Published February 24, 2026 · Updated September 15, 2026
The house and its contents need different appraisals
Yes, belongings can be valued as part of a divorce. It is usually a separate job from the appraisal of the house, and it often takes a different kind of specialist. We handle the house.
Furniture, jewelry, artwork, antiques and collections go to an appraiser who knows that kind of item. A house appraisal doesn't list or value what's inside, so you won't find those things in our report.
What the real estate appraisal covers
We value the home or other real property you identify, as of the date you agree on. Before we settle the scope, tell us who will read the report and pass along what your attorney has asked for.
Our opinion of the home's value can help with a buyout or other talks. Who owns what, each spouse's share and the terms of any settlement are still for you and your attorney to decide.
When contents need a separate value
The question usually comes up over one valuable or disputed item, such as a painting, an heirloom, jewelry or a collection. Valuing those takes different know-how and different market evidence than valuing a house.
Ask your attorney which items need a formal value, and which value standard and date apply. The specialist may want descriptions, photographs, provenance or other records for each item, so check with them early about what to gather.
Two kinds of appraisal at a glance
| Question | Real estate | Personal property |
|---|---|---|
| What is being valued? | The identified home or real property | Specified belongings or collections |
| Who performs the work? | A real estate appraiser with the appropriate scope and credential | An appraiser with the relevant personal-property specialty |
| What evidence helps? | Property records, condition history and market evidence | Item descriptions, condition, provenance and the relevant resale market |
| What must be agreed? | Property, date, intended use, users and report requirements | Items, date, value standard, intended use and report requirements |
Starting with the Wilmington home
For the house, you can read about our divorce appraisal service. When you're ready, send us the address, the date your attorney wants, your deadline and how we can get in. If you need testimony or anything beyond the report, we'll talk that through separately. Questions are welcome at (302) 298-3336, and you don't need to have it all sorted first.
Related video
Originally published with this article. Historical prices and business details in the video may differ from current information.
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