THE ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY - MOTOR VEHICLES & PERSONAL PROPERTY

BUYING & SELLING A CLASSIC AND CUSTOM CAR, HEAVY TRUCK OR CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT IN FLORIDA? BE SURE TO HAVE IT APPRAISED OR INSPECTED.

2012-02-03T09:28:00.001-05:00

THE ST LUCIE APPRAISAL CO - FORT PIERCE FLORIDA
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

FORT PIERCE - Tough economic times right now in South Florida, classic and custom cars are selling for rock bottom prices. Even trucks and construction equipment sales are flat revealing a buyers’ market. We have been swamped with requests for condition reports from out-of-state and international buyers. It’s not only antique cars but many race car collectors and enthusiasts have been availing themselves of our inspection service.
ST LUCIE APPRAISAL is not only Florida’s premier valuation service, our expertise in spotting flaws and other examples of poor workmanship generates many requests for auto, truck and heavy equipment condition reports.

Whether we’re inspecting an inventory of construction cranes or a rare prototype race car, attention to detail is our primary objective. It’s an incomparably dismal feeling to see your new hundred-thousand dollar investment for the first time as it rolls off the car carrier, only to realize you’ve been had. It almost never makes sense not to spend a few hundred dollars for a vehicle condition report. Buying something sight unseen is always risky. Hiring an appraiser is an inexpensive way to limit your liability.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

_______________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Auto/Truck/RV Condition Reports $225.00 and Up

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00 and Up

All other services and additional time when necessary $75/Hr.

Expert Witness - Court Appearances, Depositions, Mediation $225/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Financing, Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Antiques, Collectibles & Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

FIND US FAST IN THE REAL AT&T YELLOW PAGES

Keywords for this article: South Florida, Florida, classic car, custom car, antique car, sell, buy, sales, sell, trucks, construction equipment, condition, appraisal, report, heavy equipment, market, valuation, inventory, cranes, prototype, race car, vehicle, collector, inspection

TRUCKERS AND CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY - HOW AN OWNER OPERATOR CAN KEEP HIS TRUCK

2012-01-27T15:22:00.001-05:00

TRUCKERS & BANKRUPTCY
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

MIAMI - If you are an owner operator who is behind in payments, filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can give you a chance to keep making your payments and keep your truck from being repossessed. If you are facing a threat of repossession from your truck finance company, a Chapter 13 filing can save your means of earning a living. Most lenders would rather be receiving regular payments from a working trucker than initiating repossession proceedings. If your truck is repossessed and put up for auction, however, the sale price will probably be less than the balance owed. Your lender can then sue you for the difference. Very often, the answer is to obtain a valuation appraisal from a licensed appraiser. In Florida, appraisers are licensed by The Department of Financial Services.

There are a few significant hurdles. Banks, credit unions and other finance companies often have an unrealistic idea of heavy equipment values. In all fairness, your banker can't actually see the minor damages, wear and tear or items that will soon be needing replacement or repair. When you present an appraisal to the bankruptcy court, a magistrate then gets a better idea of the trucks true value. Paying thousands of dollars more than your truck is worth is fiscally unsound but many owner operators are forced to do just that just to keep their trucks. A competent Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney will be able to guide you through the maze of rebuilding both your credit and your livelihood as a trucker. A well-written appraisal that reflects the true value of your heavy equipment is the first step toward fulfilling that goal.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

_______________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

FIND US FAST IN THE REAL AT&T YELLOW PAGES

NEWS FROM THE CORVETTE CLUB OF SOUTH FLORIDA

2012-01-10T17:46:00.001-05:00

http://stlucieappraisal.net/

Coconut Creek, FL - Saturday March 3, 2012 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Rain or Shine, Corvette Club of South Florida's 1st annual Corvette and Open Car & Truck Show sponsored by LOU BACHRODT CHEVROLET of Coconut Creek Dealership – 5500 North State Road 7 (441), Coconut Creek, FL (on 441 just South of the Sawgrass Expressway). Registration fee is $20 if registered by February 25, 2012 or $25 on day of show. Registration closes at 2:30 PM.

Awards include for each category (Corvettes and Open Cars & Trucks):

40 Best of Show, $100 Club Participation (min. 10 cars), $50 Lou Bachrodt Choice. We will also have 10 Specialty Awards.

Entertainment by Live DJ "Scott The Music Man", food & drinks are available on location, door prizes, vendors, 50-50 drawing & more. SPECIAL! Two 40 minute shows featuring "The Blues Brothers".

Net Proceeds from this show will benefit Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

For Information please visit our website: http://www.corvetteclubofsouthflorida.com/ or contact our members in Broward County (954) 481-9763 or Palm Beach Country (561) 477-3551.

Everyone is invited!

AUTOMOBILE DIMINISHED VALUE IN FLORIDA - HOW YOUR APPRAISER, LAWYER AND EXPERT WITNESS AFFECT YOUR LOSS OF VALUE CASE AGAINST AN INSURANCE COMPANY

2011-12-09T17:06:00.008-05:00

Automobile Diminished Value
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

MIAMI - If your automobile is damaged in a collision that was the fault of another driver, according to Florida laws you are entitled to make a claim for Automobile Diminished Value. Most consumers know that the adverse insurance company's claim center will pay for repairing your car but most are oblivious to the fact that they can get compensation for the car's loss of value. When it comes time to sell or trade-in your car, you'll likely receive a minor shock when you discover that a dirty Carfax is now permanently attached to it. The news probably won't be good. Sometimes consumers face losses of value in the thousands of dollars. The only remedy is to file an Automobile Diminished Value claim in a timely manner. Whether to hire a lawyer is a different issue but you are definitely going to need a licensed appraiser. Make sure that your appraiser is from Florida because if you come up against an unscrupulous insurance company, you'll need him as an expert witness. One last piece of advice - at St. Lucie Appraisal, we contact individual new car dealerships to obtain actual quotes regarding your vehicle's loss of value. Beware of lawyers and appraisers who prepare their reports using formulas or specialized software. Insurors can and will dispute those types of evaluation methods. Actual opinions of the dealers who actually buy automobiles aren't so easy to challenge.

Attorneys don't always have your best interests at heart so good references are a must. Recently we inspected an automobile with heavy collision damage; front, center and rear, that should have been considered a total loss by the insurance company. Totalling the car would have resulted in the owner's receiving the fair market value from the insuror instead of having to endure a Carfax and fight for loss of value. The attorney, however, tried to convince the owner not to demand that the insuror total the car. Of course, the man fired his lawyer on the spot. It was quite transparent that a diminished value claim would have resulted in a fee for the attorney while a total loss result would not. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company handles Automobile Diminished Value claims in Florida only because if we need to appear as a licensed expert witness, we can. Florida's insurance consumers have choices after a collision loss. Either hire an unlicensed, out-of-area lawyer or appraiser who uses "specialized software" or hire us.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

_________________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Auto/Truck/RV Condition Reports $225.00

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00

All other services including trial prep and additional appraisal time when necessary $75/Hr.

Expert Witness - Court Appearances, Depositions, Mediation $225/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Financing, Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Antiques, Collectibles & Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

FIND US FAST IN THE REAL AT&T YELLOW PAGES

Keywords for this article: automobile, collision, consumer, diminished value, Florida, law, lawyer, license, St. Lucie Appraisal, insurance company, Carfax, Miami

AUTOMOBILE, TRUCK AND PERSONAL PROPERTY APPRAISER IN MIAMI, FL - ART, ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES - FDFS LICENSED, INSURED

2011-11-10T07:15:00.003-05:00

Auto, Truck and Personal Property Appraisers in Miami
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

MIAMI - Over the years, numerous people have called our office, which is located in Fort Pierce, Florida asking "Do you go to Miami?" What, pass up a chance to visit South Beach, Coconut Grove and Little Havana? Maybe take in a Miami Marlins game before heading home....So of course, our answer is, "of course we go to Miami. What is it that you need appraised?" Whether you need an appraisal for financing, insurance, donations, bankruptcy or estate matters, we go to Miami! If you are the owner or potential buyer of an antique or custom car, heavy truck, motorcycle or RV - or need appraiser help with diminished value, we go to Miami! All types of collectibles from art & antiques to sports memorabilia to personal property that needs to be appraised in South Florida - we go to Miami!

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

________________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Auto/Truck/RV Condition Reports $225.00

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00

All other services including trial prep and additional appraisal time when necessary $75/Hr.

