Lisa Rae Appraisal's

🎥 Something new is happening at Lisa Rae Appraisals… I started a YouTube channel.

So much of this work happens behind closed doors. I walk into homes filled with decades, sometimes generations, of belongings. A family is dealing with an estate, someone is downsizing, or they simply don’t know where to begin.

That’s where the interesting part starts.

The channel takes you behind the scenes of estate and appraisal work: the sorting, researching, identifying, valuing, and deciding what should happen next. More than that, I want to show you the stories behind the stuff.

Sometimes an incredible piece has been sitting in a drawer for decades because nobody remembered what it was, where it came from, or why Grandma treasured it. Sometimes something gets dismissed as “old” or “just junk” when it turns out to be on someone’s want list.

Those are the moments I love. The ones that make me stop and say, “Wait… don’t get rid of that yet.” 😂

On the channel you’ll see:

🏠 Estate Behind the Scenes — what actually happens when a whole home needs to be sorted and cleared
📦 Downsizing Diaries — keep, sell, auction, donate, or let go the how to's
🔎 Worth a Second Look — ordinary-looking objects that deserve a closer look
📜 The Story Behind the Heirloom — the history and journey of family pieces
🧐 What Is This Thing? — the strange, unusual, and wonderfully weird
💎 Jewelry Box Discoveries — what people miss when sorting Grandma’s jewelry.
💰 What Is It Actually Worth? — going past inflated internet listings, to what the market actually says

And sometimes we’ll just follow an item and see where its journey goes next.

Not everything is valuable. And definitely not everything belongs in the donation box just because it looks old. Sometimes my job is to put a number on something. Sometimes it’s to help a family let go. Sometimes it’s to uncover why an object was important enough to save for generations.

That’s the part I want you to see. Real work. Real objects. Real stories. Unexpected discoveries.

If you’re dealing with an estate, downsizing, curious about something you inherited, or just want to know what you actually own for insurance, come along.

🎬 Welcome behind the scenes of Lisa Rae Appraisals.

There are a lot of stories hiding in people’s homes. Let’s uncover them and learn what gets missed and set aside. ❤️

Lisa Rae Welcome to the behind the life as an appraiser.

Why You Need a Proper Estate Inventory Before Making Any Decisions

Handling an estate isn’t just about clearing out a house it’s about accurately valuing what’s there, protecting what matters most, and making smart, informed decisions. Yet too many families rush into selling, donating, or dividing property without a complete picture.

The result?

Lost value, unnecessary family conflict, and potential legal headaches for the personal representative.

The essential first step: Create a thorough inventory.

An estate inventory is far more than a simple list. It’s a detailed, documented record of every asset its description, condition, location, and estimated value covering everything from furniture, jewelry, and vehicles to artwork, collectibles, digital assets (like crypto or online accounts), safety deposit box contents, and those forgotten boxes in the attic that could hold hidden value.

In Alberta, the Estate Administration Act sets out the core duties of a personal representative (often called an executor): identify all estate assets and liabilities, manage and administer the estate, pay debts and obligations, and distribute remaining assets while accounting to beneficiaries.

A comprehensive inventory is fundamental to fulfilling these duties properly and skipping or rushing it can expose the personal representative to personal liability for breach of fiduciary duty.

Here’s why starting with a professional inventory is critical, especially before appraisal and liquidation:

1. Know exactly what you’re working with
Without a full inventory, you’re guessing. A systematic record lets you identify and appraise each item accurately, uncovering true market value instead of settling for quick, lowball sales. That vintage figurine, antique clock, or retired Lego set? Proper appraisal could turn a $200 garage-sale price into $2,000+ through the right buyer or channel.

2. Make liquidation strategic, not reactive!

Selling or auctioning isn’t about “getting rid of stuff fast.” A solid inventory helps prioritize high-value items, choose optimal sales methods (e.g., online marketplaces for collectibles, specialist auctions for art or jewelry), and time sales for maximum return. Rushing without this foundation often means leaving serious money on the table.

3. Ensure fair and transparent distribution.

Documented values and conditions provide clear facts for beneficiaries, reducing disputes driven by emotion or assumptions. Everyone sees the same picture, making divisions equitable and defensible.

