Why One-Page Appraisals Fail You

The One-Page Appraisal Trap: Unprofessional, Unreliable, and Unsafe

In the world of professional appraisals, shortcuts come at a cost — and it’s usually yours.

Whether you're donating artwork, settling an estate, dividing marital assets, filing an insurance claim, or preparing for tax reporting, the accuracy and professionalism of an appraisal can significantly impact your financial outcome. Yet, a disturbing trend continues to surface: the one-page appraisal.

At first glance, these reports may seem quick, simple, and cost-effective. But here’s the truth: they are inadequate, misleading, and potentially dangerous. A one-page appraisal (sometimes stretching to two pages) typically includes little more than a vague item description and a dollar figure. It may look official, but make no mistake: it does not meet the standards of a legitimate, professional appraisal.

Why Is This a Serious Problem?

It’s Not Compliant With Industry or Legal Standards

Professional appraisals are required to meet established guidelines such as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) or those set by respected organizations like the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), ASA, or AAA.

These standards are not optional when appraisals are used for:

• Charitable donations (CRA, CCPERB, and IRS requirements)

• Estate settlements for probate and tax reporting

• Equitable distribution in divorce or business dissolution

• Insurance scheduling and claims

• Litigation support

• Bankruptcy or financial planning

A one-page appraisal does not meet these requirements, and as a result, it may be rejected by; Government agencies, institutions, insurance companies, legal professionals and courts, executors and tax advisors, and more.

Missing Details Means You’re Exposed

A proper appraisal provides comprehensive documentation. Without clear records including photographs, materials, measurements, methodology, and market research with a reasoned justification, you have no basis to defend the stated value of your item.

A qualified appraisal report clearly outlines:

• The methodology used

• The market level considered

• The reasoning and data supporting the value conclusions

• The intended users of the report

• The report’s intended use and objective

• The type of value being sought (e.g., Fair Market Value, Replacement Value etc.)

All of this context matters, because the approach and conclusion of value must align with the appraisal's intended use. When reports are created by individuals who are not USPAP-compliant or professionally trained, this critical information is often missing. That leaves the report vague, ambiguous, and easily misinterpreted. Worse yet, it opens you up to liability if someone relies on that faulty information.

Vague reports should never be used as the basis for financial, legal, or tax-related decisions. And no reputable institution whether government, legal, or insurance will accept or rely on a vague, one-page appraisal. In legal or tax settings, these summaries simply don’t hold up. If you're audited by the CRA or IRS, or if your insurance claim is challenged, a flimsy one-pager could leave you with major financial consequences.

Questionable Appraiser Credentials

These short-form appraisals are typically produced by individuals without proper training, accreditation, appraisal expertise, or adherence to ethical standards. A professional and qualified appraiser will:

• Have formal education in valuation theory (such as being USPAP compliant)

• Be affiliated with a recognized organization (e.g., ISA, ASA, AAA)

• Abide by strict codes of ethics and methodology

If your appraiser can’t explain their qualifications or won’t show you a sample of their work, that’s a red flag. While a one-page appraisal might appear cost-effective at first, it can cost you much more in the long run. It leaves you exposed to rejection, liability, or financial loss — often at critical moments when clarity and compliance matter most.

If you wouldn’t hire an unqualified accountant to manage your taxes or an unlicensed attorney to handle your legal affairs, why trust someone without proper training or credentials to value your assets?

Trust the experts. A credible appraisal is not a shortcut; it’s a safeguard.