Expert Witness - Court Appearances, Depositions, Mediation $225/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Financing, Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Antiques, Collectibles & Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

FIND US FAST IN THE REAL AT&T YELLOW PAGES

Keywords for this article: licensed, appraiser, automobile, truck, personal property, miami, florida, art, antiques, collectibles, insured, financing, insurance, donation, bankruptcy, estate, motorcycle, RV, diminished value

BOOK VALUES AND BANKRUPTCY - CAR TALK WITH YOUR FLORIDA ATTORNEY

2011-10-01T12:20:00.002-04:00

Florida Bankruptcy
Appraisers
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

FORT LAUDERDALE - All of us have purchased a new or used car. Do you remember if you offered the seller more than the asking price? Of course, the answer is that you distinctly recall NOT offering more than the asking price. So why, in your Florida bankruptcy proceeding, would you pay perhaps thousands more for the car that's currently parked in your driveway?

Certain things in your life are necessary to start the rebuilding process and one of them is your automobile. Neither you nor your Florida bankruptcy attorney gets to say what your car's Fair Market Value is. In all cases, someone at the bankruptcy court will assign a dollar value to your car, often obtained from sources such as Kelley Blue Book or the NADA Guide. Sometimes the courts determinations far exceed what you know the car is worth if you had to sell it.

When that happens, your lawyer will request that you obtain an FMV evaluation from a Florida licensed appraiser. But bear this in mind, even when the court's assessment seems in line with what your bankruptcy attorney feels the car is worth, you are still going to pay more than the car's Fair Market Value.

The sad truth is that the used car market simply doesn't esteem cars and trucks as highly as the guide books do. Add to that the oil leak, the rip in the driver's seat and the various dings and scratches - all things that are not considered by the court in making their determination - you've talked yourself into buying a car for what could be a lot more than it's worth. Whether your bankruptcy is taking place in a big city like Miami or a rural town like Stuart, the same formula applies.

I will leave Florida's consumers and Florida bankruptcy attorneys with a final analysis. Appraisals done of late-model cars, exotics and most high-end vans and SUVs will show the most divergence from standard book values - almost always in the thousands of dollars. In the case of a typical compact or mid-size car or other vehicles that are older, an average difference is more like $750-$1000.

Our fee schedule appears below. You do the math.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

______________________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Auto/Truck/RV Condition Reports $225.00 and Up

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00 and Up

All other services including trial prep and additional time when necessary $75/Hr.

Expert Witness - Court Appearances, Depositions, Mediation $225/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Financing, Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Antiques, Collectibles & Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

FIND US FAST IN THE REAL AT&T YELLOW PAGES

Keywords for this article: appraiser, attorney, automobile, BANKRUPTCY, book value, car, consumer, court, fair market value, florida, Fort Lauderdale, Kelley Blue Book, lawyer, licensed, Miami, NADA, Stuart, USED CAR, value

APPRAISING ANTIQUE CARS AT SOUTH FLORIDA'S CLASSIC CAR DEALERSHIPS - THE FEAR FACTOR

2011-08-24T20:42:00.010-04:00

Fargo's Jerry Lundegaard
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

BOCA RATON - Sometimes I can sense the fear while walking through front doors of some of South Florida's antique and custom car dealerships. Nobody looks a car over better than an appraiser - and I am a very critical appraiser. A salesman hawking a street rod in Fort Lauderdale once went so far as name me "The Deal-Killer." Yet many of these same dealers continue to recommend St. Lucie Appraisal to their out-of-town buyers when they request independent appraisals or condition reports.

In the past, my attention to detail has conflicted with a dealership's primary goal which is to sell antique and custom automobiles. I see my job as advising buyers on potential risks so they can make an informed business decision on whether or not to go forward with a transaction. Small details sometimes become the devil in the deal meaning occasionally my input results in a lost sale for them. So why do these South Florida auto dealers continue to recommend us as appraisers from Miami to Melbourne? The reason is because we also recognize quality and when our appraisal reflects that, it is a huge aid in helping them to sell the car.

Antique auto collectors from around the world often find themselves considering cars located in sunny Florida. Most are savvy enough not to buy - and then ship - expensive classic cars sight unseen. Seeking advice from an expert makes financial sense. A true advisor isn't doing his job if he isn't pointing out potential traps, pitfalls, and problems. If the car is advertised as a "daily driver", my informing a buyer of small imperfections won't lead to the collapse of a sale. But if the car is advertised as a professionally restored antique car, my noting a litany of small issues could lead to drastic price reduction - or a blown deal.

Five times as often as not, I'm happy to say, the classic cars we appraise or perform condition reports on are accurately described in their advertisements. Antique car dealers who take the time to micro-inspect classic cars for imperfections, maintenance or repair problems have nothing to fear from me. As for those auto dealers who might be looking to ship a Florida lemon to an unsuspecting buyer in Texas or Australia, keep your fingers crossed that your customer doesn't hire me, your old friend, "The Deal-Killer."

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

______________________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Auto/Truck/RV Condition Reports $225.00 and Up

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00 and Up

All other services including trial prep and additional time when necessary $75/Hr.

Expert Witness - Court Appearances, Depositions, Mediation $225/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Financing, Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Antiques, Collectibles & Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

FIND US FAST IN THE REAL AT&T YELLOW PAGES

ADVOCATES FOR AUTOMOBILE DIMINISHED VALUE

2011-07-31T10:33:00.008-04:00

Auto Diminished Value Experts

http://stlucieappraisal.net/

TAMPA - Advertisements can be misleading as we all know, and they include ads we find on the internet regarding Auto Diminished Value appraisals and Diminished Value experts. The allure of free advertising enables companies to throw all sorts of things at us. In Florida, we have more than our share of scammers and charlatans. Lately a number of web sites, blogs, Craigslist-type ads, etc. are describing themselves as "advocates."

The general perception is that an advocate represents us free or for a minimal charge. It is a resource to advance a social or public policy initiative and gives a voice to citizen interests. A consumer advocate seeks to remedy injustices in the market place, also to teach consumers to stand up for themselves. Funded by governments or privately, these people and organizations are who we turn to for help, especially when the waters get murky - as is definitely the case with Automobile Diminished Value.

At St. Lucie Appraisal, we are advocates for fair and equitible treatment in Automobile Diminished Value cases. Our compensation is both financially and professionally rewarding. If a company is masquerading as something else, either the service stinks or their fees are out of line, sometimes both. These less-than-forthcoming advertising techiques occur mainly with attorneys but other types of businesses do it too.

Our Auto Diminished Value reports are available to anyone in Florida whose late model car or truck was damaged through someone's negligence, then repaired. The loss of trade-in value - even though you may not actually be trading the car in - is known as diminished value. Insurance companies don't like paying for it but it's the law and you are entitled to compensation.

How much compensation? That depends on many factors, all of which weigh into the insurance adjuster's decision about how much to pay you. Each insurance company has their own formula that takes into consideration things like whether the frame or unibody was damaged, whether the vehicle was towed, year, make and model of car, etc. Unfortunately, low-ball methods based on formulas such as Georgia's Rule 17C have demonstrably proven their inadequacy. Also unfortunate is the fact that most Auto Diminished Value Appraisal firms take a similar easy way out by adopting their own formulas for determining diminished value. So how does St. Lucie Appraisal determine the amount of diminished value?

Only one indicator can be considered relevant - how much less the dealer will offer for your trade-in as a result of a dirty CARFAX report. The only reliable method for determing diminished value is to call the dealers for their opinions. Using a formula saves a lot of time but as many people are learning, insurance companies show little respect for Automobile Diminished Value reports done in this manner - even by advocates. It is formula vs. formula.

To cite an example, whereas a repaired unibody can count heavily toward how much net worth is lost from a Chevrolet or Toyota - the resultant diminished value can be as much as 50% of the trade-in value - any Porsche dealer will tell you that, even without unibody damage, buyers avoid repaired Porsches like the plague. An insurance adjuster will point to the absence of frame and unibody repairs when he or she offers you a fraction of what your claim is worth. It is unfortunate that Automobile Diminished Value advocates utilizing formulas will probably agree, leaving consumers as the ultimate losers. You'll collect something, but it won't be enough. Your car is now under water.

