NOVEMBER 25, 2008
A Rough Ride in Collectible Cars
By JONATHAN WELSH

For some, the first sign of trouble was a Daytona Spyder.

When one of these rare early-1970s Ferrari sports cars turns up at an auction, high-end collectors typically bid aggressively, even fiercely, to acquire it. But at a recent sale in California, one Spyder failed to fetch the minimum bid.

In recent years, the vintage car market has soared, led by the priciest European models. But now, as the economy worsens to the point where even the wealthiest collectors feel pinched, demand for million-dollar sports cars is starting to skid.

Goebel of North America Latest News from the M.I. Hummel Club

Pennington, N.J., August 29, 2008 - Goebel Germany has recently announced that it will discontinue production of M.I. Hummel figurines on October 31, 2008 and focus its resources on the company's home accessory brands. Current details concerning Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur's
M.I. Hummel business division are as follows:
The Goebel Information Center in Rodental, Germany closes at the end of August 2008.
The production of Hummel figurines at the Rodental, Germany facility will end on October 31, 2008. Sales will continue as long as supplies last.
The M.I. Hummel Club Center in Rodental, Germany will close at the end of September 2008. The North American M.I. Hummel Club Center in Pennington, NJ USA will remain open for business.
The 2008 International Club Convention in Germany planned for October 17 & 18, 2008 has been cancelled, please read below for more details on this German event. The 2009 International Club Convention in Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY USA is going forward, please visit http://www.mihummelclub.com/eventsTravel_convention.asp to register for the North American event.
We are confident that a new "solution" will soon be found for M.I. Hummel figurine production and for the Club. Goebel is actively working in this direction and we expect to have further information by the October 18th get together in Rodental, Germany... Visit these pages regularly for the newest information concerning further developments. 

from http://www.goebel.com/pressroom.asp

 http://www.profitableappraising.com/books/

Plus take the time to announce our new bookstore - http://appraisalbooks.zlio.net/

The Future of Estate Taxes
By TOM HERMAN
August 3, 2008
Q: I read your recent answer to a reader question about estate taxes. Part of your answer stated that the estate tax is supposed to disappear entirely in 2010. I seem to recall that when the current rules were put in place several years ago, unless Congress makes changes, starting in 2011 the exemption reverts back to the $600,000 limit that was in place before the current rules were enacted. Is that the case? Also, what will happen to the step-up in basis for inherited assets?

--G.H.P, Sacramento, Cali

Valuable artwork can be converted into liquid assets 

"The first thing is, you've got to determine what you have," he said.

Appraisers assess the value of art the same way real estate agents do houses - by comparing them to similar items and checking the prices they brought when sold. Appraisers are available in the Yellow Pages, on the Internet and from estate attorneys.

You'll want an appraiser who is accredited by the American Appraisers Association, the American Society of Appraisers or the International Society of Appraisers, said Milner. With an appraisal, you'll know how much it's worth when you offer it for sale, at an auction or online.

Stayin' Alive: How to Cheat The Estate Tax
July 2, 2008; Page D1
You still can't take it with you. But by timing your death, you can leave more of it to your heirs....