4. Minimize personal risk for the executor.

Personal representatives have a fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the estate’s best interests. A thorough inventory paired with professional appraisals and planned liquidation. demonstrates due care and protects against claims of negligence or mismanagement.

5. Support full legal and tax compliance

Accurate asset reporting is required for probate (if needed), the final tax return to the Canada Revenue Agency (including deemed dispositions and capital gains), and settling debts. Undocumented or undervalued items can lead to CRA audits, penalties, delayed probate, or complications with beneficiaries. In Alberta, probate fees are capped (max $525 for estates over $250,000), but precise valuation ensures everything is handled correctly from the start.

6. Balance sentimental and financial value

Some items carry deep emotional significance; others represent real financial worth. A thoughtful inventory and appraisal process respects both preventing the regret that comes from selling a family heirloom too cheaply or overlooking its monetary potential.

The key takeaway: Inventory first. Appraise second. Liquidate thoughtfully and last.

Every item in an estate has a story, a value, or both. Once sold or given away, it can’t be undone. Doing it right from the beginning with a professional, detailed inventory and expert guidance maximizes returns, minimizes stress and risk, and fully complies with Alberta law.

If you’re facing this process in Alberta, consider consulting a qualified estate professional or appraiser early. Getting the inventory right sets everything else up for success.

So this happened to stumble across my appraisal desk this week: I came across three sealed packs of 2006 Adidas World Cup cards.....and yes, they’re still in the original cellophane after 20 years.

If you collect sports cards, this isn’t just “old stuff.” This is the weird fringe corner of World Cup collecting that almost nobody remembers.

Here’s what makes them oddly special:

📌 Not Panini - Adidas Promo
In 2006, Panini had the official FIFA World Cup trading cards that everybody chased Messi rookies, Ronaldo heat, full sticker books everywhere. But Adidas also put out a limited promotional set that looked like trading cards but were actually mini posters. They were meant to be promotional, fun, and eye‑catching not distributed like your typical card set.

📌 Tiny Distribution = Big Rarity
These packs weren’t mass‑produced like Panini sets. They were printed in limited quantities, often handed out at events, promotions, or retail tie‑ins meaning far fewer exist than the standard 2006 World Cup cards most collectors know.

📌 16 Cards Per Pack
Each sealed pack contains 16 cards. The design and feel are poster‑like glossy, larger imagery, and a nod to Adidas’ brand presence at the 2006 Germany World Cup rather than a full sticker/collector set.

📌 Feature Legends of ’06
The cards include players you actually remember from that tournament:
• Zinedine Zidane - yes, that head‑butt legend in his final year.
• David Beckham, iconic free‑kicks and all.
• A young Lionel Messi, long before peak GOAT status.

Those names in a tiny promotional set sealed is a collector’s curiosity.

📌 Most Were Opened / Lost / Misplaced
Anyone who got these back in 2006 mostly opened them instantly or stuck them on lockers, binders, diaries, or just misplaced them over time. So the number of sealed survivors today is dramatically lower than the number of packs originally distributed.

📌 Why You Don’t See Them Often
Most card databases, collector guides, and auction records barely register these because they were promo items, not core sets. That makes them harder to spot, harder to quantify, and harder to find sealed.....not because they’re officially rare, but because they simply weren’t everywhere.
So yeah three sealed packs, perfectly preserved....

It’s like finding a mini time capsule from the 2006 World Cup… but one that almost nobody remembers existed.

What would you do if you found something like this in a stack of old stuff?

🎄 If you need a little extra Christmas money, I've got you. 🎄

Let's be honest...most of us have at least one box, tote, cupboard, or entire spare room that's turned into a "mystery pile of someday."
Sometimes that "someday" shows up right before the holidays.
That's where I come in.
I'm Lisa Rae, and I help people downsize and liquidate their collections without the chaos.
Hot Wheels, trading cards, collectibles, antiques, comics, vintage décor… basically anything you kept because it was cool, meaningful, or "might be worth something one day."