Insurance companies can not so readily dismiss an Automobile Diminished Value report prepared by St. Lucie Appraisal. We work hard to come up with accurate numbers. Our reports, compiled through exhaustive telephone research, reflect the accuracy of the used car market. They also force insurance companies to either do the same research or explain why they refused to do so.

Is St. Lucie Appraisal the best Automobile Diminished Value appraiser in the business? Most insurors in Florida will agree that we are the gold standard. We are licensed as adjusters and appraisers by the State of Florida Department of Consumer Affairs while most DV appraisers are not.

Florida Statute 626.855 defines a “RESIDENT INDEPENDENT ADJUSTER” as any person who is self-employed or is associated with or employed by an independent adjusting firm or other independent adjuster, and who undertakes to ascertain and determine to amount of the claim, loss, or damage payable under an insurance contract or undertakes to effect settlement of such claim, loss or damage.

And when it comes to your right to fair compensation for Automobile Diminished Value, we are your biggest advocates - even if we don't come right out and say so.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

______________________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Auto/Truck/RV Condition Reports $225.00 and Up

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00 and Up

All other services including trial prep and additional time when necessary $75/Hr.

Expert Witness - Court Appearances, Depositions, Mediation $225/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Financing, Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Antiques, Collectibles & Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

SAVING THE WORLD FROM BUYING CRAPPY CARS

2011-07-21T16:37:00.001-04:00

BUYING A USED CAR IN FLORIDA?
HAVE IT APPRAISED.
http://stlucieappraisal.net

MIAMI - Good advice for long-distance buyers of antique, custom, exotic or otherwise modified cars in Florida - hire an appraiser, a mechanic, a body shop, a towing company, auto detailer, glass installer or other automobile-related person to at least inspect the car before you make that purchase. Buying a car sight-unseen is a tentative proposition at best. When the vehicle is twenty or more years old with potential for unseen damages, improper repairs and modifications, etc., it can turn into a horrible nightmare.

Yesterday, I was given an assignment to perform a condition inspection on an antique Thunderbird convertible. The classic car was located at a Florida auto dealer that specializes in fine antique and custom cars. Over the last few years I've had the pleasure of inspecting and/or appraising numerous dream cars at their location. So, naturally, I expected to see a real nice survivor-type piece.

This condition report was being done on behalf of a fellow from Chicago who later told me that he made the decision to hire an appraiser at the last minute. The T-Bird was all but loaded onto the car carrier when he made the call. To make a long story short, I'm certain that the buyer would have had a heart attack when he took delivery of this absolute disaster of an antique car. While I was making my notes I realized that this sort of thing happens every day.

Getting back to my sage advice regarding having someone - anyone - look at a classic, exotic or custom car before buying and costly shipping, even a non-expert would have noticed three inches of water in the trunk, inner door panels attached via Swingline staples, that most of the lamps and signals didn't work, the dead battery, the A/C not working, dry rot in the six-year old tires, the pitted interior trim, broken seat handles and the surface rust. An expert would find many more deficiencies but by this time the buyer's decision had already been made so my work was done. Disappointed at not finding his dream car and perhaps angry at the seller for misleading advertising, his most overwhelming emotion, nonetheless was joy. Because spending $225 for an appraiser beats spending $18,000 for a piece of junk any day.

The salesman explained that the Thunderbird was a consignment and that he was unaware of the extensive problems the car had. Seems unlikely because they photographed the car from every conceivable angle for their eBay advertisement. The ad contained close-ups of everything with the exception of the funky stuff! Small consolation for the guy in Chicago who might have bought the car sight-unseen.

A last word about purchasing antique and custom cars and trucks in Florida. Private sellers have also become adept at photographing and describing vehicles to their best advantage. One selling point I commonly see being used is a quotation of the insured value. Very reassuring to know that an insurance company has such a high regard for the car. However, and this has become a typical theme, antique cars covered by specialty insurors like Hagerty, Grundy, Condon & Skelly and American Collectors who operate on the honor system, over-insure most of their cars. Antique car owners simply tell these specialty insurors what they feel the car is worth and, as long as book values bear them out, policies are written on that basis alone. More than half of the appraisals of antique and custom cars insured by these companies aren't worth near their insured value. Buying a car that's covered by a small specialty insuror? Caveat Emptor.....

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

__________________________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Auto/Truck/RV Condition Reports $225.00 and Up

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00 and Up

All other services and additional time when necessary $75/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Financing, Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Collectibles and Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

FINANCING TRUCKS, TRAILERS AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT IN FLORIDA

2011-06-19T17:06:00.009-04:00

Appraisers of Construction Equipment

http://stlucieappraisal.net/

FORT PIERCE - These days it is common knowledge that obtaining loans from banks and credit unions is nearly impossible. Most licensed truck and heavy construction equipment appraisers who provide fair market values for financing and insurance have seen a drop in business - St. Lucie Appraisal is no exception. Even with adequate collateral, you'll find even the most accommodating of lenders have become reluctant to part with their money. The ability to borrow for new machinery or to simply stave off bankruptcy is important. So when businesses in Florida looking to expand need additional funding, how should they go about obtaining the needed capital?

Borrowing on business equipment such as trucks, trailers and construction machinery is the preferred route. As long as the books show that the company is profitable, a bank or credit union looks favorably on those with solid collateral. But there's more that can be done to make lenders feel warm and fuzzy about lending you money. Find a licensed appraiser and get a Fair Market Value appraisal. Additionally, make sure the appraiser has expertise in the type of equipment or other goods you want evaluated.

We recently got a request from a lender in South Florida asking us to appraise the value of a number of construction cranes. After receiving the assignment, we worked with the owner of the construction company to make sure we evaluated the equipment properly and reported our findings promptly to the lender. After receiving word that their loan had gone through, the owner called to thank us for helping to save their company.

We get paid for our services, of course, but no financial compensation could be more satisfying as hearing something like that.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

______________________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00

All other services and additional time when necessary $75/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Financing, Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Collectibles and Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

FIND US FAST IN THE AT&T REAL YELLOW PAGES

Keywords for this article: appraisal, bank, bankruptcy, construction, crane, credit union, equipment, fair market value, finance, florida, fort pierce, insurance, licensed appraiser, loan, machinery, st lucie appraisal, trailer, truck

TOTAL LOSSES AND DIMINISHED VALUE - DISPUTING AN INSURANCE COMPANY'S UNFAIR SETTLEMENT OFFER - WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES?

2011-04-19T15:26:00.018-04:00

FLORIDA APPRAISERS
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

MIAMI - It's not only folks like you and I who are tightening our belts these days. Businesses both large and small have also been forced to cut costs. Here in Florida we have felt the effects more than in other parts of the country. Unfortunately, in the case of insurance company claims adjusters, a major focus is on keeping a very strict eye on claims payouts. Auto body shops are generally the victims of cost cutting but when your own automobile or truck is totalled, the victim becomes you. Using updated formulas and guidelines, the insurers' goal is to offer the smallest settlement amount possible for your total loss or diminished value vehicle. The days when simple book values used to serve as measuring sticks for guaging the value of a car, truck, RV or motorcycle are gone. In their place are computerized reports sometimes using completely unrelated or undocumented vehicles from places halfway around the country as examples. Diminished Value claimants are also virtually assured of coming across an insurance adjuster with charts that show how certain types of damage repairs more-or-less affect the amount of Diminished Value sustained. Tell that to your automobile dealer come trade-in time. And if you've done any custom work to your car, truck or RV, chances are the insurer will only be willing to offer a fraction of what would be fair compensation no matter how many invoices and estimates you provide. Should you dispute the insurance company's settlement offer? Are they guilty of unfair claim practices? Should you hire an independent appraiser to determine the value?

Insurers who are guilty of unfair claims practices are sometimes made to pay dearly when matters proceed to trial. At the very least, simply to avoid paying their lawyers, an insurance company is more likely to settle with a claimant who has presented a properly-prepared appraisal from a licensed independent appraisal firm. In Florida, The Department of Financial Services can provide a list of names. In other states where appraisers are licensed, check with that state's Insurance Department.

High value cars and trucks are where the greatest disparities between low ball settlement offers and fair market values are found. The difference can reach tens of thousands of dollars, especially where modified and luxury cars, heavy trucks and upgraded RVs are concerned.

