No. Our specialty and certifications are limited to personal property only. If you require an appraisal for agricultural land or an equestrian facility, it is crucial to hire a certified real estate (aka real property) appraiser who is licensed to appraise both agricultural land and commercial equestrian properties. Real estate appraisers must be licensed in Canada or, in the United States, licensed by their State real estate organization.

Yes. Daventry appraisals have been used globally in litigation for civil disputes, fraud, and tax matters, as well as by insurance companies. You can be confident that your appraisal will meet the highest standards, including those required for litigation and the IRS/CRA. Typically, most cases resolve after our expert reports are submitted to opposing counsel. We have completed appraisals for countries as far away as Saudi Arabia and Australia. We also provide additional services, such as expert witness consulting, pre-trial investigation, and explanations to counsel on the merits or lack thereof of the case.

Yes. Daventry appraisals are considered qualified for legal purposes internationally. Tracy has also been qualified as an equine expert in court proceedings in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Yes. Inspections, expert witness depositions and testimony are available remotely via FaceTime, Skype, Zoom & Microsoft Teams. Due to agricultural equipment or animals that are no longer available for inspection (i.e. deceased, stolen, previously donated, no access to the subject property or the appraisal is based on some point in the past), much of our work is done by conducting appraisals under extraordinary assumptions. This type of appraisal requires that we assume some of the facts by using information obtained through documentation and validation by other sources. It should be noted that appraisals that are needed for litigation and involve a healthy, living animal and a current appraisal date may benefit from having an on-site inspection of the animal completed. It is always best to discuss options with legal counsel.

This is the highest price, estimated in terms of money, that an informed buyer would pay for a particular animal or item on any given day.

Daventry Appraisal Services is considered a qualified appraiser with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Donating your item or animal to a school or non-profit organization is a good, charitable contribution you can make. First, make sure that the school or organization qualifies as a charity or non-profit organization under the IRS/CRA guidelines. Then, consult with an accountant to determine if you are eligible to receive a tax deduction. The IRS/CRA will allow you to deduct the "fair market value" price your item or animal would bring on the day you make the donation. Example; if you donate an aged horse that has been retired from hunter/jumper competition, you cannot claim the same amount you paid for the horse when they were a young, sound jumper champion.

If the value is more than $5,000, you will need to support the donation with a written appraisal by a qualified, independent expert. It is important to note that appraisal reports that have been completed more than 60 days prior to the date of donation will not be accepted by the IRS/CRA. When donating a horse, is important to ask the school or non-profit organization if they plan to keep your horse for at least three years. If your horse is removed from the program before three years are up, you may get a notification from the IRS reducing your donation tax credit.

Yes. Our appraisal reports are both IRS- and USPAP-compliant and are considered qualified appraisals by the IRS. Although none of our current clients have had appraisal reports denied by the IRS, we have been retained by new clients involved in IRS appeals who previously submitted appraisal reports completed by other appraisers that were deemed non-compliant by the IRS. We have successfully helped these clients navigate the appeals process and have also been retained to write new appraisal reports for resubmission to the IRS.

• Physical traits such as age, health, and conformation
• Breed type and breed characteristics
• Bloodlines
• Disposition
• Accomplishments, including training and show records
• Value and success of offspring
• Current economic and marketing trends

• Emotional attachment
• Perceived value
• Direct or indirect costs of ownership maintenance, veterinary bills, and financial needs

• An average appraisal costs approximately $700. However, each appraisal is unique, so please call for a quote tailored to your needs.
• Discounts are available for multiple animals or items.
• Feel free to contact us for fees and information.

Normal time required for a single animal or item appraisal is 10 to 14 days from receipt of pertinent information and payment. For clients who require a report in 9 days or less, we do offer a rush service for an additional fee.

An accredited appraiser is an entry-level appraiser with the American Society of Agricultural Appraisers (ASAA). Accredited appraiser applicants should complete the ASAA Principles of Valuation course (35 hours), ASAA Advanced Principles of Valuation course (70 hours), and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) 15-hour course. It should be noted that there are no mandatory continuing education requirements; all activities are conducted on a strictly volunteer basis. So, while an accredited appraiser may hold a valid and current appraisal membership, it does not necessarily mean they have completed all of the courses and programs set out by the appraisal organization.

We are one of the few senior agricultural/livestock appraisers in North America. A senior appraiser is an accredited member who has successfully completed ASAA's professional appraisal courses (105 hours), has met the Appraiser Qualifications Board's (AQB) personal property appraisal minimum qualification criteria (minimum 700 appraisal hours), completed the 15-hour Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course, and is an ASAA member in good standing. Senior appraisers are encouraged to meet the AQB's continuing education requirements every five years to retain their senior status, but as mentioned above, this is not mandatory. When hiring an appraiser, it is essential to inquire about the appraiser's continuing education and courses. As markets are constantly changing, it is essential that an appraiser stays current and understands how to properly perform, develop, and write a personal property appraisal.

Daventry Appraisal Services is committed to providing our clients with the most up-to-date and knowledgeable appraisers. As a result, we comply with all of the Appraiser Qualifications Board's personal property appraisal minimum qualification criteria. This includes attending a 7-hour USPAP updating course every two years and completing 70 hours of continuing education every five years, which must include 20 hours of coursework related to valuation theory. Click here to learn more about the different levels of appraisal credentials.