✨ What I do:

• Sort through the "I swear I'll deal with this later" stacks
• Tell you what's worth selling and what's just emotionally taking up space
• Help you get real money back in your pocket before Christmas
• Make the whole process way easier than it looks

No pressure. No judgement. No "why do you have twelve tubs of this?"
Just me helping you make space, and a little holiday cash while we're at it.
If you're sitting on boxes you've been avoiding, or a collection that's ready to find a new home...message me.
I've got the flashlight and the patience for the mystery boxes. 🎁

Lisa Rae Appraisals & Estate Services
780-320-4300
Edmonton area. Turning collections into Christmas cheer, one bin at a time.

Quick PSA from your local “Yes, I Actually Research This Stuff” appraiser.

Apparently we’ve got a few “DIY appraisers” popping up around town, so let’s gently (and lovingly) set the record straight, no drama, no blame, just clarity.

The appraisal world is confusing, full of official-sounding words, and way too many people who think “squinting at it” counts as methodology.

I work under CPPAO standards and follow USPAP methodology.

(Canadian Personal Property Appraisals Organization and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)

That means ethics, documentation, comparable sales, research, unhealthy amount of coffee and the whole nerdy buffet that makes an appraisal official...not just enthusiasm.

Here’s the simple version:

When you need a real, CPPAO-approved appraisal (the paperwork kind):

✔ Insurance coverage
(Your insurer requires a formal report with comparables, photos, and documentation)

✔ Estate planning or estate division
(To keep things fair and prevent “but the family said…” drama)

✔ Probate or legal matters (divorce, bankruptcy etc)

✔ Business liquidation values

✔ Anything involving a lawyer, adjuster, accountant, or government office

This is where I sit down, research for hours, build comps, document everything, and create a full report that can actually hold up legally.

When you don’t need an appraisal… you just need a “Hey, is this worth anything?” chat:

✔ Found something cool at a garage sale
✔ Curious what Grandma’s vase might be
✔ Wondering if something’s real or collectible
✔ Want a general idea before selling
✔ Decluttering and want to know if anything is worth keeping

These are value chats , quick, casual, educational, and judgment-free.
Totally different from a full appraisal, way cheaper, and honestly, often all people really need.

Why I’m explaining this:

A lovely woman came to me this year thinking she had an insurance appraisal.
Spoiler: it wasn’t.
Now she has to save up again so I can create a proper CPPAO-approved report that her insurance company will actually accept.
She’s out a lot of money, and I’ll be tackling her 200-item appraisal next year, the correct way. But that situation left her and I without money and some scammer got a $2000 + payday. As well due to the legal contract they made and didnt explain it left my client with zero legal recourse.

I’m sharing this so people don’t spend money twice or get caught holding paperwork an insurer won’t touch.

Friendly reminder:

If someone is charging for “appraisals” but doesn’t have CPPAO or USPAP training, it’s not an appraisal.
It’s enthusiasm.
(Lovely enthusiasm..... but not something insurance or legal systems recognize.)

No villains here.
No storefront shaming.
Just clarity so you don’t get burned.

If you’re ever unsure whether you need:
✔ a full appraisal
or
✔ just a “what is this and is it worth anything?” chat

Message me anytime.
I’ll guide you honestly, with kindness, clarity, and maybe a laugh along the way.

Because your stuff matters…
and so does your wallet.

Why Most Families Regret Going Through an Estate Alone
(and How I Make It Gentle, Fast, and Fair)

Sorting through a loved one’s belongings isn’t just boxes and paperwork....it’s an emotional, logistical, and financial marathon. Families get buried under decades of stuff, memories, and endless “what do we do with this?” decisions. It’s overwhelming, exhausting, and often heartbreaking.

That’s where I come in.

Hi, I’m Lisa Rae, a personal property appraiser and estate specialist. One of many many roles is to help families move through the entire process with clarity, compassion, and zero added stress. I’ve walked this path countless times, so you don’t have to figure it out alone, and you don’t have to sacrifice your sanity to do it.

Here’s why bringing in a professional changes everything:

Accurate Appraisals – Know exactly what’s valuable (and what isn’t) so nothing important is accidentally donated or tossed.

Clear Direction – I provide a step-by-step plan, helping families make decisions efficiently while keeping emotions in check.

Real Efficiency – Most DIY estates drag on for months or years. With my approach, estates are wrapped up in weeks, not months.

Emotional Support – I handle the heavy lifting (physical and emotional) so you can grieve, heal, and focus on what truly matters without drowning in decisions.