Compared to high end vehicles and RVs, typical total loss and Diminished Value claims involving passenger cars, small trucks and SUVs are far more numerous. While it would seem that agreeing on these fair market values would be relatively simple, the opposite is true. The gaps between insurance company settlement offers and fair market values shrink somewhat on these vehicles but claims adjusters are every bit as diligent at saving a few bucks for the company. When your car is being repaired, your body shop does the negotiating. But when the claim involves a total loss or diminished value, you're on your own. Taking care not to cross the line into unfair claims practices, many insurers simply use the valuation sources that provide the least compensation as guidelines for making their settlement offers. It is up to you, the consumer, to do some homework. Obtaining the approximate value of your vehicle is easy with all of the online resources available. Still not getting any satisfaction? Put a State of Florida licensed independent appraiser to work for you.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

__________________________________________

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00

All other services and additional time when necessary $75/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Collectibles and Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

BUYING AN ANTIQUE, CLASSIC OR CUSTOM CAR IN SOUTH FLORIDA? AN INSPECTION IS A GOOD INVESTMENT.

2011-04-08T07:57:00.005-04:00

OLD CARS
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

BROWARD COUNTY - Usually, the antique, classic or custom car or truck you want most is located somewhere far away. You found in on eBay, Autotrader.com or in Hemmings. Do you buy it sight unseen or hire an appraiser to check it out for you? There are hundreds of stories about how cars were misrepresented by sellers but after the vehicle is paid for and shipped across country, there's little a buyer can do about it. Making sure you'll get exactly what you've paid for is easy. Here are a few suggestions for both buyers and sellers of used cars in South Florida.

If you are selling a car to a prospective out-of-state buyer it is important to provide honest, accurate information about the vehicle. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to give them a list of appraisers, with a State of Florida DFS Adjuster and Appraiser license, who will inspect the vehicle and answer any questions or concerns the buyer might have. Your chances of selling that street rod to an out-of-stater who hasn't actually seen the car are much lower but that's where you'll find most of your customer base. A recent appraisal and inspection report is a great seller's tool. Think about having it done because you can send the same report to every potential customer.

When a buyer calls St. Lucie Appraisal to evaluate a car or truck, the first thing we do is try to arrange for the vehicle to be test driven and inspected on a lift. The seller should be able to provide this for free at his mechanic but do you trust his mechanic's word alone? Too often, it is when you first get your new car in the air that buyer's remorse sets in. If a buyer has to spend an extra $75 for these additional garage services, he can avoid a potential $30,000 mistake. Sellers rarely include photos of leaks or undercarriage damages in their eBay adverts.

Documentation such as invoices or receipts for parts, repairs or customization are important. If something seems questionable, we'll even call a shop to talk about repairs or other operations that were done years ago. Some customizations and fabrications simply don't work, especially relating to performance-enhanced vehicles. By making a few calls we might learn that a former owner changed the suspension so radically the car wouldn't go in a straight line any more. We do not want the next owner of that car to be you.

Appraising the value of an antique, classic or custom car or truck car is only half the job. Making sure you get what your paying for is the other part and every bit as important. Buying or selling a motor vehicle in South Florida? We can help you with that.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

TO APPRAISE OR NOT TO APPRAISE THOSE CLASSIC AND CUSTOM CARS?

2011-03-23T16:46:00.007-04:00

CLASSIC CAR APPRAISALS
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

DELRAY BEACH - My wife is always threatening me with bodily harm. It's not that she longs for a yacht or expensive jewelry but mo' money is mo' money and every time I tell a potential customer he doesn't really need an antique car appraisal she lets me have it.

Recently, I got a call from a fellow in Fort Myers, Florida asking me to appraise a classic car he was considering buying for his 70 year-old dad. Seems that dad's first automobile was a sixties GM Rag Top and my customer wanted to surprise him with one. To make a long story short, after seeing the car and completing the appraisal, I pointed out a few adverse factors. The vehicle itself was in great shape but not a good fit for an older guy living in Southwest Florida. No A/C, Manual Steering and a very loud exhaust system. My customer thought about it and agreed to pass.

The very next day I received a call from the same man, this time requesting an inspection of a custom car; a 1969 Firebird with no A/C, a garish white interior and a paint job from hell. I asked him "Are you kidding me?" Of course, there went my appraisal fee....

My customer was nice enough to send the following email.

"After our conversation I gave it a lot more thought and I think that you are spot on... my dad at 70+ should not be driving w/o power steering and AC in SW Florida.

I really appreciate your opinion and you taking the time to talk me through some of this.... Thank you Franklin.

If you come across a convertible that is under $30,000 please let me know. My wish list is a GTO, Firebird or Camaro. I've looked at and considered LeMans, Chevelles, 442 and the like. Anything you see that sounds like a fit I'd love to know about."

Anyone have a car that might interest this fellow? I'll be glad to pass along the info. In the meantime, if you see my wife, be sure to tell her I'll be getting a commission on the sale. Thanks a lot.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT - COLLISION DAMAGE REPAIRS AND DIMINISHED VALUE

2011-03-13T07:01:00.004-04:00

DIMINISHED VALUE
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

JACKSONVILLE - Your late model car has just been rear-ended in an accident. After contacting an auto body shop, you'll call your insurance agent to report the loss and perhaps make another call to your lawyer to discuss that pain in your neck. Chances are, however, that none of them will alert you to the fact that you are also entitled to compensation from the other drivers insuror for the dimunation of value to your car - commonly known as Diminished Value.
Diminished Value, in layman's terms, means come trade-in time, the sales manager at your dealership will inform you that your car is worth much less because it has a prior repair history. Used car buyers, with a plethora of previously undamaged vehicles to choose from, usually won't consider purchasing fixed cars. So instead of the twenty thousand dollars you were expecting, the dealer will offer you less, sometimes up to 50% less. In fact, some dealerships won't touch automobiles with a Carfax report period.

In Florida, Diminished Value claims are recognized by all insurance companies. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company is a leader in preparing Diminished Value Appraisals throughout the state. Our method of calculating the amount you should be compensated has been shown to produce the best results. The reason is simple - we do the work. While other companies in the business, as well as insurors themselves, use formulas, we contact the dealerships to obtain fair DV amounts. Insurance adjusters cannot refute figures obtained in this manner with formulas.

Consumers wonder whether they need to hire an attorney to file a Diminished Value claim against the other driver's insurance company. If you use one of those national firms to prepare the appraisal and the insuror offers you a ridiculously low settlement, then a lawyer will be your best and possibly only recourse. As I previously mentioned, the formulaic approach is easy to dispute. Hiring St. Lucie Appraisal Companyusually precludes the need for a lawyer. In order to contest our findings, their adjuster will have to use the same time consuming method as we did - contacting dealerships.

Here's a hint for any insurance adjusters reading this article. In order to obtain four or five verifiable opinions from sales managers, you'll have to call a dozen dealers. Most won't return your call. Many of the ones you actually speak to will say they have better things to do besides discussing Diminished Value.

Good luck.

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg West Palm Beach and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00

All other services and additional time when necessary $75/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Financing, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Collectibles and Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

FLORIDA APPRAISERS - ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL - AUTO - PERSONAL PROPERTY - COLLECTIBLES - BUSINESS VALUATIONS

2011-02-06T10:53:00.008-05:00

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO & PERSONAL PROPERTY
SERVICE THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA

What we do is appraise all types of motor vehicles and personal property throughout South Florida.

We are licensed by The State of Florida Department of Financial Services.

Our service area includes St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties. Cities include Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Hallandale, Miami, Opa Locka, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall and Homestead.

Diminished Value Appraisals throughout Florida including, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Clearwater, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Gainsville, Bradenton, Titusville, Panama City, Bonita Springs, Naples, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee.

Our rates for services are as follows:

Auto & Truck Appraisals (Donations, Bankruptcy, Divorce, Insurance Disputes) $125.00

Stated Value Appraisals (Antique & Classic Cars, Street Rods, Motorcycles, RVs, Trucks) $175.00

Diminished Value Appraisals (Determines how much less your car is worth after accident repairs) $225.00

Personal Property Appraisals (Contents, Collectibles, Art, Antiques) $225.00

All other services and additional time when necessary $75/Hr.

You may obtain appraisals for Charitable Donation Tax Credits, Collateral, Damage Claims, Equitable Distribution, Bankruptcy, Estates, Insurance Stated Value, Purchase & Sale and Diminished Value.

