if you’re trying to decide whether you should go forward with a repair.
Do you offer services to repair or restore valuable items?
While we do not personally restore items, we have a long roster of very talented craftsmen who can help you get the job done.
Do you appraise controversial items such as those that are made of ivory?
Yes, we do. The laws are constantly changing and very complex so please contact us to determine how we might be able to legally assist you.
Can I read an example of an appraisal?
Yes, you may click here to download a sample. It will reflect the form and style of the report we deliver for you.
Do you host appraisal events?
Yes! We absolutely love running appraisal clinics. Gary has put on a variety of “Antique Road Shows” for multiple businesses and charities. If you’re considering running a fundraising auction or hiring a magician, you might consider working with us instead. For more information, please visit our Speaking Engagements page.
Do you offer basic on site evaluation?
On occasion you may need more than a verbal walk through but not a full USPAP compliant report. This is sometimes the case during probate for estate tax evaluation on small estates that do not have many items of significant value. This is a physical walk through by the appraiser, an inventory list is created, generally group photos of inventory are created for the workfile but not included in the report, onsite research is conducted by minimal additional research is included. This is a flat fee of $350 and generally can be completed in 2 hours for most properties in the Portland area. If additional time is needed fees will be discussed prior to the commencement of the project. The final report is an inventory list of items or groups of items with values but it is not USPAP compliant. Please choose our written appraisal service is you need USPAP compliance.
Inaccurate appraisals can create a variety of legal and taxation challenges. When dealing with items of high value, it’s very important that you choose to work with highly experienced and accredited professionals — like us.
— Gary Germer | Managing Director