Trusted Network – My connections go far and wide. From executors and financial advisors to celebrants and charities, I link families with the right people so every step is informed and fair.

Peace of Mind – Progress you can see, items treated with respect, and a family that can finally breathe again.

This work isn’t about “clearing a house.” It’s about honoring a life, preserving legacies, and protecting the people left behind. My goal is to make a difficult process feel manageable, meaningful, and, dare I say, gentle.

If you’re starting this journey or want to plan ahead send me a DM or comment “GUIDE” and I’ll send you my free checklist: “The 7 Costly Mistakes Families Make When Clearing an Estate.”

You don’t have to do this alone. 💙

"Serving All of Northern Alberta"

🤩A Star-Studded Find in Vinyl: When History Comes with a Snap Closure🌟

Every now and then while digging through estates, I find something that makes me stop and say, “Well, that’s oddly fancy for a drink coaster.” This time, it was a mint condition blue vinyl coaster set tucked neatly in a matching snap case, complete with the gold emblem of the Order of the Eastern Star shining like it has been waiting half a century for its comeback tour.

These were the kind of souvenirs handed out at Masonic conventions in the 1960s and 70s, when people wore suits to meetings, drank “refreshments” that weren’t water, and believed vinyl was the future. Each coaster is sky blue with gold embossing, still pristine, still snapping shut like it has secrets to keep.

Now for anyone wondering who the Freemasons actually are, picture a centuries-old club of builders who traded stonework for symbolism. They began as stonemason guilds building cathedrals, then evolved into a fraternity focused on moral philosophy, personal growth, and community service. The Order of the Eastern Star, their more colorful and inclusive branch, welcomed women and family members while keeping that same spirit of tradition, symbolism, and, let’s be honest, excellent banquet planning.

So why all the conspiracy theories? When you have secret rituals, cryptic symbols, and a membership list full of historical big shots, people start assuming you run the world. Add a few movies like National Treasure, and suddenly the Masons get blamed for everything from the economy to the weather. In reality, they’re mostly raising money for hospitals and perfecting the art of pancake breakfasts.

This little blue coaster set isn’t just décor. It’s a snapshot of mystery, history, and mid-century style. Proof that the past doesn’t always hide in dusty books or priceless art. Sometimes it’s disguised as a vinyl coaster with more personality than your dinner guests.

---

🕯️ Collector’s Insight

Original Order of the Eastern Star coaster sets like this were made for conventions between 1958 and 1975. Authentic ones feature crisp gold foil emblems, snap-shut vinyl cases, and six matching coasters. In mint condition, they typically fetch between $25 and $50 CAD, though let’s be honest, the bragging rights of owning a secret society drink set are priceless.

🥃 Wh***ey Bottles That Stole the Show

Long before wh***ey was just wh***ey, it dressed up and strutted. The story begins in the 1920s with French Art Deco, an era obsessed with luxury, geometry, and looking fancy just because you could. Even during Prohibition, designers dreamed up bottles and packaging that could make a simple drink feel like a work of art. Sleek lines, bold shapes, and glamour were the name of the game, because why just serve wh***ey when your bottle could turn heads on the shelf?

By the 1950s through the 1970s, American wh***ey makers, Jim Beam, Ezra Brooks, and others, decided bottles shouldn’t just hold liquor; they should be collectibles. Novelty decanters in the shape of animals, cars, ships, and even 24kt gold-plated political tributes flooded the market. Some of the rarest gems include the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Kentucky Derby Trophy, Lincoln Memorial, and the Old Hickory cannon. These bottles weren’t just containers, they were instant trophies for collectors.

A fun (and slightly scary) fact: many were hand-painted pre 1978 with lead-based paints, so while they look stunning, today they’re for admiring, not sipping.

These decanters perfectly blended 1920s Art Deco elegance with mid-century whimsy, proving one thing: you don’t need fancy wh***ey to be famous, you just need style, imagination, and a touch of daring.
Your liquor shelf?
Congratulations, it just became a mini museum of mid-century art deco. 😏

All headed to online auction Nov 1,2025 full bottles & Nov 15, 2025 for empty bottles. Kastner Auctions

***eyCollectors ***eyArt ***eyHistory ***ey ***eyLovers