Appraisals of Personal Property, Art, Boats, Classic & Custom Autos, Collectibles and Memorabilia, Electronics, Machinery, Motorcycles & Choppers, Furnishings, RVs, Trucks & Heavy Equipment. Business Valuations specializing in all types of small businesses.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

CALL YOUR ACCOUNTANT - DONATING CARS, BOATS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY

2011-01-28T07:20:00.006-05:00

DONATE!
http://stlucieappraisal.net/

WEST PALM BEACH - There are many reasons people donate to charity. The IRS allows for tax-deductions when certain criteria are met. And in addition to the tax advantages, the act of making a charitable donation to a qualified charity helps those in need.

In order to establish how much of a tax write off you’ll receive; a Fair Market Value (FMV) must be established. If it is a small contribution, an item worth less than $500.00, no appraisal or other corroboration is necessary. The FMV of a more expensive thing like art, antiques, boats, cars and personal property requires additional proof of how much it is worth.

The definition of Fair Market Value is the price that an article would sell for on the open market. It is the price that would be agreed on between a willing buyer and a willing seller. Methods for determining this price include obtaining an evaluation from a licensed appraiser, a signed and notarized arms-length offer to buy an item, verifiable sales of comparable items, replacement cost and/or the opinions of experts. There is no single formula that always applies when determining the value of something but asking your accountant or tax advisor which method to use is highly recommended.

The best evidence of value is a comparable sale. However, the amount of weight given to a sale depends on the degree of similarity between the comp and the donated item. The degree of similarity must be close enough so that this selling price would have been given consideration by reasonably well-informed buyers or sellers of the property. But the comp may not accurately represent the condition of the donated item; a factor that could disqualify it as a method of evaluation.

What can you donate besides boats, cars and personal property? Just about anything of value, as a matter of fact. Household goods like books, furniture, used clothing, jewelry, antiques, art and collectibles. Most things for which you take a deduction of more than $500 require a qualified appraisal.

With regard to donations of automobiles and boats, an acceptable measure of the FMV is a written appraisal. Guides containing sale prices or average prices for recent model years are available but the IRS warns that the prices are not “official,” and these publications are not considered an appraisal of any specific donated property. Be careful about using a do-it-yourself approach because the government is strict in their guidelines. According to the IRS, the FMV of a donated vehicle must be the same as the price listed in a used vehicle pricing guide for a private party sale only if the guide lists a sales price for a vehicle that is the same make, model, and year, sold in the same area, in the same condition, with the same or similar options or accessories, and with the same or similar warranties as the donated vehicle. Finding such an article may be impossible.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company specializes in valuations of all types of motor vehicles and personal property. Here are some things you might want to consider for donation purposes: antique cars, custom cars, street rods, race cars, trucks, construction equipment, dump trucks, tractors, trailers, RVs, motorcycles, choppers, boats, antiques, art, sculpture, glass, firearms, books, manuscripts, clocks, dolls, toys, Disney, rugs, business property, collectibles, memorabilia, coin collections, stamp collections, autographs, comic books, musical instruments, wines, computers, machinery, inventory contents, residential contents and business contents.

Please feel free to call us at 772-359-4300 if you have questions or would like to inquire about our availability. Help the needy while helping yourself. Donate!

AUTOMOBILE DIMINISHED VALUE - ONE OF THE THINGS YOUR INSURANCE AGENT WON'T TELL YOU

2011-01-23T09:58:00.023-05:00

http://stlucieappraisal.net/
AUTO DIMINISHED VALUE

FORT LAUDERDALE - Let me begin this article by saying that most insurance agents and brokers are either ignorant or guilty of withholding important information from their customers. This would go double for the insurance companies they represent except for the fact that they rarely come into contact with their policyholders until a claim arises. Neither of them are very anxious to explain the principle of Diminished Value even though that knowledge could ultimately benefit their insureds. They do acknowledge they do exist in tort for third party claims. From the simple standpoint of good customer service, this would seem to fly in the face of logical thinking. Good customer service is good business, right? Well, apparently, insurance companies and their agents disagree.

When you sat down with your insurance agent to discuss automobile insurance, there's a good chance you were never told anything about Diminished Value. Even though it costs the insuror absolutely nothing, such as the car rental and towing allowances on your policy would, this beneficial information is never discussed.

Automobile Diminished Value is the amount of value your car or truck loses after it has been fixed after an accident. Regardless of the quality of the repairs, your car has lost some of it's worth because of it's accident repair history, commonly known as a CARFAX. You can make a claim for this difference in value - a Diminished Value claim - and you could be compensated as much as ten-thousand dollars ($10,000.00.) Information worth knowing, indeed.

There is no cost to your insurance company, as I previously mentioned, because you may only make a Diminished Value claim against an at-fault third party, the driver of the car that hit yours. If you drive into a tree, you can't sue your own insuror, at least not here in Florida. When your car or truck has been damaged by another party's negligence, you may pursue a DV claim against their insurance company. If you present them with an accurate Diminished Value report from a licensed appraiser you stand a good chance of being fairly compensated.

So why don't insurance agents pass this valuable information on their policyholders seeing as it benefits you and costs them nothing? The answer may surprise you. The more slowly the general public is made aware of their right to claim Diminished Value, the longer it will take for it to bite them in the ass. This is because tomorrow your insured might crash into a well-informed person's car and a Diminished Value claim will be headed in their direction.

Insurors have circled the wagons and, in this manner, protected themselves from Diminished Value claims by keeping the insurance-buying public generally uninformed. It isn't illegal nor does it violate any ethical statutes. If a company like State Farm, for example, directed each of it's insurance brokers to start advising policyholders of their right to pursue DV claims against third parties, they would be the first wave of claimants. But eventually all insurance companies will recognize the need for transparency and State Farm, like other insurors before it, would have to start paying for Diminished Value. So the more slowly people learn about Diminished Value, the better it is for the insurance industry.

So how do we get so many Diminished Value cases? Attorneys, of course, are the quickest to recognize opportunities. Many of those who recommend The St. Lucie Appraisal Company have started advertising their expertise in handling DV claims. Many auto body shops are aware of Diminished Value. Although it doesn't profit them, advising customers of their rights is good customer service. The burden of proving the reduction of value is on the plaintiff bringing the claim. There is no shortage of people who make it their business to stay informed.

Let me finish this article by pointing out that there are plenty of insurance agents who are both informed and informative. The number of those who are not, however, is much greater and that represents a disservice to Florida's insurance consumers. They are the ones who will be left holding the bag come trade-in time.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

FIND US FAST IN THE AT&T REAL YELLOW PAGES

HEY LITTLE COBRA DON'T YOU KNOW YOU'RE GONNA SHUT 'EM DOWN!

2010-12-30T09:26:00.006-05:00

ST LUCIE APPRAISAL CO
AC COBRA

MIAMI - South Florida literally oozes with exquisite cars, most of which can be seen out and about during "the season." Drive any exotic automobile down Collins Avenue around 6AM (around the time that people are leaving the clubs) and you are sure to hear someone make an offer on the spot. Of course, most of these bids are the result of too much booze and too little sleep but yours truly actually sold an antique car in this manner not too long ago.

The AC Cobra was created in 1965 by a partnership between AC Motors of Great Britain, and Carroll Shelby, a Texas racing driver. With a Max speed of around 165 MPH, the Cobra was said to "look fast even when it was standing still." There were only 316 AC Cobras built in 1965. With it's lightweight aluminum body and tubular steel chassis, the 425 Horsepower 427 cu. in. motor pulled the car to a 4.2 second 0-60 mark.

The fact that the Cobra wasn't a major factor in racing hasn't diminished the public's appreciation of the car. Today, these are the rarest and the most valuable models and can sell for in excess of one-million dollars.

In truth, one isn't likely to see many AC Cobras on any street at any hour because of their value. Did you see the Shelby Cobra that Shelby sold on Barret Jackson Auto Action? An original cobra with a 427 two 4bbl carbs with super chargers. It was the last of Carol Shelbys Super Snake Cobras and it brought 5 Million!

The Rip-Chords said it best.

I took my Cobra down to the track,

Hitched to the back of my Cadillac.

Everyone was there just a-waitin' for me.

There were plenty of Stingrays and X-K-E's.

When the flag went down you could hear rubber burn.

The Stingray had me goin' into the turn,

I hung a big shift and I got into high,

And when I flew by the Stingray I waved bye-bye.

Around the far turn, in the straight-away,

I was blowin' off everything that got in my way.

The Stingrays and Jags were so far behind.

I took my Cobra out of gear and let it coast to the line.

(Shut 'em down.) Spring little Cobra gettin' ready to strike.

(Shut 'em down.) Spring little Cobra with all of your might.

(Shut 'em down.) Spring little Cobra gettin' ready to strike.

(Shut 'em down.) Spring little Cobra With all of your might.

Hey, little Cobra, don't you know you're gonna shut 'em down.

Regarding the appraisal of an AC Cobra, of course there are replicas, different engine configurations and other modifications to consider. An insurance underwriter will need to know all of this pertinent info before they will indemnify the vehicle with a stated value policy. From my personal experience, when it comes to AC Cobra kit cars, they're all good! Cobras are among the most popular replica cars that often look indistinguishable from the real thing. The Shelby Cobra registry is for all Shelby vehicles produced from 1962 to present. More than just a registration of the vehicle, it's a place to keep records of the changes in ownership and changes to the car through the years.

It's cars like these that make being a classic automobile appraiser fun!

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700

Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

FIND US FAST IN THE AT&T REAL YELLOW PAGES

APPRAISING CLASSIC & CUSTOM CARS AT ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL

2010-12-06T08:04:00.003-05:00

FORT LAUDERDALE - Friday night is the time to roll out the 1932 Ford 5-window coupe. Pop that Hurst shifter and feel how fast a small-block Chevy can push you down the road. Complete with a rumble seat and custom paint, the motor sounds fierce and the all-steel body glistens in the moonlight. This little street rod is the definition of cool, an attention getter like no modern car could be and an absolute joy to drive. Perfect for the simple driving pleasure of hitting the streets and cruise nights.

Of course, this fine auto is insured for every penny of it's worth. All the cash and sweat equity you've got in the car has been considered by your auto appraiser. A stated value insurance policy means you can step on the gas with no worries. In Florida, hazards abound from hurricane floods in summer to aggressive snow-bird drivers in winter so you made the right call.

Be sure to hire an automobile appraiser who understands how to properly assess market value. At The St. Lucie Appraisal Company, our goal is to prepare realistic reports that reflect the true worth of classic and custom cars. Are you a member of a car club in Florida? Discounted prices are available if multiple vehicles need to be appraised. It costs you nothing to call us with questions or other inquiries so, by all means, feel free to do so by emailing to contact@stlucieappraisal.net

WHY IS ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL THE BEST DIMINISHED VALUE APPRAISER IN FLORIDA?

2010-11-23T15:07:00.011-05:00

MIAMI - What makes someone the best at something? My one-word answer would be "results." Good results obtained on a consistent basis should be the primary qualifier. Subsequent to that I'd start to define categories such as "timeliness" and "accuracy" and then sub-categories such as whether claims adjusters found valid reasons to dispute the appraiser's findings. Diminished Value claims, especially in Florida, are becoming more common so insurance companies have prepared formidable defenses against large payouts.

Whether or not you are entitled to compensation for diminished value isn't at issue because you are. If your late-model car was hit by an at-fault third party, despite perfect repairs, it has lost considerable trade-in value. In the case of a luxury car or SUV, depending on the type of damage, mileage, etc., the sum of Diminished Value could exceed ten-thousand dollars.

What many Floridians are learning is that presenting the insuror with a DV claim without an ironclad appraisal produces less than ideal returns. Their adjuster will offer a token sum, usually five-hundred or a thousand dollars even though you presented an appraisal for thousands more. The Wikipedia page on Diminished Value states the following: Some insurance companies use a formula called 17c to determine diminished value, this formula is inaccurate and generates values not consistent with current market data.

Appraisals prepared using a formula such as Georgia's 17c Formula which is as follows:
-
ELEMENTS OF LOSS OF VALUE FORMULAS

-
ACV - For purposes of our calculations, we will use the NADA retail value, including additions and subtractions for options and mileage. The NADA edition applicable at the time of loss of value claim is presented should be used.
-
BASE LOV - As is the case in most loss of value formulas, we will use 10% of the ACV as a starting point in our formula.
-
DAMAGE SEVERITY MODIFIER - This is the subjective decision which must be made by the adjuster. The nature and extent of damages should be based on the actual physical damage sustained by the vehicle, without using the cost to repair as a basis. The modifier can be from 0.0 to 1.0 with 1.0 reflective of extensive damages. It should be stressed that in some minor accidents the 0.0 modifier is appropriate as no loss of value would have been sustained. A basic guide for the damage severity modifier is as follows:
-
MODIFIER EXTENT OF DAMAGE
1.0 Severe damage to the structure of vehicle.
0.75 Major damage to structure and panels.
0.50 Moderate damage to structure and panels.
0.25 Minor damage to structure of vehicles.
0.0 No structural damage and replaced panels.
-
As this is subjective decision, the modifier can be adjusted as necessary to fit the damages. (EXAMPLE 1 - No frame damage, a replaced bumper and repaired body panel may call for a modifier of 0.1.
-
EXAMPLE 2 - Heavy frame damage to the front with moderate additional damage to the rear may call for a modifier of 0.85.)
-
MILEAGE MODIFIER - Generally, when a vehicle reaches 100,000 miles, it no longer has a realistic market value. There may be some cases where that is not so, but for most cars this figure should be accurate. The modifier is a factor of the actual mileage of the vehicle and the mileage where the vehicle no longer would be considered for retail resale by a dealer. The modifier can be from 0.0 to 1.0 reflective of zero miles. A basic guide for the mileage modifier (based on 100,000 mile limit) is as follows:
-
MILEAGE MODIFIER
0 1.0
20,000 0.8
40,000 0.6
60,000 0.4
80,000 0.2
100,000 0.0
-
The modifier should be adjusted to reflect the actual mileage based on the following:
-
MODIFIER - MAXIMUM MILES FOR RETAIL SALE - ACTUAL MILES
-
MAXIMUM MILE FOR RETAIL SALE
-
APPLICATION OF LOSS OF VALUE FORMULA
-
10% of ACV x Damage Modifier x Mileage Modifier = Loss of value

The inherent flaws found in the formula aside, insurors have taken the 17c Formula and amended it further to meet their needs which are basically to pay you as little as possible.

If you or your attorney needs to hire a Diminished Value Appraiser, insist that the appraisal be done on the basis of actual dealer opinions rather than use of a formula. The advantages of this approach are not so much that the results are indisputable but that the insurance adjuster, in order to refute your appraisal, will need to go through the same time-consuming procedure. Most of them won't do it simply because it isn't cost effective. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company prepares all Diminished Value Appraisals on the basis of dealer opinions. The majority of our clients are fairly compensated by the responsible party's insuror.

Good results obtained on a consistent basis is our goal. It's what it takes to be the best Diminished Value appraisers in Florida.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Phone: (772) 359-4300
Fax: (772) 466-8400
Email: contact@stlucieappraisal.net

HOW MUCH IS YOUR CORVETTE WORTH?

2010-11-17T07:35:00.004-05:00

WEST PALM BEACH - The US economy, after years of run-ups on the price of just about everything, seems to have slammed on the brakes. We may never see financial horsepower like that again. Not only real estate, but classic cars experienced appreciations in value that were unmatched during any past era. Now we have a certain amount of devaluation going on. Some commodities have been affected more than others by these corrections. Let's take a look at Corvettes - specifically, big blocks from the muscle-car era, the 1960s.

Just a few scant years ago it looked as if the ceiling for big-block Vettes would exceed a quarter of a million dollars, an aberration to be sure but also a gold mine for their proud owners. The St. Lucie Appraisal Company of Fort Pierce, Florida performed valuations on numerous Corvettes which were, in turn, submitted to insurers for stated value coverage. Most of those cars are worth less now; some of them much less.

Some examples of what a potential buyer might find out there right now include these.

1967 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, Cortez Silver with black stinger and black leather interior, side mount exhaust, headrests, power steering, power brakes, telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM radio, numbers matching L36 427 factory rated at 390hp, 4 speed Muncie transmission with the factory installed Air Conditioning option, original tank sticker, Top Flight awards from chapter, regional and National NCRS meets, Gold awards at Bloomington and the Gold Spinner awards simultaneously resulting in the vaunted Triple Crown Certification.

1967 Corvette roadster 400 horsepower, 427 cubic inch big block factory air conditioning, 4 speed transmission, tri-power holley carbs, power steering, brakes and windows, transistor ignition, full tinted window option, leather seats, headrests, telescopic steering wheel, bolt on wheels, am/fm radio, dual side exhaust, positraction 336 axle ratio and hard top, matching numbers car including the engine, transmission, intake and exhaust manifolds and cylinder heads, modern upgrades include two stage paint and red line radial tires.

1966 Corvette Roadster, 427/425HP Turbo-Jet Engine, Four Speed Manual Transmission, Headrests, Positraction Rear Axle, 3.70 Ratio, Off-Road Exhaust System,Teakwood Steering Wheel,Telescopic Steering Column, Power Steering, 7.75x15 Goldwall Tires, AM-FM Radio, Protect-O-Plate, owner's manual, accessories guide, AM/FM station guide and the original warranty booklet envelope, 39,900 miles.

Want to purchase one of these Corvettes? Well, I can't pass along the owner info because these cars are unknown to me personally. I will share the asking prices with you, though. Giving you a rough idea of what's out there today as we approach 2011 and how much you'll pay for it is the reason for this article. And although the vast majority of us won't be plopping down a hundred grand for a Vette anytime soon, it's nice to know that soon they might actually become affordable again.

The silver '67 Coupe is selling for $119K which seems like a bargain, especially with A/C. The red '67 Roadster is selling for $159K, another factory air car that was probably worth at least 15% more just a few years ago. Finally, the '66 Coupe with the low, low mileage will only set you back $129K. Again, less than you would have paid but will there be further corrections in the classic automobile market? Imagine someday actually being able to afford one of these cars. Buyers and sellers are both keeping their fingers crossed but for completely different reasons. There are some really interesting sites such as Corvette Blogger where you can keep up with the market as well as other trends. Also, visiting local Corvette dealer sites such as Corvette Experience and Roger's Corvette Center will help keep you current with regard to price and availability of your favorite Corvette.

As appraisers of all types of motor vehicles, it's important to stay in the now when it comes to what things are worth. Are you insuring it? Donating it? Is your car part of an estate, bankruptcy,divorce or other legal proceeding? St. Lucie Appraisal will assure that the stated value of your classic car is accurate. Whether you buy the car today or tomorrow - that part is up to you.

AUTOMOBILE FAIR MARKET VALUE APPRAISALS - HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT APPRAISER

2010-10-31T09:42:00.009-04:00

STUART - Throughout the State of Florida one can find almost every type of vehicle. In addition to motor vehicles there are trailers which are used for anything from hauling citrus to actual residences. Motorcycles, race cars, restored antique automobiles and RVs are some other types of vehicles we typically evaluate. Some of the reasons that owners of these vehicles seek appraisals are insurance, donations, bankruptcies, divorces, purchases and claims. The terminology used for such a report is a Stated Value Appraisal. The methodology typically used for such appraisals is called Fair Market Value.

Fair Market Value is the price that property would sell for on the open market. It is the price that would be agreed on between a willing buyer and a willing seller. Sometimes, however, it is difficult to determine FMV because of an absence of comparible items to base it on.

An arm's-length offer to buy the motor vehicle close to the valuation date may help to prove its value if the person making the offer was willing and able to complete the transaction. To rely on an offer, you should be able to show proof of the offer and the specific amount to be paid. Offers to buy the vehicle will help to determine value if the other vehicle is reasonably similar to the vehicle being appraised.

The replacement cost is the amount it would cost to replace the item on the valuation date. Often there is no relationship between the replacement cost and the FMV. If the supply of a particular vehicle is more or less than the demand for it, the replacement cost becomes less important.

To determine the replacement cost of the vehicle, find the “estimated replacement cost new.” Then subtract from this figure an amount for depreciation due to it's the physical condition and obsolescence. You should be able to show the relationship between the depreciated replacement cost and the FMV, as well as how you arrived at the “estimated replacement cost new.” Remember, there is a difference between Fair Market Value and replacement cost.

Generally, the weight given to an expert's opinion depends on the knowledge and competence of the expert and the thoroughness with which the opinion is supported by experience and facts. For an expert's opinion to deserve much weight, the facts must support the opinion.

Using sales of comparable vehicles is an important method for determining the FMV of your vehicle. However, the amount of weight given to a sale depends on the degree of similarity between the comparable vehicle and the vehicle in question. The degree of similarity must be close enough so that this selling price would have been given consideration by reasonably well-informed buyers or sellers of the vehicle.

The sale price of the vehicle itself in an arm's-length transaction in an open market is often the best evidence of its value. When you rely on sales of a comparable vehicle, the sales must have been made in an open market. If those sales were made in a market that was artificially supported or stimulated so as not to be truly representative, the prices at which the sales were made will not indicate the FMV. The authenticity of the vehicle and any parts used to rebuild or otherwise improve it must also be determined by the appraiser.

Regarding antique cars, important factors in the valuation of vehicles are physical condition and extent of restoration. These have a significant effect on the value and must be fully reported in an appraisal. An antique or custom car in damaged condition will be worth much less than a similar piece in excellent condition. If you donate a car, a boat, or an aircraft to a charitable organization, its FMV must be determined.

Certain commercial firms and trade organizations publish monthly or seasonal guides for different regions of the country, containing complete dealer sale prices or dealer average prices for recent model years. Prices are reported for each make, model, and year. These guides also provide estimates for adjusting for unusual equipment, unusual mileage, and physical condition. The prices are not “official,” and these publications are not considered an appraisal of any specific vehicle. But they do provide clues for making an appraisal and suggest relative prices for comparison with current sales and offerings in your area. These publications are sometimes available from public libraries or at a bank, credit union, or finance company. You can also find pricing information about used cars on the Internet.

An acceptable measure of the FMV of a car, boat, or airplane is an amount not in excess of the price listed in a used vehicle pricing guide for a private party sale, not the dealer retail value, of a similar vehicle. However, the FMV may be less than that amount if the vehicle has engine trouble, body damage, high mileage, or any type of excessive wear. The FMV of a vehicle is the same as the price listed in a used vehicle pricing guide for a private party sale only if the guide lists a sales price for a vehicle that is the same make, model, and year, sold in the same area, in the same condition, with the same or similar options or accessories, and with the same or similar warranties as the donated vehicle.

In general, for insurance or donation purposes, you will need a qualified appraisal. A qualified appraisal is an appraisal document that is made, signed, and dated by a qualified appraiser in accordance with generally accepted appraisal standards. A common misconception is that appraisers are qualified simply because they belong to an organization. A better way to determine whether an appraiser is qualified is by making sure they are licensed by the state in which you reside. If the appraiser is not authorized to settle claims, for instance, then they may not be considered to be qualified according to your insurer, the IRS or a court in which the appraisal may be presented. An appraiser must also not charge a prohibitive appraisal fee.

A qualified appraisal must include the following information:

A description of the vehicle in sufficient detail for a person who is not generally familiar with the type of vehicle to determine that the vehicle appraised is the vehicle that is being insured, contributed or contested.
The physical condition of the vehicle. The name, address, and license number of the qualified appraiser. The qualifications of the qualified appraiser who signs the appraisal, including the appraiser's background, experience, education, and any membership in professional appraisal associations. A statement that the appraisal was prepared for insurance, income tax purposes, legal proceedings or purchase and sale. The date on which the vehicle was valued, the method of valuation used to determine FMV, such as the income approach, the comparable sales or market data approach, or the replacement cost less depreciation approach and the specific basis for the valuation, such as any specific comparable sales transaction.

One final word regarding vehicle donations. The Internal Revenue Service does not accept appraisals without question. Nor does the IRS recognize any particular appraiser or organization of appraisers. Be aware of whom you are dealing with because having to repeat the entire appraisal process, not to mention the added cost, makes very little sense.

For answers to questions about Fair Market Value, please feel free to contact The St. Lucie Appraisal Company before making a decision regarding appraisers and appraisal procedures.

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT DIMINISHED VALUE IS, DO YOU?

2010-10-03T14:12:00.003-04:00

PORT ST. LUCIE - A few weeks ago I decided to pay my auto insurance policy in person. As an appraiser, you can never expose your business to agents and brokers enough. Over the years, my broker has sent numerous customers my way so a bag of Hershey's Miniatures was the least I could bring along as a gift. Most of their referrals involved custom cars, collectibles and other personal property throughout Florida. Stated Value Appraisals make up a large portion of our business but when I mentioned another service we provide for auto property damage victims, "Diminished Value Appraisals," it drew little more response than a glassy-eyed stare. None of the agents in the office, as a matter of fact, had any idea of what Diminished Value was.

Since you clicked on this article about Diminished Value I'm safe in assuming you know what it is. To recap for the uninitiated (ie: other insurance agencies) when your newer vehicle is damaged as a result of a third-party's negligence, in addition to expecting them to repair your car, you are also entitled to recover the loss of trade-in value you'll encounter at the dealership. This can amount to $5,000 or more yet the majority of people out there are unaware of this form of compensation. Two or three years down the road when you go to sell or trade your car in will be too late. You need to file your DV claim right away.

In order to further illuminate the process I'll describe what we do in relation to what you'll need to do.

Your car has been damaged by a liable third-party. Regardless of whether your vehicle's repairs are handled by your collision carrier or that third-party's insuror, you will make a Diminished Value claim against their insurance company. Their insurance adjuster will require that you present them with a Diminished Value Appraisal which is what we do. There are varying approaches that different appraisal companies use to arrive at what percentage of the car's value has been affected. Most of the national firms use formulas. The problem with that approach is that insurors also have formulas. These, you can be assured, provide the lowest possible return in all cases. So formulaic approaches are challengable. St. Lucie Appraisal makes multiple queries to dealers, used-car vendors, wholesalers and private sellers. This is time-consuming but provides the highest return by far. Another plus this method offers is that, in order to dispute our figures, they will also have to take the time to make numerous calls. In most cases, as long as your Diminished Value Appraisal isn't outlandish and is buttressed by multiple sources, you'll receive full restitution.

The cost of a Diminished Value Appraisal is $225.00 which you can remit through https://www.paypal.com/ to our email address, stlucieappraisal@gmail.com For payment by check our mailing address is P.O. Box 2700, Fort Pierce, FL 34954. We'll also be glad to answer any questions you may have. Call 772-359-4300. Your appraisal takes less than a week to complete. No inspection of the vehicle is necessary. All you'll need to provide is the Year, Make, Model and Options, a copy of the repair estimate and any photos you may wish to include. Email or mail all pertinent data to the same addresses.

Should you feel that the insuror is being unfair, you may report their behavior or request mediation assistance at https://apps.fldfs.com/eservice/Default.aspx In some cases you might be well served by hiring an attorney to represent you. As with the cost of our appraisal, your legal fee may be tax-deductible. Petitioning the court or arbitrator to compel the insuror to reimburse your legal fees is another possibility.

Perhaps your insurance agent, auto body shop or attorney will forget to advise you of your right to seek compensation from at-fault insurance companies for Diminished Value in Florida. Don't worry, we remembered.

REMODELING YOUR HOME ON WHEELS - AIRSTREAM STYLE

2010-07-18T16:18:00.002-04:00

ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL
FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA

FORT PIERCE - Florida living is wonderful but doubly-so when your home is transportable. Think of it - spending a week in Marathon enjoying the turquoise waters and supremely laid-back lifestyle. Just a quarter tank up the road is Miami where probably more than a week would be needed before any type of boredom would set in. Perhaps even a trip to beautiful Fort Pierce for some golf, good food and and beautiful beaches.Your RV or travel trailer is next to all of it. Close the doors and you're back at home. So how much time and money should you reasonably spend to remodel your Airstream or other vintage motor home or trailer?

One of the advantages to remodeling your home-away-from-home is financial as this dwelling is about 1/10 scale of your actual home. One of the disadvantages is that it's very difficult to find capable craftsmen to either install or fabricate hard to find components. Then, of course, you'll need a competent appraiser to properly evaluate the unit for insurance or loan purposes.

How about taking a glimpse into the cost of remodeling a seventies-era 31' Airstream Sovereign? First thing is to make sure you choose a good candidate. Rust, of course, is a telltale negative as are frame and suspension problems, rotted or soft spots in floors, A/C, heating, plumbing or electrical issues, fixtures replacements, mold, etc.

So what's your pleasure regarding decor? Cost of re-upholstering all of the interior wall panels $750. Front seats re-done in synthetic ultra-leather $1500. A new stereo system AM/FM/CD/MP3 plus front and rear speakers $725. Complete overhaul of cabinetry in wood or brushed aluminum $1000, New appliances $500, Flooring can be linoleum but better choices are hardwood laminate, marmoleum with carpeting and bathroom tile as desired $1750. New vents $1000, mini-blinds $250, TVs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, converter boxes, etc. $850, CB and antenna $250, microwave $350, bathroom remodeling $700, rope lights $800, new main and streetside awnings (3) $900, aluminum alloy rims and 8 ply trailer tires $900, professional grade fire extinguishers $200, electric hitch, fresh batteries, inverters, converters $350, twin 40 lb. chrome gas cylinders $300, full diagnostics including repack wheel bearings $450, H&H Super Jack $650, re-done bedroom and access doors $500, Nu-vite polish job $500, odds and ends like fancy screen doors, etc. $500. This is off the top of my head, I may be forgetting a few items here and there. There are, of course taxes, registration fees, etc.

So how much was spent creating your dream home on wheels? Considering the average cost for a decent rebuild-candidate will be around $7500, the whole enchilada comes to around $25,000. How much would I appraise a similar trailer for? Around $25,000.

Happy motoring and make sure to write to tell us how you're doing and where you've been. We like to think we've helped you get there.

The St. Lucie Appraisal Company
P.O. Box 2700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Tel: 772-359-4300
Fax: 772-466-8400
eMail: contact@stlucieappraisal.net
Web Site: http://stlucieappraisal.net/

WHAT IS YOUR OLD CAR WORTH? A LOOK AT STATED VALUE INSURANCE POLICIES

2010-05-17T12:50:00.002-04:00

STATED VALUE APPRAISALS
ST. LUCIE APPRAISAL COMPANY

VERO BEACH - My neighbor in Florida drives a 1996 Chevy Pickup truck whose odometer reads 220,000 miles. Over the years he's maintained it impeccably. Last month, in fact, he replaced the transmission which was no small expense. He's justifiably proud of his truck and confident that it will serve him for many years to come.

Recently, he and I were discussing the state of affairs of our neighborhood here in Florida. It is a very safe, crime-free area. So much so, in fact, that my neighbor remarked "I leave my keys in the truck overnight." That got me to wondering about what his insurance company would pay him if the truck was stolen. After all, once the theft occurs he'll have to look for a replacement vehicle right away. I decided to work up a total loss evaluation which showed his compensation for the stolen vehicle would be approximately $5,000.00. Less his deductible he's looking at around $4500.00.

You should have seen the look on my neighbor's face when I gave him the news. It's not as if he didn't know it beforehand. Most of us take unnecessary risks even though we know that we're courting disaster. In the case of the 96 Chevy Pickup, so many parts have been replaced over the years it is practically a new truck. He wouldn't sell it for twice what they'll pay him. So why didn't he obtain a "stated value" policy from his insurance agent?

"I thought that stated value policies were for expensive cars like Ferrari or antique and classic cars, he said. Would my insurance company write a stated value policy for my truck?" When I told him that they would, my neighbor got right on the phone, called his agent and began the simple process of insuring his beloved pickup truck for it's actual value. It worked for me, too as I ended up doing the appraisal that his insurer requested. Regardless of how much work you've put into your old car, without stated value coverage, your insurance company will give you zero consideration if it is wrecked, flooded or stolen.

Don't get the idea that stated value coverage is something that's unknown to most people. There are those who are gamblers by nature. Jewelry worth a lot? Your homeowner's insurance will cover only $1,000. Is that enough? For some folks, it must be because we receive calls after losses asking what recourse they have. The answer is none. Old car worth a lot? If it wasn't appraised and insured for the stated value you'll only get the book value after a loss. Underwriting rules are strict. The old adage "penny-wise and pound-foolish" comes to mind.

Have an old car that's in great shape? Get it appraised and obtain stated value coverage for what it is really worth. Trust me, it's better than faxing receipts, invoices and glowing descriptions by the mechanic of your now-departed vehicle to an insurance adjuster who could care less. Either that or good luck finding a decent truck for $4,500.00.

Feel free to call The St. Lucie Appraisal Company with any questions you may have about classic and specialty vehicle appraisals and stated value policies. Our number is 772-359-4300.